Coconut oil has been receiving attention for its potential health benefits not only for consumption but also for skin and hair care. Despite the unconventional notion of rubbing this edible plant grease onto the skin and hair, dermatologists, natural beauty enthusiasts, and scientific researchers have shed light on its usefulness in these areas.
According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, coconut oil contains a unique combination of natural fats that are beneficial for the skin. For example, linoleic acid found in coconut oil can be useful for acne-prone skin, and up to 50% of its fatty acids contain lauric acid, which is hydrating and antimicrobial.
Moreover, the American Heart Association has stated that we do not need to entirely avoid saturated fat, as it plays a critical role in enhancing immune function and protecting the liver from toxins. Although the AHA has raised concerns about how saturated fats may increase LDL cholesterol levels, it is essential to note that coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Reducing inflammation is crucial in achieving optimal health, as it is the root cause of numerous diseases, including heart disease.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding the health benefits of coconut oil, experts highly recommend it for reducing inflammation, supporting cognitive and heart health, and boosting energy levels. Therefore, incorporating coconut oil into your daily routine may be an effective way to optimize your overall health and well-being. We all are aware of the amazing things coconut oil can do to our skin, health, and hair. The benefits of using coconut oil are no more a secret.
It is no less than magic for your skin, hair, and health. It can really do wonders when it comes to showing results. Most of us must have used the product in one or the other way but have you ever tried to know the uses of coconut oil? You’ll be surprised to see how just oil can be a solution to hundreds of problems. We are using it for centuries starting from our grandparents to our parents and from our parents to us. So now let’s see some more coconut oil uses and it’s benefits for hair, health, and skin in our day-to-day life.
Uses Of Coconut Oil For Skin
Makeup Remover
One can use coconut oil as a makeup remover. You can apply directly on your skin or face with the help of a cotton pad and it will melt away all the makeup. It can even help you to remove the most resistant waterproof eye makeup. So we don’t have to buy other makeup remover products and can just simply wipe the makeup off.
Moisturizer
The use of coconut oil as a moisturizer is not at all a secret for anyone. One can use it as a moisturizer for both face and body. The nourishing oil can make you fall in love with your skin. The science behind this is that it contains fatty acids which makes it an effective moisturizer. It helps your skin to be soft and gentle. Most people also use it to get rid of wrinkles and skin irritation. One can also use it as a primer before applying makeup, it will soften the skin.
Body Scrub
The next amazing use of coconut oil is that you can use it as a body scrub. You just have to take half a cup of coconut oil with some amount of coarse salt or sugar to create an exfoliator. The moisturizing oil will last long after the particles have dissolved away.
Sunscreen/ Sunburn
The tanning on the skin can make anyone tense. After a tiring hot day if you want to give your sunburns some relief then coconut oil will help you. One can use it to burn relief. It will calm your skin and will also provide moisture to your skin. If you want you can also use it as a sunscreen to protect your skin. It comes with several properties of sunscreen. It can provide an SPF of 8 which can also be used to hydrate the skin thus making your skin less prone to burning in the sun.
Face Mask
It will not be a surprise if coconut oil can give you glowing skin. It is used to make face masks, which can give you beautiful, clear, and glowing skin. Additionally, it is a common ingredient in many beauty products available in the market and promises to nourish your skin. One can also use it as a moisturizer for both face and body thus giving you hydrated skin. You can also apply it before makeup.
Uses Of Coconut Oil For Hair
It comes with several benefits when it comes to using it as a hair oil. One can use it as hair oil and can see the mind-blowing results. We are using it for our hair for centuries. It has a unique fat composition which makes it extra special for certain hair types. And also is known to improve the health of your hair by making them strong, shiny, and smooth. It can also help you to treat various hair problems.
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Dandruff Treatment
Nothing could be more annoying than a scalp with dandruff. It can make your hair look dull and lifeless. But coconut oil can also do wonders when it comes to fighting with dandruff. Massage your scalp with coconut oil and it will not only help you to deal with dandruff but also increase your hair growth. It will provide the right amount of moisture to the roots of your hair and will help you get rid of dandruff.
Hair Protectant
If you planning to spend your vacation on a beach or in the ocean and want a product that can protect the fragile ends of your hair from sun and chlorine in the water then you can use coconut oil as a hair protectant. Just use it as a coating for your hair before getting your hair wet. They will help your hair to dry smoothly.
