DavidWolfe.comThis Jewel of the Tropics, the coconut palm tree, is known as “the tree that gives all that is necessary for living.” And the coconut oil from these trees is no different. Smear it, cook with it, eat it – there’s almost nothing it cannot do. The divine oil seems to be the hottest thing to drop lately. So it should comes as no surprise that coconut oil health benefits abound. From the outside in and back again, here are 11 core functions of this tropical multi-tasker. (1)
Here are 11 of the best coconut oil health benefits:
1. Coconut Oil for Your Hair
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are good for the human body. This Signature Tree of The Tropics has been used as hair oil for thousands of years, and it has shown remarkable results. Certain components in it keep the hair strong, nourished and protected from the effects of premature aging. Coconut oil health benefits reduce dandruff, protect against lice, and repair split ends, just to name a few extraordinary uses that this godly grease boasts. (2)
2. Coconut Oil for Your Skin
The tropical oil is famous throughout the world not only as an edible oil and hair tonic but also as an excellent massage oil and moisturizer for the skin. This Tree of Heaven produces numerous uses for magical skin care formulas and maintaining skin health. Coconut oil mixed with baking soda assists in a brighter complexion. Coconut oil, brown sugar, and citrus essential oil create a fantastic skin scrub and help with cellulite reduction. The magic of coconut oil can even treat sunburns and chronic skin conditions like eczema. (3)
3. Coconut Oil for Your Face
Coconut oil health benefits boost even the most sensitive skin. For one, you can create a face mask using coconut oil and raw honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. It’s a makeup remover, pore minimizer, lip balm, and acne treatment all rolled into one simple oil. When using coconut oil for skin, use organic, unrefined, cold pressed, extra virgin oil so that you can avoid skin irritations. (4)
4. Other Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
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Make yourself a tropical toothpaste. The multi-purpose oil helps fight against the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Mix aluminum-free baking soda with coconut oil, making a non-foaming paste. The result is a healthy pearly white smile 100% fluoride-free! Coconut oil is a natural antifungal and anti-bacterial, and it kills yeast and fungi, too, creating an excellent deodorant. Replacing your conventional deodorant (which likely contains aluminum) with coconut oil is one of the best things you can do.
5. Coconut Oil for You Furniture and Accessories
Do coconut oil health benefits extend to furniture? You bet! Conventional furniture polish is actually toxic. Usually, it contains phenol and nitrobenzene that is damaging to your health. Coconut oil can be used as a natural wood finish that replenishes dry wood. It helps prolong the life of the furniture and can even be used for cleaning wooden cooking utensils.
6. Coconut Oil for Cleaning
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Coconut oil is great for polishing and cleaning metal. You can also use it to clean the tub! And that sticky mess that gum leaves is no match for coconut oil. It removes gum from almost any surface, including hair.
7. Coconut Oil and Cooking
Cooking and using coconut oil as a butter replacement. Coconut is possibly the most magical food you can imagine when it comes to enhancing your recipes and health at the same time. It has such a perfect source of essential fatty acids, brain-boosting nutrients, and organic fiber as well as protein. Perfect for a dairy-free option.
8. Coconut Oil for Repairs and Maintenance
Like any oil, coconut oil works as a lubricant for squeaky hinges, a stuck zipper, and for small motors. In addition, coconut oil combined with baking soda effectively and safely removes stickers. And in a pinch, coconut oil-coated cotton balls may be used as a fire starter.
9. Coconut Oil for Your Pets
Adding coconut oil to your pet’s food will improve your pet’s coat, health, and digestion. Coconut oil has antioxidant properties, and it helps in the absorption of other minerals. Coconut also reduces allergic reactions in pets. There is nothing better for our furry friends.
10. Coconut Oil for Overall Health
Coconut oil pulling (swishing coconut oil in your mouth and around your teeth for 15 minutes) is useful for attacking Streptococcus Mutans bacteria, which causes cavities. It is rich in medium chain triglycerides and high in lauric acid. Also, coconut oil helps to ease a sore throat and boosts your immune system. Feeling sick? Add coconut oil to a vapor rub to reduce congestion, and also try it to treat ear infections. There are even more health-based uses for coconut oil! Try them out.
11. Coconut Oil in the Bedroom
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A tropical lover indeed, coconut oil is an excellent lubricant. It is an organic, yummy alternative to drugstore lube brands. Not only does it feel, taste and smell good, but it’s good for you with moisturizing, Anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. You can also create an invigorating massage oil for you and your partner, using coconut oil and a favorite essential oil. Reminder, don’t use coconut oil if you are using latex condoms, it may weaken latex and increase the risk of breakage. Other than that one cannot go wrong with coconut oil in the bedroom.