The health benefits of coconut oil are well known now and it’s popping up more and more in recipes, shops, cafes and natural health products. I recently returned home from a trip in Bali, and I loved the way coconut oil is used so widely in those tropical climate locations. With the warmer weather here (finally), what better time to pull out your jar of coconut oil from the pantry and have fun using this super versatile and healthy oil.
The health benefits of coconut oil are broad and range from being a nutrient rich oil great for reducing inflammation inside the body, to being a beneficial fat which encourages healthy weight loss, plus so much more, you’ll find out some more benefits below.
I’ve shared my top five ways to use coconut oil so you can get the most out of this beautiful food, enjoy!
1. Healthy Cooking Oil
Let’s get to the obvious use and that’s as a very nutritious cooking oil. Coconut oil is a great oil for high temperature cooking due to its high smoke point. This means that it won’t go rancid when exposed to high temperatures like many other oils, causing free radical damage. Vegetable oils like sunflower, corn, safflower, soybean and canola oil are highly refined, high in inflammatory fats and are linked to chronic disease and obesity. So ditch those refined oils and use more healthy oils like Organic Virgin Raw Coconut Oil. I love coconut oil in any Asian dishes (adds such a yummy flavour), raw in smoothies or use in raw desserts. For more info check out my Guide to Healthy Oils here…
2. Hair Treatment
Coconut oil is a fantastic natural moisturiser for the hair, the cheapest hair treatment you’ll use! Recently, after my holiday in the sun and swimming daily, my hair was literally like straw. I also colour my hair so like most women we need a good leave-in conditioner.
Apply about a tablespoon of coconut oil to towel-dried hair, rubbing into your ends and combing through your hair. You can leave this in overnight and then wash your hair in the morning to rinse out. Your hair will be silky and smooth…and you’ll smell like you’re on a tropical island holiday too, yum! 
3. Nature’s Dental Care
Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called “Lauric Acid” which has antifungal and antibacterial properties…meaning it kills bad any bacteria and fungus! Toothpastes contain potentially harmful ingredients which are known to inhibit hormones in the body, have carcinogenic properties and these known chemicals are toxic to the body. Some of the common nasties include sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol and diethanolamine. There are some good natural toothpastes out there, I like the DoTERRA brand. Or you can simply use coconut oil, which is useful for killing any bad bacteria anyway. You can also dilute some coconut oil in water and use as an antibacterial mouthwash!
4. Massage Oil and Skin Moisturiser
Don’t worry about investing in expensive massage oils, simply use a good quality coconut oil to massage into your skin. You could even add your favourite essential oils yourself. Coconut oil is really hydrating, moisturising and softens the skin. It’s also completely natural, so no added nasties like petroleum or any perfumes for those with sensitive skin. Being antibacterial as well, coconut oil is great at preventing acne and blemishes which are often caused by pores being clogged with bacteria.
5. Natural Candida and Anti-Funghal treatment
Coconut oil can be used as a natural antifunghal on the nails or skin, instead of pharmaceutical treatments which can be dangerous over the long term and not always effective.
Another common funghal infection for women is candida. If you suffer from oral thrush, you should definitely start using coconut oil in your dental cleaning regime, or at least as a mouthwash twice daily to assist with killing the candida.
A natural alternative to antifungal pessaries and creams like Canesten, is to use coconut oil and a natural yoghurt. This combination can be applied topically and also internally, to help naturally kill the overgrowth of candida and encourage good bacteria to grow. This might seem a little icky, but it really does work and if you want more information on the natural treatment for candida, this is something I work with my clients on regularly. Contact me for more info!
When it comes to choosing the best coconut oil on the market, always look for an Organic Virgin Raw Coconut Oil. And avoid any which have been “deodorised” or had their coconut flavour removed…these have been processed and sometimes use toxic solvents!
My favourite brands are Niugini Organics or the Banaban Organic.