Read Also: How Does Glycerin Work For Hair?Benefits Of Glycerin For Hair
Deep Conditioner
If you are fed up with your damaged hair then here is a solution for you. You can use coconut oil before you shampoo and condition your hair and it will act as a pre-shampoo treatment to soothe your dry, damaged hair. Just apply a heavy coating of hot coconut oil on your hair and leave it for few hours under a shower cap. You can also apply it in the night and can wash your hair in the morning, it will show you incredible results. In simple words, it can be used as a hair mask. So now you don’t have to spend money in parlors to get shiny and smooth hair. It can do wonders for your hair by improving the health and appearance of your hair.
Read Also: Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth
Lice Remedy
You can get rid of lice while sitting in your home also. It is very well known to treat lice. One can start the treatment just by adding apple cider vinegar in it. Apply it to your hair and scalp once the vinegar has dried. Leave it for 12-24 hours then brush your hair and wash your hair with your regular shampoo and it will show you the great results.
Read Also: Home Remedies for Hair Loss
Uses Of Coconut Oil For Health
Digestion
Coconut oil can also really help you with digestion. It can help you in many ways when it comes to health. Digestion is one of them. It contains beneficial fat content that can help you with your digestion problems. Weight loss In our so-called busy life, we don’t get enough time to exercise and end up gaining extra weight. We all want to stay fit in our life by losing our extra weight. Coconut oil has also been proven to help in weight loss. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can help you to reduce your body fat.
Boost your Immunity
Good immunity means good health. Most of the ailments occur because of weak immunity. It is very much necessary in our life to have good immunity. Using coconut oil can boost immunity and it ranks among the best immunity boosters. When consumed, the oil’s lauric acid converts into an antiviral agent called monolaurin, which fights against different types of viruses and pathogens. This can significantly enhance your immunity.
Tooth health
The health of your teeth is as important as the health of your body and skin. You can use coconut oil to have strong and white teeth. Organic coconut oil is an anti-bacterial solution and it can help you to fight germs present in your mouth. It can deal with problems like a bad smell, tooth decay, and the cavity at bay. One can just simply rub it on the teeth with the help of coconut and can see the results. You can also use it with baking soda and can use it as toothpaste. It does not have any side effects also.
Kidney Problems
Having kidney problems and diabetes is not a big deal now. Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses but it can help you to deal with this common disease also. Kidney problems are such a pain to deal with but one can reduce the chances by just adding coconut oil to his/her diet.
Read Also: Diet for Kidney Stones : Foods To Eat & Avoid
The list of benefits of coconut oil is practically endless. This versatile oil can do wonders for your skin, hair, and overall health. Here are just a few of the countless benefits:
- It can serve as a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips healthy and soft.
- Coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy fats, which can help boost your energy levels and improve your cognitive function.
- Use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant.
- It can even help improve your quality of sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- It’s also great for cleaning your makeup brushes, leaving them soft and clean.
- Use it as a nighttime facial cream to nourish and hydrate your skin while you sleep.
- As a natural deodorant, coconut oil can help keep you feeling fresh and smelling great.
- It also has antibacterial properties that can help heal wounds and prevent infections.
- Try using coconut oil to treat mosquito bites – it can help reduce inflammation and alleviate itching.
- And don’t forget, coconut oil can even reduce your risk of developing serious conditions like cardiovascular disease.
As you can see, the benefits of coconut oil are truly remarkable. These are just a few of the ways you can incorporate this amazing oil into your daily routine. So go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at just how effective it can be!
FAQ’s
1. Is coconut oil good for cooking?
Yes, coconut oil is good for cooking as it has a high smoke point and is stable at high temperatures. It is also rich in healthy fats and has been found to have various health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting immunity.
2. How much coconut oil should I consume per day?
The recommended daily intake of coconut oil varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health status. However, it is generally recommended to consume no more than 1-2 tablespoons (about 15-30 ml) of coconut oil per day.
3. Can coconut oil help with eczema?
It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the symptoms of eczema. It can also moisturize the skin and reduce itching. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of coconut oil for eczema.
4. How long should I leave coconut oil in my hair?
The recommended time to leave coconut oil in your hair can vary depending on your hair type and the desired outcome. For deep conditioning, it is recommended to leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out. For a quick conditioning treatment, leaving it in for 15-20 minutes should be sufficient.
5. What are the differences between refined and unrefined coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat that has been bleached, deodorized, and processed using high heat and chemicals. It has a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point, making it more suitable for cooking at high temperatures.
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