8 Things You Can Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has become increasingly popular over the last few years, both as an ingredient for cooking and baking as well as a natural beauty product.
There are thought to be many benefits of using coconut oil, including its moisturising and conditioning properties. There are so many things that it can be used for, but here are just a few of the uses for coconut oil which you may not have considered
1. Coconut oil for cooking
Cooking is probably the best known and most common use for coconut oil.
Organic coconut oil is ideal for cooking with very high temperatures due to its high saturated fat content. This tasty oil is very resistant to oxidation at high heat due to its high levels of saturated fat, 40% of which is lauric acid.1
It can be used in dishes such as stir fries and curries, as it also adds a little bit of flavour too.
Coconut oil has been used in South East Asian cuisine as a staple ingredient for many years, before becoming popular in the UK.
2. Coconut oil for coffee
A popular way to give your body a morning boost of ketones is to make a ‘Bulletproof Coffee’. Also known as Keto Coffee, Bulletproof Coffee is a high-calorie, no-carb drink designed to replace breakfast. It is claimed to fuel your morning, keep your body in ketosis and help you feel alert and focused.
3. Coconut oil for the nails and skin
Coconut oil is great as a moisturiser for your body, especially for very dry areas such as knees and elbows.
It can also be used as a facial moisturiser. However it does not work as effectively if your skin is naturally very oily.3
Give your feet a winter treat and apply a thick layer of coconut oil to dry, cracked feet, before popping on some fluffy socks and sleeping in them overnight!
4. Clean and whiten your teeth
It is thought that coconut oil can help cleanse your mouth so you can use it by swishing it around your mouth, like a mouthwash each day.
Doing this may help to improve dental health and may also reduce bad breath.
5. Make-up remover
Coconut oil can break down lipid-soluble impurities such as make-up and sebum, leaving your face clean and fresh.
Simply massage the oil into your skin and then remove with a flannel.9
If you have especially oily skin, you should follow up the initial make-up remover with a gentle cleanse, to remove any excess oil.10
6. An ingredient for smoothies
Simply add one tablespoon of coconut oil to your usual breakfast or protein smoothie recipe.11
Coconut oil is an antioxidant, which helps to protect the body against free radicals caused by toxins.
Compounds within the coconut oil can also be used by the body as a source of fuel.12
7. Lip balm
Coconut oil is ideal for use as a natural lip balm.
It is highly moisturising and thought to have some protection against sun exposure.
Coconut oil is also all-natural, whereas some lip balms may contain additional, synthetic ingredients.18
8. Use for cleaning make-up brushes
It is really important to keep your make-up brushes clean.
Coconut oil is perfect for dissolving dirt and grime that can otherwise cling to make-up brushes.
Massage coconut oil onto the brush head and then swirl the brush on a tissue or in water until you begin to see the dirt coming off.