5 Uses for Coconut Oil
I cannot get over how amazing this oil is, and why it took me so long to find it! There are so many different things to use coconut oil for, and these are just some of our favorite. From putting on your face to in your food, and everything in between, this oil is the holy grail of oils in our book, and we want to share just a few of these uses with you.
Oil Pulling
This is a new found (well maybe not new) way of cleaning your teeth. You take a spoonful of coconut oil (or other oil) and let it melt in your mouth until it turns liquid. At which point, you swish it around your mouth for about 15 minutes, then spit out in the trash or outside. You do not want to spit it out in the sink or it can clog up your pipes. This method is known for pulling out toxins from your teeth and mouth, rebuilding enamel, and even getting rid of cavities!
Face Wash/Moisturizer
Before going to bed and after washing your face, mix a teaspoon of coconut oil with a drop of lavender essential oil and massage onto your skin then rinse with warm water and pat dry. You will wake up with younger, smoother looking skin due to the vitamin E, and saturated fats. You can also just take a small dab and use as a moisturizer after a shower for all parts of the body. This will be my skin savior for the dryer months to come. It really does work wonders.
High-heat Cooking
This is probably the best cooking oil you can get. Unlike most oils (especially olive oil) it can handle high amounts of heat without damaging the properties of the oil because of it’s high saturated fat content and stable environment. There are a few different types of coconut oil you can buy depending on your pallet. There is organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil which has a delicious coconut flavor, but is not always ideal with your cooking flavor profiles. For those non-coconut lovers, use organic expeller pressed/refined coconut oil which does not have such a strong coconut flavor; however, I have heard it is not as healthy because it is more refined, but still a good option.
Natural Sun Screen
Apply frequently while in the sun for a natural (not so strong) SPF for those fair skinned young ones.
Ointment for Cuts and Scrapes
Due to coconut oil’s antibacterial properties it can be used, when in a pinch, to apply to cuts and scrapes. Will help to heal and seal the open wounds. Your kids will be less scared to put this on their cuts if they know it is something they can eat!
Here are some of our favorite recipes using coconut oil:
Coconut Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese
Gluten Free Coconut Carrot Muffins with Candied Walnuts
Enjoy!
