Top 15 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil & Its Amazing Uses

Coconut oil is an adaptable oil - immensely prominent and has a delicate flavor, is readily accessible, having several health advantages.

Shruti Jain

03 Apr, 2023

15 min read

Top 15 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil & Its Amazing Uses

Table of Contents

Is there anything coconut oil can’t do? We’ve heard that coconut oil is the finest for our skin, teeth, and hair, and we now understand that coconut oil is the healthiest if we’re trying to diet sensibly.

So, besides a flavor and aroma that transport you to your homes, what are the advantages?

Well, it can assist you in losing weight, improving your exercise regimen, and even dealing with cholesterol problems. Using coconut oil in different ways makes acquiring your daily dose of the substance easier.

Coconut oil is edible oil made from pressing pale flesh inside the coconut. It is solid at room temperature and melts to a liquid when heated.

It has a long history in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Polynesia, and Indonesia, where coconut trees grow.

The oil can broadly be classified into two categories – unrefined and refined.

Unrefined Coconut Oil

This kind of coconut oil doesn’t undergo “refinement,” as the names indicate. Nonetheless, it is coconut oil in its most basic state. This oil, manufactured from fresh or dried coconut flesh, is called “virgin” or “pure” coconut oil.

Refined Coconut Oil

This kind of coconut oil is produced using dried coconut (known as copra). The dried coconut is cleaned and given other treatments to reduce unwanted bacteria.

As pollutants are created during drying, the oil from copra must be cleaned. Following this, the oil undergoes a high-heat procedure to draw out the flavor and aroma of coconut.

Do you know coconut oil is an excellent source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)?
A type of saturated fat called MCTs, which is present in coconut oil, is swiftly absorbed by your body and processed by it, leaving you with a happy feeling in your tummy.^[1] If you can’t tolerate other fats in oils, coconut oil is an option for you and your happy tummy!

What Are the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is immensely prominent — and for an excellent purpose. It has a delicate flavor, is readily accessible, and has several health advantages. It’s also an adaptable oil with various applications you might not have heard of.

#1 Coconut Oil for Fat Burning

In modern society, practically every individual would likely yearn for something like this. And, of course, who doesn’t wish to get rid of their excess weight and maintain their health?

Your food matters more to your weight loss goals than exercise.

Modest dietary adjustments can speed up weight loss while also assisting in fat burning. When attempting to lose weight, coconut oil can be a fantastic supplement to your diet.

It is one of the best sources of medium-chain triglycerides, which aid in losing extra body fat. ^[2]

As a result, coconut oil is demonstrated to increase the metabolic rate and aid in mobilizing fatty acids for energy production. It assists in lowering excess daily caloric consumption, which is crucial for weight loss.

#2 Coconut Oil for Athletic Performance

A little over 65% of coconut oil’s fat comprises medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).^[3]

Unlike other fats, these fatty acids are quickly digested and absorbed, giving you an immediate energy boost.

According to studies, coconut oil nutrients are just as efficient as carbs, typically considered the primary fuel of muscle development, providing rapid energy to working muscles and promoting energy generation.^[3]

#3 Coconut Oil to Control Hunger

Most of us are such great failures at regulating our appetite that we end up overeating and becoming sick more frequently.

Yet, if we consumed coconut oil, that wouldn’t be the case. As mentioned, medium-chain fatty acids comprise 66 percent of coconut oil, which promotes excessive calorie burning and prolonged feelings of fullness.

Take coconut oil around 15 to 20 minutes before meals, if possible. Your hunger will decrease, preventing you from bingeing on food.

As a result, depending on your energy requirements and the general makeup of your food, it’s feasible that you will eat less if you start using coconut oil.

#4 Coconut Oil for Worm Repellent

The worms are suppressed by using virgin coconut oil. It is easily ingested and will eliminate intestinal and stomach worms.

Nevertheless, organic coconut oil creates an environment in the human body that prevents parasites from thriving and reproducing. This ends up killing such freeloaders with comfort. ^[4]

#5 Coconut Oil for Bones

Moreover, organic coconut oil strengthens bones. It makes bones more flexible. It solidifies the tissues and muscles surrounding the bones, preventing bone deterioration. ^[5]

Of course, it also helps with bone conditions like arthritis.

