We were told saturated fats were bad for us, that they clogged the arteries. Well, new studies have shown that was a myth; coconut oil is good for your health. Common sense should have told us this a long time ago. After all, societies that eat a lot of coconut are populated with some of the healthiest people on the planet.
Now that we are no longer afraid to include coconut in our diet, we have found we can eat the meat, drink the water, turn it into milk, and squeeze out the oil. Every part is a great source of nutrition. But that’s not the only benefit.
Coconut oil is also antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It has a world of uses, from body care to health to household. Here are a just a few:
Coconut Oil and Body Care
- Oil pulling. Swish a tablespoon or so of coconut oil through your mouth for 15-20 minutes the first thing in the morning. This is a great practice for oral health and many claim other health benefits as well.
- Brush your teeth with it. Use it plain, add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, oregano), or make your own DIY toothpaste.
- Use as a carrier oil. Most of the essential oils are too strong to use full strength. They should be diluted with a carrier oil and coconut oil works very well for this purpose. Just add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub it on your skin.
- Use as a moisturizer. Plain coconut oil is great for the skin. It is said to lighten dark spots and help prevent stretch marks.
- Make-up remover. Removes all make-up, including eye make-up.
- Diaper cream. Use on baby’s butt!
- Hair conditioner. Rub it into dry hair and leave it in for a few hours.
- Use as a shave cream.
- Use as a deodorant.
