Rare Uses Of Coconut Oil That You Might Not Have Heard Of Before Today

Removes Eye Make Up

Image source GlamourCoconut oil is an effective eye make up remover, even tackling waterproof mascara which can be a nightmare to get off!  It's great for all types of skin, particularly sensitive skin.  Apply with a cotton pad and wipe gently until all traces of make up are gone.

Might Reduce Belly Fat

Styles At LifeIn a US study, obese men lost an inch from their waist in 2 weeks by adding 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to their diet, rather than using lots of olive oil and sunflower oil. Another study looked at women on calorie-restricted diets. Those who took 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day lost weight around the waistline size, while the soybean-oil group noticed a slight increase.

Might Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis

Image source Ortho.comAntioxidants called polyphenols are found in coconut oil and a recent study suggests that the oil reduces swelling and discomfort from arthritis.  Because it is totally natural it can be applied several times a day, unlike strong creams which you have to use sparingly.

Natural Deodorant

Image source Deposit PhotosSweat on its own has no smell to it but when it makes contact with the bacteria living on your skin, it produces an undesirable odour.  Coconut oil’s strong antibacterial properties make it a natural deodorant that contains no chemicals.  Check out recipes online that contain coconut oil and you will find the end product to be very effective.

Makes Homemade Salad Dressing

Image source Kissan InternationalCommercial salad dressings are more often than not loaded with sugar and preservatives.  Low fat and fat free options contain even more artificial additives.  Use coconut oil as a tasty and healthy alternative.  You can add your favourite herbs and spices to match it to your own particular taste.

Might Soothe Chapped Lips

Image source InsiderCoconut oil makes an amazing natural lip balm.  Perfect for individuals with allergies or sensitive skins and lips, it glides on smoothly. lasts for hours before the need to re-apply and even protects your lips from burning in the sun.  A little dab of it over your usual lipstick gives a great glossy finish.

Shines Wood Furniture

Image source The GuardianForget your 'Mr Sheen' and use coconut oil to shine and polish your wooden furniture.  It brigs out the beauty of the natural wood and unlike shop bought polishes which have a strong odour, it has a pleasant delicate smell.  It even acts as a dust repellent so no reason not to try it!

Coconut Oil On Hair

Image source Curling DivaFor keeping your hair healthy you can't go far wrong than using coconut oil.  Research comparing the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil, and sunflower oil on hair showed that only the coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair.  Research concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil,  can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats cannot.

Quick Energy Source

Image source Daily MailCoconut oil contains medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids.  These are digested differently to the long-chain triglycerides found in most foods.  Sounds complicated but all you need to know is that these fats might go straight from your gut to your liver, giving you an energy boost but not raising your blood sugar levels.

Makes Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate

Image source Alpha FoodieHomemade dark chocolate ticks two big boxes.  It's a delicious way to get coconut oil's health benefits and it allows you to indulge in a big chunk of guilt free chocolate.  Remember to store the finished product in the refrigerator as coconut oil melts at 24 degrees Celsius.  Look online for the recipe.

Might Speed Up Healing Wound

Image source MedicoIf you have grazed yourself or have a small cut then apply coconut oil and put a bandage over the affected area.  It may help reduce inflammation and redness and encourages the skin to produce extra collagen, a major component of the skin.

Appetite Suppressant

Image source Nutrition AdvanceThe medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil may assist in reducing hunger.  The outcome is that the calorie intake is reduced providing the person only eats when hungry and not out of habit.  Unlike other suppressants, coconut oil is completely natural and won't result in any side effects.

Insect Repellent

Image source HealthlineYou will be aware of the pungent smell of insect repellents, the ones for mosquitoes being particularly disgusting!   Some essential oils are a natural way to keep bugs away and avoid stings and bites.  Rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil and that is where coconut oil comes into it.

Removes Stains

Image source Reader's DigestCoconut oil can be used to get rid of stains including spills on furniture and carpets.  If you combine one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix it into a paste, you can then apply it to the stain, wait 5-10 minutes and wipe away.  The results are excellent.

May Boost Bone Health

Image source Daily MailResearch suggests that the antioxidants in virgin coconut oil protects bone health by  neutralizing free radicals which can damage bone cells.  In order for these changes to be made, 8% of calories need to come from coconut oil.  Improvements in the bone health took around 12 weeks to set in. More research is definitely needed but it's a promising sign.

Makes Healthy Mayonnaise

Image source The Honour SystemShop bought mayonnaise (especially the well known brand we all tend to use) does taste good but you will be surprised to see the list of ingredients that go into it are far from natural and a large amount of sugar goes into each serving.  There are recipes online where you can make your own mayo in minutes using coconut oil.  It tastes every bit as good!

May Help Fight Infection

Image source Morocco GoldVirgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties that may help to treat infections.  Tests have shown it can stop the growth of the intestinal bacteria, commonly known as C.diff, which causes severe diarrhoea.  The advantage of using the oil is that it is kinder on the stomach.

Might Relieves Skin Irritation and Eczema

Cerve.comResearch shows that coconut oil might improve the condition of dermatitis and eczema as well as other skin disorders.  In a study in children with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil noticed major improvements. It is especially suitable for use on babies.

Cooks Safely At High Temperatures

Image source Medical NewsAs coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content, this feature makes it one of the best fats for frying.  Saturated fats retain their structure when heated to high temperatures, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils.  Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into toxic compounds when heated and these may have harmful effects on health.

Essential All-In-One For Holidays

Image source Closer MagazineWhen you are taking that much needed holiday abroad there is no need to take a suitcase full of creams and potions.  Make sure you have your coconut oil with you and that can be used as a moisturiser, hair conditioner, insect repellent, lip protector and sunscreen!