#6 Coconut Oil for Quick Source of Energy

Coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids that do not require digestion in the small intestine.

They are ingested whole and travel directly from the digestive tract to the liver, serving as an immediate energy source.^[6]

Thus coconut serves as an energy booster.

#7 Coconut Oil for Bad Breath and Oral Health

If you’ve ever heard of oil pulling, you’re likely aware of coconut oil’s benefits for maintaining oral hygiene.

Swishing with coconut oil (a practice known as oil pulling) has been demonstrated to eliminate bad breath, destroy strains of bacteria, and enhance oral health and hygiene as efficiently as antiseptic mouthwashes.^[7]

This is similar to how a traditional antiseptic mouthwash rinses your mouth to remove disease- and enamel bacteria. Moreover, the lauric acid in coconut oil can guard against tooth decay, gum irritation, and bacteria development.

#8 Coconut Oil for Head Massage

In the world, stress is widespread—almost too widespread—and is frequently to blame when we get ill, burst out in pimples, or simply don’t feel like ourselves.

Applying and rubbing coconut oil on the head can aid with conditions like headaches and stress-related problems. ^[8]

Nobody can dispute the fact that receiving a head massage helps the brain relax and promotes restful sleep. As a result, coconut oil is excellent for head chumpy.

#9 Coconut Oil for Good Digestion

One can tell you how healthy you are based on how well your digestion functions. You can avoid the most common illnesses if your digestive system performs at its best.

And how can you make sure your digestive system is in good shape?

Simple – by using coconut oil. In addition to having antibacterial characteristics, coconut oil, and butter also promote gut lining healing.

You now realize why your grandmother always cooks with coconut oil, right?

#10 Coconut Oil for Hair

a. Conditioning the Scalp and Dry Hair

Research indicates that coconut oil enters the hair roots more thoroughly than most oils, which may make the hair look gentler and smoother. Most oils stay on the surface of the hair.^[9]

The oil fills the hair shaft, giving fragile and dry hair a richer appearance.

Hair that is hydrated may be less susceptible to harm from things like strong shampoos and styling aids.

You can apply coconut oil before shampooing or using a product that makes the hair dry.

b. Avoiding Frizz

When water enters the hair shaft, it swells and looks uneven, which makes hair frizzy. In humid locations, coconut oil prevents the hair from water retention, which can help reduce frizz.

Even in dry conditions, damaged hair tends to seem frizzy. Coconut oil can repair damaged, wavy hair because it may absorb the hair strands.

When heading outside in humid or rainy weather, try putting a drop or two to dry hair.

c. Adding Shine

Coconut oil can make the hair look smooth and shiny like serums.

Some individuals use a few drops as a shine serum on dry hair.

Coconut oil can be used instead of silicone-rich shine serums by those who wish to avoid silicones and comparable components.

#11 The Beauty Uses of Coconut Oil

a. As Lip Balm

Once you begin using the incredibly moisturizing coconut oil, you can stop worrying about chapped lips.

Simply pour some oil into a spare case, and dab it on your lips as needed all day.

b. As Hair Mask

Kinda, yes. If you don’t have lovely hair, what good are all those pricy facial creams and cosmetics? Long locks do make a difference, don’t they? Are you aware of coconut oil’s excellent hair benefits?

We won’t tell you how many individuals use coconut oil to make their hair look and feel better. Just generously coat your wet hair after shampooing with the oil, then twist your locks into a bun.

Wait five minutes, rinse, and watch your lifeless hair instantly come to life!

That is too cool.

c. As Sunscreen

What distinguishes individuals with healthy skin from others with less-than-healthy skin?

Sunscreen. Coconut oil is helpful in this situation. We don’t know what chemicals are used to manufacture the OTC sunscreen you use, but virgin coconut oil is chemical-free.

Just dab some of the oil over the skin before you go.

Research on dry skin has confirmed coconut oil’s efficacy as a moisturizer. Further research has demonstrated coconut oil’s effectiveness in protecting against UV radiation.

Although coconut oil only has an SPF of 8 (not a very high level of protection from the sun), it can still be utilized because it moisturizes the skin, making it less susceptible to sunburn.^[10]

d. As a Cream for the Under-Eyes

Apparently, a woman’s eyes are where her true beauty lies. So anyone would want to make it look attractive.

