Coconut oil

Coconut oil might just be the most versatile health food on the planet. The uses of this incredible oil are numerous and can extend to being a form of natural medicine, be used for natural beauty treatments and so much more.

The coconut tree is considered the “tree of life” in much of Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines, and other tropical locations. Today, there are over 1,500 studies proving the health benefits of coconut oil. It contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length. Most fatty acids are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently. They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into so-called ketones, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil can increase how many calories you burn compared to the same amount of other fats. One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totaling about 120 calories per day.

Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is the 12-carbon Lauric Acid. When lauric acid is digested, it forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. For example, these substances have been shown to kill the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast Candida Albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans.

Some of the top coconut oil benefits include:

• Balances Hormones
• Kills Candida
• Improves Digestion
• Moisturizes Skin
• Decreases Wrinkles and Age Spots
• heals blemishes and acne
• Nourishes and Conditions Hair
• Reduces Cellulite
• Balances Blood Sugar and Improves Energy
• Improves Alzheimer’s
• Increases HDL and Lower LDL Cholesterol
• Burns Fat
• Can help improve cholesterol ratios
• The antimicrobial properties and beneficial fats make coconut oil a powerhouse in Remineralizing teeth
• Naturally clears up cold sores
• Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins when used topically
• speeds healing of sunburn

Coconut oil is definitely one of the best oils to use all on it’s own for healing any skin blemishes, for conditioning the hair and skin, for oral care as well as so many other uses. It is also an amazing carrier oil that can be used with essential oils. Below are some examples of simple to make home remedies using coconut oil.

Home Made Body Butter Lotion:

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/8 cup Jojoba Oil
• 20 drops Essential Oil (some recommended essential oils would be Frankincense, Lavender or Geranium)

Directions:

1. Put coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba oil in glass bowl then place that bowl in sauce pan that is filled with water.
2. Heat stove to medium and mix oils together
3. Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool to room temperature
4. With a regular mixer or hand mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy. Add essential oils and mix in
5. Once mixed, put in refrigerator for an hour or until solid
6. Fill large or small glass jar containers with the body butter mixture and store at room temperature

Oil Pulling with Coconut oil:

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action has shown to draw out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your body’s overall health. Using coconut oil for oil pulling is one of the best oils for removing bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums.

Recent studies show that oil pulling helps against gingivitis, plaque, and microorganisms that cause bad breath. Most of the microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell and are covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane, which is the cell’s skin. When these cells come into contact with oil (a fat) they naturally adhere to each other

While you can get the same bacteria-fighting benefits with oils such as olive, sesame or sunflower oil, coconut oil has the added benefit of lauric acid, which is well-known for its anti-microbial agents. Studies have found that coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay.

Oil Pulling has been used for centuries as a traditional Indian remedy. Combined with the added health benefits of coconut oil it provides the following:

• Cures tooth decay
• Kills bad breath
• Heals bleeding gums
• Prevents heart disease
• Reduces inflammation
• Whitens teeth
• Soothes throat dryness
• Prevents cavities
• Heals cracked lips
• Boosts Immune System
• Improves acne
• Strengthens gums and jaw