Rare Uses Of Coconut Oil That You Might Not Have Heard Of Before Today Copy
1. Improves Your Dental Health
Image source Pasadena Health CareCoconut oil is a force to be dealt with when it comes to fighting bacteria. Swishing daily with the oil, mixed with a little water, kills the germs lurking in your mouth (that cause plaque and gum disease) . It is as effective as any well known mouthwashes on the market because of its antiseptic properties.
2. 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.Advertisement
3. Reduces 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. 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.Advertisement
4. Relieves Symptoms of Arthritis
Image source Ortho.comAntioxidants called polyphenols are found in coconut oil and a recent study proved 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.Advertisement
5. Improves Liver Health
Image source MedicoResearch has found that the saturated fats in coconut oil help protect your liver from damage from excess alcohol or toxin exposure. In one study, mice that were treated with coconut oil after exposure to a toxic compound had a decrease in inflammation and increased activity of a beneficial liver enzyme.Advertisement
6. 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.Advertisement
7. 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.Advertisement
8. Soothes 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.Advertisement
9. 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!Advertisement
10. 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.Advertisement
11. Heals Ragged Cuticles
Hindustan TimesCoconut oil is used to improve the condition of cuticles and deal with the painful hangnails or 'quicks'. All you need to do is apply a small amount of oil to the cuticles and massage for 2-3 minutes. Repeat every other day and you will notice a difference in no time.Advertisement
12. 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 go straight from your gut to your liver, giving you an energy boost but not raising your blood sugar levels.
13. 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.Advertisement
14. Speeds 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 helps reduce inflammation and redness and encourages the skin to produce extra collagen, a major component of the skin. As a result, wounds heal up to 3 days quicker than they otherwise would.Advertisement
15. Reduces Inflammation
EatingWellMany studies show that eating coconut oil provides strong anti-inflammatory effects. The research suggests that eating coconut oil may reduce markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, especially when compared to highly unsaturated oils. Safe to use on any age from babies upwards.
16. Appetite Suppressant
Image source Nutrition AdvanceThe medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil assists 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.
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17. 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.Advertisement
18. 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.Advertisement
19. Combat Candida (Thrush)
Image source Pharmacy JournalTo give it its medical name candida albicans but which we know as thrush, this is the fungus responsible for yeast infections. These tend to occur mainly in warm, moist areas of the body such as the mouth or vagina. Coconut oil contains a number of acids (capric, lauric, and caprylic) that actually kill the candida colonies in your mouth. If applying to the vagina only use on the external skin to reduce discomfort.Advertisement
20. Lowers Cholesterol
Image source DrCarney.comWhilst coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels in a small percentage of adults, it has shown to actually lower it in most cases. A small amount daily increases the HDL cholesterol, which is the 'good' one which reduced the risk of heart disease. For people who experience side effects from statins, this is welcome news.Advertisement
21. Boosts 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 take around 12 weeks to set in.Advertisement
22. Repairs Cracked Heels
Image source Cleveland ClinicAs well as being a great all over body moisturizer, especially after a warm shower, coconut oil repairs cracked heels. It's a painful condition and normally takes quite a while to get better but if you put a generous amount on your heels, stick some socks on and leave overnight, you will notice a vast improvement after 3 days.Advertisement
23. 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!
24. Helps Fight Infection
Image source Morocco GoldVirgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties that help 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.Advertisement
25. Improves Brain Function
Image source DreamstimeThe MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by your liver and turned into ketones. which can act as an alternative energy source for your brain. Several studies have found MCTs have impressive benefits for brain disorders including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
26. Relieves Skin Irritation and Eczema
Cerve.comResearch shows that coconut oil improves 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.Advertisement
27. Protects Your Skin From UV Rays
Image source Sunrise.comCoconut oil protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without protection, there is a risk of skin cancer as well as wrinkles and brown spots. In fact studies have shown that coconut oil blocks out about 30% of the harmful rays and is suitable for very sensitive skins.Advertisement
28. 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.Advertisement
29. Increases Your Metabolism
Image source Daily MailCoconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's), the fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the number of calories you burn. One study found that 15–30 grams of MCTs increased the number of calories burned by an average of 120 over a 24 hour period
30. Essential All-In-One For Holidays
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