Have you ever applied coconut oil to your skin?

Due to its fragility and thinness, the skin beneath the eyes is prone to wrinkles and dark spots. Use coconut oil instead of spending a fortune on pricey under-eye lotions filled with chemicals.

Simply warm up a bit of the oil between your fingers and massage it beneath your eyes.

Let your eyes look captivating!

e. As a Makeup Remover

It’s not as fun to remove makeup as it is to put it, or does it?

A teaspoon or so of coconut oil will do the work. Massage your skin with a small amount of warmed and melted coconut oil.

Watch as your makeup disappears, and then gently wash it off with warm water.

Most Amazing Uses of Coconut Oil

Use it to Prepare Food

Pure coconut oil is appropriate for moderate cooking and baking because it has an ignition temperature of about 350°F (175°C).

In addition, coconut oil contains roughly 90% saturated fats, which makes it semi-solid at room temperature.

It is a poor choice for sauces or salad dressings but an excellent option for baking or burner cookery.

Here are several cooking ideas:

Use 1-2 tablespoons of this oil to sauté or simmer vegetables, eggs, meat, or fish.
Popcorn: Try this recipe for skillet popcorn or sprinkle warmed coconut oil on air-popped popcorn.
Baking: You can use it to brush on the pan when making cakes or cookies or use it in place of butter. Coconut oil can also be consumed by sprinkling it on fish or poultry before baking.

Use it in Recipes

In most recipes, coconut oil can be replaced 1:1 for butter or oil.

Make sure to bring cold components, such as milk or eggs, to room temperature before blending them in. This will prevent sticking. It’s better to melt it before gently adding it to shakes and smoothies.

a. Add to Coffee and Tea

You may moderately brew coffee or tea with coconut oil (no more than a teaspoon).

b. Use on Parathas and Rotis

Absolutely, adding coconut oil to rotis and parathas would make them taste good and be nutritious. You can also choose AASHIRVAAD Atta with Multigrain to make rotis since it is high in fiber and supports proper digestion giving you A Happy Tummy feel!

If you add coconut oil, it will be the cherry on top.

People with diabetes can choose AASHIRVAAD Sugar Release Control Atta, a blend of components like oats and methi, to ensure that this Atta is high in protein and fiber with a Low Glycemic Index.

It helps prevent sugar level increases by gently releasing its sugar into the bloodstream. Coconut oil can be applied on rotis or parathas to make healthier choices.

Wrap Up

In general, coconut oil is becoming more and more well-liked everywhere. It can be used in various items, including deodorant, Food, sunscreen, and hair products.

It is the ideal ingredient for many commodities due to its delectable flavour and versatile qualities.

For persons with allergies or those following plant-based diets, coconut oil can be an excellent dairy alternative in several recipes.

This excellent, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil is suitable for curries, simmering, roasting potatoes, and many other dishes as a healthy substitute for other cooking oils.

Coconut oil is a beautiful way to include a little nutrition in your diet whether or not you’re on the Keto diet. So be sure to stock up on coconut oil in the kitchen if you have gained a newfound love for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does coconut oil work well with a ketogenic diet?

Because it contains many of the fats known as medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil can help you maintain ketosis. Unlike other fats, MCTs are quickly absorbed and reach your liver right away. Here, they are turned into ketone bodies or utilized as energy sources.

2. Is coconut oil suitable cooking oil?

Fatty acids in coconut oil are unique in composition. As a result, coconut oil has a high tolerance for high heat oxidation. This makes it ideal for high-heat culinary techniques like frying.

3. Should I use coconut oil to fry?

Coconut oil is a good option for sautéing and stir-frying because of its high-fat content, which withstands high heat quite well. Nonetheless, we advise cooking with coconut oil while maintaining your stoves at medium heat for the best results.

4. Can coconut oil be tasted when it is cooked?

Whether eaten alone or with Food, coconut oil has a mild flavour. There are no hints of coconut flavour in it.

5. Is daily consumption of coconut oil safe?

It should be used in moderation, much like all saturated fats. Short-term usage of coconut oil as therapy may be safe. Consuming 10 ml of coconut oil twice or thrice daily for up to 12 weeks seems safe.

Sources

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Healthy Eating