Pure coconut oil is a natural oil that can be used for a variety of purposes both internally and externally. Its main fat is called lauric acid: an acid that contains Vitamins E and K as well as iron. Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, just to name a few. This article will detail some of the ways that coconut oil can help you lead a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.
Hair
Coconut oil can be used as an effective moisturizer for hair. One does not need to apply it every day and it can even be mixed with your regular hair grease if you do not like the smell. It has also been known to stimulate hair growth, although this varies from person to person. The healing properties of coconut oil have been said to aid in the re-growth process of damaged hair. Finally, regular use of coconut oil can keep your hair free of lice and dandruff.
Internal Use
Coconut Oil can be used as a weight loss product. The fatty acids in coconut oil help to suppress your appetite thus increasing your chances of weight loss. Coconut oil also provides the body with a decent metabolic rate as it can be used by the liver for energy, thus stimulating fat burning. It has also been known to boost individuals’ immune systems, due to the anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties in the acids that make up coconut oil.
Skin
This natural oil can also be used as a skin moisturizer, both for dry and regular skin. It has also been known to combat the itchiness usually associated with those to suffer from eczema (due to its anti-inflammatory properties). Additionally, coconut oil helps to treat a variety of skin problems and also delay the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.
Feet
Coconut oil is better than any cream on the market for athlete’s foot. As mentioned in the introduction, this oil also has antifungal properties and thus has been found to be effective in removing odors and fungus from the feet after just a few uses. In addition to this, coconut oil has also been known to help soften rough skin and calluses.
Oil Pulling
This involves the use of natural substances to cleanse teeth and gums and also remove toxins from them as well (for example, bacteria) .Oil pulling involves taking the oil and ‘swishing’ it around your mouth for a period of time. Dr. Bruce Fife, author of “Oil Pulling Therapy”, suggests that 20 minutes is the best duration of time as this is long enough for the oil to break though the plaque and bacteria in our mouths, but not long enough that the body reabsorbs the toxins and bacteria just removed. You should not swallow or spit the oil into the sink and there should be thorough rinsing and brushing afterwards. When coconut oil is used for oil pulling it removes bacteria and fungus from your mouth, whitens teeth, and rids the body of toxins. Oil pulling is most effective when used in the morning before you brush your teeth. This is one of the best uses for coconut oil as it treats the body both internally and externally (helps with the skin as well).
When purchasing coconut oil, it is important to purchase the brand of oil that has been unrefined with no additives or chemicals. This is usually sold as pure coconut oil, virgin coconut oil (avoid the “extra virgin” coconut oil) or organic coconut oil. Give this product a try and let us know how it has worked for you.
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