5 Ways To Use Coconut Oil Daily
-With all of the benefits this ancient oil has to offer, there is no reason you shouldn’t be using it in your daily routine!-
Who knew there could be so many uses for coconut oil?!
I certainly didn't. I initially began using coconut oil back in 2013, when I first started exploring Paleo. A lot of the recipes I was finding online and in Diane Sanfilippo’s 21DSD Guidebook + 21DSD Cookbook called for the ingredient, so I always had a jar in the pantry ready to fry my favorite foods, add it to coffee, or to moisten up some Paleo baked goods.
It wasn't until over a year into my Paleo lifestyle that I really started to uncover the never-ending list of coconut oil uses. I would find myself researching natural ways to repair damaged hair, natural lotion recipes, etc. and there was always 1 common ingredient... Coconut oil.
This is not only a super food; it's a super product!
Seriously, I use this stuff for everything + it is wonderful! I now keep a jar not only in my pantry, but also in my shower, my gym bag, and on my nightstand! The possibilities with this stuff are endless and there are no hidden ingredients or chemicals to worry about so it's 100% safe for everyone {including children} in your family to use.
5 Ways To Use Coconut Oil Daily
1. Skin Care
If you’ve ever read the ingredient list on you skin care products, you know that they are fill with harsh chemicals, artificial coloring, and toxic fragrances. Rather than exposing your skin to those types of ingredients daily, you can use coconut oil for almost all of the same things. Instead of generic, store bought face wash you can substitute pure, organic coconut oil and use the oil cleansing method. I personally have been doing this for over 3 months now and can’t believe how much it’s cleared up my skin and I never have to use makeup remover because the oil takes it right off! Generally when using the oil cleansing method, a face moisturizer no longer necessary as the skin absorbs the oil and stays plenty hydrated this way. You can also use coconut oil for body lotion, massage oil, deodorant, chapped lips or to fight off bacteria or fungus… the possibilities really are endless!
2. Oral Health
A large majority of the toothpastes, mouthwashes, and even dental floss sold in drug stores around the country are packed full of artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and other harmful ingredients. Rid your oral health routine of chemicals and other toxins by using coconut oil to create your own homemade natural toothpaste. Another popular oral health routine is called oil pulling. This is said to potentially decrease plaque build up, reduce headaches, whiten your teeth, and much more!
3. Weight Loss
Medium chain fatty acids are highly prevalent in coconut oil and this means that coconut oil is easily digested and can be used for energy production shortly after consumption {unlike the long chain fatty acids we consume, which must be broken down before they are absorbed). Consuming coconut oil also aids in the absorption of other minerals, increases satiety levels and may increase metabolism. It is for these reasons that it has been shown to aid in overall weight loss as well.
4. Hair Care
Grab a jar of high quality coconut oil and you’ve got yourself an easy and convenient hair revitalizing treatment. By massaging a tablespoon or 2 of coconut oil into your scalp and hair and allowing it to soak in over 1-2 hours, you will not only repair damaged hair, but moisturize your luscious locks, promote healthy and rapid hair growth, and reduce thinning hair. This is one of the easiest and most beneficial treatments you can use to keep your hair strong and beautiful especially throughout the dry, winter months!
5. Cooking/Baking
Coconut oil is an ideal fat/oil to cook with as it is composed of fatty acids with around 90% of them being saturated. The high saturated fatty acid content reduces the likelihood that the oil will oxidize when cooking at high temperatures. This is the perfect oil for frying foods such as Eggs, Pork Chops, or Pancakes! It can also be used to make some wonderful baked goods including: Cookies, Donuts, and Apple Crisp!
This isn’t even close to an extensive list of all of the ways that you can use coconut oil in your daily life, but it’s a good start!
Using coconut oil in my daily routine has been such a game changer for me! I don’t think I’ll ever be able
to live without it again.
What is your favorite way to use coconut oil?
