The humble coconut is getting a lot of hype these days, and in my opinion, coconut oil is one the best forms to use it in. It’s so versatile and has loads of health benefits, whether you’re eating it or applying it to your skin and hair. Here are ten reasons to love coconut oil!Coconut oil is heart healthyCoconut oil is a saturated fat, and normally this would set off alarm bells, but unlike other oils, coconut oil is made up of short and medium chain fatty acids, which are healthy fats. It’s the trans fats found in other forms of vegetable oil and processed foods that you want to avoid. The fats in coconut oil do not have the same negative effects and can actually reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol. Coconut oil is the BEST oil to cook withMake the simple substitution from your regular cooking oil to coconut oil to instantly make meals healthier. Because it is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, coconut oil has a higher smoking temperature than most polyunsaturated or monounsaturated (liquid at room temperature) oils. It is much better to cook with than other oils, such as olive oil, which will oxidise at high temperatures, creating free radicals – a big no no for skin (and general) health!Note: Olive oil is also really good for you, but not when it burns. Use it in a salad dressing or drizzled over pasta for its benefits.Coconut oil aids weight loss and boosts metabolismThe medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can speed up the metabolism because they are easily digested and converted into energy. Long-chain fatty acids, like those in polyunsaturated oils, are more difficult for the body to break down and use for energy, so they end up being stored as fat in the body. Coconut oil supports your immune systemCoconut oil contains lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acids, which are antimicrobial fatty acids, with antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Our bodies convert the lauric acid in coconut oil into monolaurin, which fights various viruses and bacteria. Coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast.Coconut oil stops sugar cravingsCoconut oil is easily converted by the body into energy, but it doesn’t cause the same sugar spikes as simple carbs. It actually protects the body from insulin resistance, because it slows down the rate carbohydrates are broken down into blood glucose in digestion. Slowing digestion has the added benefit of making you feel fuller for longer.Coconut oil aids digestionThe antimicrobial properties of the fatty acids in coconut oil help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause IBS and other digestive problems. Coconut oil also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
And it’s really versatile! You can use it as...A moisturiserCoconut oil is really hydrating and can be applied as a moisturiser for dry skin. It also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. You can use it on your face, if you don’t find it too greasy, as a hydrating night treatment. It helps in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, not only because it is moisturising, but also because due to its antioxidant properties. You can even use it as a lip balm!A conditioner for your hairCoconut oil works as a deep conditioning treatment or as a leave in for curly girls, because the fatty acids make the hair soft and supple. To use as a pre-wash deep treatment, first split your (dry) hair into sections, then take a small amount of coconut oil in your hands and heat it between your palms until it melts. Apply from roots to ends, particularly focussing on the ends. If you have drier hair, or you’re growing your hair, now is a great time to give yourself a scalp massage. Then slip your hair under a plastic cap – the heat from your head opens your pores and lets the coconut oil penetrate. Leave it on for as long as you can (at least 30 mins, but I sometimes leave it overnight).When I'm wearing my hair curly, I also apply coconut oil after my styling products to seal in all the products and reduce frizz. Coconut oil is a big part of my hair care routine!An eye makeup removerI keep reading about more and more people using coconut oil as an eye make up remover. It’s very gentle and moisturising, and obviously it’s all natural. Hey, it’s another option for when your bioderma runs out!And finally... a cuticle creamCoconut oil will keep your cuticles soft and healthy. Because it is anti-fungal, it’s a good one for the toes too.
Coconut oil – which to buy?
There are various different types of coconut oil, but the main differences are between pure coconut oil and virgin coconut oil. The difference between the two is that pure coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut kernels, or copra, whereas virgin coconut oil is derived from the milk obtained from fresh coconut meat. When buying virgin coconut oil, try to get a “cold pressed” one. This means that no heat has been used to extract the oil - heating destroys many of the nutrients in the oil.Pure coconut oil can be refined or unrefined. The refined version is bleached and deodorised, and it is also less thick than the virgin version. This will have less of the nutrients, but it is still really good for you. Also, virgin coconut oil, has a strong coconutty taste and smell, which works well in curries and stir fries, but you might not want all your cooking to have a coconut flavoured tinge. In this case use refined coconut oil, which doesn’t taste of anything.There is also a big difference in the price. To give you an idea, I bought two small (200ml) jars of Biona Virgin Coconut OIl for £2.49 each from Whole Foods, when they were on special offer. They are normally £4.99 each!! Until then I was buying the KTC brand from Tesco for £2 for 500ml tub. This is more than double the amount for less than half the price. KTC is refined, so its much cheaper, but it is 100% pure coconut oil - it has no additives and is not hydrogenated at any stage of production, which would make it a bad fat like other oils. So if you’re on a budget this one is fine to use, and much better for you to cook with than other oils. How to use Coconut oilIf you’re using it to cook with, just replace your regular oil with a spoonful of coconut. It will melt it a frying pan or saucepan and then you can use it as normal.If you’re using it for your hair or skin, just take a little in your hand and heat it between your palms, then apply as you would any other cream or oil.You can also melt it by putting the jar in warm water, or running it under a hot tap.So those are a few reasons why I love coconut oil and some of my other favorite uses for it. Does anyone else cooks with coconut oil? Have you tried any other uses for it?