Coconut Oil: It's Good For More Than You Think

You Can Find Organic Coconut Oil in the International Foods Aisle at Market Basket and other grocery store.

Coconut oil has been getting more popular for it's natural healing benefits.

When I first heard of Coconut oil, images and smells of Hawaiian Tropic suntan oil from years ago popped into my head.  Coconut oil is much different and is being regarded as very beneficial for health in so many ways.

Coconut oil has been described as “the healthiest oil on earth” by some.  Many people believe that coconut oil can help with such health problems as kidney stones, fever, flu, burns, colds, constipation, nausea, rashes, dry skin and dandruff to name a few.

Inside The Body

What makes it so healthy?   It is 92% saturated fat –the bad fat.  However, coconut oil is comprised mainly of medium-chain fatty acids.  Most of the oils we use are long-chain fatty acids which are large (as their name suggests) and are difficult for our bodies to break down.  Thus they are stored as fat.  The difference – medium chain fatty acids are smaller and are more easily digested and burned for energy.  For this reason, it can help with weight loss when used in place of other oils.  Medium chain fatty acids also have a positive effect on cholesterol and help protect the heart. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid that is believed to have antimicrobial properties and aid in dealing with certain bacteria and viruses.

Outside the Body

Moisturizer – Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer.  You can mix it up with other oil or use it straight out of the jar after showering.  It is absorbed quickly by your skin.  Coconut oil is also antimicrobial and a natural germ fighter so it could help with skin irritations.  (Please consult a physician first).  I have been whipping coconut oil and a little vitamin E with my hand mixer and using it as a moisturizer and eye makeup remover!  It is incredible.

Conditioner – Coconut can be used as a deep conditioning treatment for hair and scalp.   Massage into your scalp and leave on for at least 30 minutes, or longer, then wash.  If you are suffering from dandruff, coconut oil could also help.

Lip balm – I use coconut oil as an ingredient in homemade lip balm.  It works great.  Straight coconut oil could be used in a pinch as well.

Remove Glue Residue - Use to remove glue residue from a sticker on a glass container.  Mix equal parts coconut oil with baking soda, let it sit for a minute then scrub.  This works pretty well.

Wrinkle Prevention and Wrinkle Reducer – Rub a little coconut oil on your skin.  It helps to strengthen the connective tissue delaying wrinkles.

Deodorant - Coconut oil on its own can be used as a deodorant.  It is even more effective when mixed with cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), baking soda and essential oils (optional).  Update 8/10/12: I have been using this combination for the past few months with great success!

As with anything, there are some who are not so convinced that coconut oil is a miracle cure all.  It will be interesting to see what new research brings.  I can personally vouch for the benefits to the skin and hair.  It is amazing!  And for the price, it makes a wonderful natural moisturizer.

Coconut oil is widely available at grocery stores.  Market Basket carries Spectrum organic expeller pressed virgin coconut oil in the international foods aisle.  My favorite lately is the coconut oil from Trader Joe's.  It is $5.99 for a 16 oz jar and it smells like coconuts!  Which I love.  I emailed Trader Joe's to get a little more info on their organic virgin coconut oil:  "Our Coconut Oil is made from sustainably grown coconut palms.  The oil is extracted through cold pressing and only filtered to remove large particles and considered highly unrefined."  

Have you ever used coconut oil? 

This post has been submitted as part of Frugal Days,Sustainable Ways at Frugally Sustainable.com