If I were to try and go back through all of my blog posts and count how many times I’ve mentioned “coconut oil,” I feel certain that number would easily reach triple digits! (But for the sake of my sanity and productivity, I’ve decided against actually going back and counting them all.) I use coconut oil all the time for so many different applications, and I’ve shared a lot of them here over the years!
More Ideas You'll Love
Just a couple of years ago, you couldn’t get online without being immediately inundated with articles about coconut oil. While it isn’t currently as trendy as it was back then, that doesn’t mean it has become any less useful! I think it’s high time we revisit the subject, to freshen up our memories of just how beneficial coconut oil can be! :-)
Related: This Is The One Cheap DIY You Need In A Sticky Situation
How To Use Coconut Oil
The first three benefits are based on internal use, meaning you need to ingest coconut oil in order to experience those benefits. (But you don’t have to eat it plain—you can use it for cooking or put some in a smoothie!) The last four benefits come from external use, which usually means applying it to your skin, hair, teeth, etc. So now that we’re all clear on how to use it, let’s get to the good part! :-)
Related: This Is The Secret To Feeling Fresh As A Daisy All Summer
7 Impressive Benefits Of Coconut Oil
1. Weight Loss
Research suggests that coconut oil may be able to aid in weight loss! Coconut oil is packed with medium-chain saturated fats, which are more likely to be burned as energy than other types of fats. They also require more energy to burn, which may lead to a boost in your metabolism that helps burn more fat.
2. Heart Health
Coconut oil increases HDL cholesterol (also known as “good” cholesterol). This type of cholesterol can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
3. Immunity
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help your body fight off germs and bacteria.
More Ideas You'll Love
4. Hair Care
Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer for your hair! It can help protect your tresses and keep them soft, shiny, and beautiful. Learn how to make a naturally nourishing coconut oil hair treatment at the link below!
Related: Pamper Your Hair With This Luxurious Coconut Oil Hair Treatment
5. Skin Care
In addition to its antimicrobial qualities, coconut oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect. This effect can be helpful for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and more. Just slather it onto your skin liberally! (You can always cover the skin up afterwards with clothing to avoid transferring the oil onto other surfaces.)
Related: This Easy DIY Will Make You Ditch Messy Body Scrubs For Good
6. Yeast Infections
A 2007 study found that coconut oil can quash the growth of Candida, a fungus that causes common infections like yeast infection, thrush, and diaper rash. On top of that, the anti-inflammatory effect of coconut oil can provide a soothing effect for the burning and itching feeling that these infections commonly produce.
Check out the link below for lots of useful information about using coconut oil to treat yeast infections!
Related: Make This Simple, All-Natural Remedy For Painful Yeast Infections
More Ideas You'll Love
7. Bones & Teeth
People have been using coconut oil for the traditional Indian practice of “oil pulling” for thousands of years. And relatively recent research suggests that the benefits of oil pulling are real—at least when it comes to plaque formation. A 2017 study found that plaque scores dropped significantly after only 7 days of the participants swishing with coconut oil. (Find out more about oil pulling at the link below.)
Related: Oil Pulling For A Healthier Mouth
There is also limited evidence to suggest that coconut oil can improve bone density. A 2012 study showed that rats who were fed coconut oil had greater bone density than their counterparts after six weeks. The effect needs further study to understand if it applies to humans, but it’s a promising finding nonetheless!
What is your favorite use for coconut oil?
Categories
Beauty Natural Remedies
