9 Uses for Coconut Oil

If you are interested in health and beauty, you may have heard a lot about coconut oil. It is one of the most versatile products, and has many health benefits when both consumed and used externally. Here is a list of uses for coconut oil that you may not have heard yet.

1. In cooking

Coconut flakes with whole coconut in wooden bowl

Replace your typical canola or vegetable oil with coconut oil. While it is still high in calories and fat, coconut oil contains a healthier type of fat than the aforementioned oils. Just be careful to avoid coconut oil when cooking at very high temperatures–nobody likes burned oil!

2. As a hair mask

Your hair will thank you for this one. Scoop a bit of coconut oil straight from the jar and slather it over dry hair. Leave it on your hair for at least five minutes (more if your hair is very dry or frizzy). Shampoo as normal. Hint: If your hair is not overly dry you may want to use this treatment over the weekend, as it may leave your hair a bit greasy after the initial application and wash. It’s well worth the one greasy hair day, though; your hair will instantly look revitalized!

3. As cuticle oil

Do dry cuticles have you embarrassed? Coconut oil is perfect for use as cuticle oil because it is solid at room temperature and melts as it warms, which means easy, no mess application! It will instantly leave your nail beds feeling moisturized without being overly greasy. Applying before bed can be extra beneficial since skin repairs itself during sleep.

4. As a butter substitute

Coconut oil on a bamboo mat

While the fat content in coconut oil is somewhat similar to butter, it is completely free of cholesterol and sodium. Two huge pluses for anyone wanting to improve the nutritional value in their meals and snacks. Instead of drizzling butter over your midnight popcorn, consider coconut oil as an alternative instead! Choosing plant based foods over animal product may lead to better overall health.

5. For eczema

Eczema is a somewhat common skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy patches of skin. It is easily irritated by fragrance and synthetic fibers. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for eczema because it only contains one ingredient and has a naturally pleasant aroma that most fragrance free lotions and creams lack.

6. To add fat to baby and toddler foods

Got a picky eater on your hands? Coconut oil is a perfect ingredient to add to any number of dishes to increase your child’s fat intake. Fat is an important nutrient in the first few years of life and loading your toddler up with coconut oil is much healthier than filling their fat needs with butter, cheese and other less than healthy foods. Coconut oil works great in oatmeal, on pancakes, in smoothies, and in any other dish you can conjure up!

7. Lip Balm

Beautiful woman with coconut in hands

Coconut oil is a major ingredient in several lip balms. Why not use it straight? Forget all the wax and additional ingredients that your lips do not need to heal themselves. Straight coconut oil will fix even the driest of lips. Read our post: How to Get Soft Lips in 7 Easy Steps if you’re looking for a cure for dry lips.

8. Sheer lip gloss

If you mix a small amount of coconut oil with a speck of lip stick you’ll have a sheer, natural looking flush to your lips in no time. Hint: If you do this regularly it will also make your lip sticks last longer!

9. As a foot cream

Dry winters mean more pedicures. To make it that last week between salmon trips, you might need to take matters into your own hands once in a while. Apply coconut oil generously to your feet before bed and layer socks on top. Your feet will be smooth and moisturized, and you won’t need to bare dry skin at your next salon visit.

About the author

Amy

Amy is a wife, mom, blogger, and is training to become a makeup artist. She dabbles in a bit of everything, but can’t seem to escape her compulsions for shopping and all things cosmetics.

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