Coconut oil used to be thought of as one of those “bad fats” that any health-conscious person should avoid. This tropical oil — a staple of Asian and other diets for thousands of years — got lumped in with other solid fats as an artery-clogging menace.
But no longer! Science is proving what traditional cultures have known for a long time — the benefits of coconut oil are many. Thanks to the increasing availability of high-quality coconut oil, everyone in the world can enjoy this gift of nature as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Benefits of Coconut Oil: A Guide for Beginners
Not sure where to begin? Health food stores and high-end grocery stores are good places to begin, but even major supermarket chains are beginning to carry pure extra virgin coconut oil. Major Internet retailers such as Amazon also carry high-quality oil.
To get the best health benefits, the coconut oil should be as close to the way nature made it as possible. Pure organic coconut oil is best. “Extra virgin” means that the oil has gone through minimal processing and retains the qualities that make it so wonderful for health. High-quality coconut oil may appear expensive; however, a little goes a long way.
Skin Care Multi-tasking
There’s a reason coconut oil makes its way into thousands of skincare and cosmetic products. It’s a superior lubricant, moisturizer and protector. Just use the oil straight out of the jar as a:
- Hair conditioner and de-frizzing agent
- Face and body moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Cuticle treatment
- Foot balm
- Toothpaste (Yes! Combine it with baking soda.)
- Bath oil (The oil melts at 76 degrees F.)
- Makeup remover
- Massage oil (Gently heat to melt.)
Ounce for ounce, coconut oil could be one of the cheapest and most versatile skincare products around. Its natural antioxidants — essential to combat aging — are an extra benefit as well!
Antioxidant Magic
The antioxidants that help skin glow also help the body from the inside. Regular use helps prevent a myriad of conditions and diseases such as premature aging, cognitive deterioration, skin damage due to sun exposure … and even cancer.
Easy Treatment for Skin Conditions
Coconut oil is antimicrobial. Instead of reaching for a commercial product for conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm or diaper rash, coconut oil applied liberally can heal and soothe the skin.
All-in-one Infection Fighter
The oil can kill microbes inside the body as well as on the skin. Use a few teaspoons daily to help rid the body of microbes that contribute to Candida and throat infections, among other conditions. There is even evidence that coconut oil can expel parasites and other microorganisms.
Weight Loss and Heart Health
Using coconut oil in cooking as well as taking a few teaspoons straight per day can actually improve heart health. One study also showed that daily coconut oil intake reduces belly fat — a particularly stubborn fat to lose that is an indicator of future heart problems and diabetes.
This is just the short list of coconut oil’s numerous benefits. Pure, natural coconut oil may just be magic in a jar for many daily health needs.