How To Include Coconut Oil In Our Daily Routines For A Healthier Lifestyle

You have probably heard by now, at least once, the fact that coconut oil has a lot of benefits. Maybe you have explored them, maybe you have not. And if you’re not quite aware at what exactly coconut oil is- well, it’s basically the oil taken from the edible coconut meat, also known as the white part within the shell of the coconut.

Did you know that there are two main types of coconut oil? Well, there is the refined coconut oil and the unrefined also known as the virgin coconut oil. The former is taken from the dried copra and not fresh coconuts, while the latter is made from fresh coconuts and is naturally processed, therefore it proves to have a more beneficial value.

After having explored many of the benefits coconut oil provides, from the general benefits all the way to a more elaborate explanation of the benefits it has on our hair and skin, we have decided to compile a list of ways you can add coconut oil into your daily routines, be it internally or externally, for a healthier lifestyle.

But first of all, before we go further, let us explore the beneficial properties of coconut oil. Researches show that coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as ‘superfood’. Healthline lets us know that coconut oil contains healthy saturated fats, fats these that have different effects from the others. They can boost fat burning and provide the body and the brain with energy. It’s also important to mention that they also raise the good HDL cholesterol in your blood, which is linked to reduced heart disease risk.

As research suggests, coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, and this agent contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal properties. It also has capric acid, which helps protect from infections. The fats that are contained in virgin coconut oils are known as Medium Chain Fatty Acids or Medium Chain Triglycerides. The good thing is that eating these fats means that your body will burn them more efficiently than the traditional ones. You can read more about the general properties of coconut oil and a bit of its history if you head over to one of our previous articles on the benefits of coconut oil here.

Now that we are aware of the beneficial values that coconut oil contains, we’re going to show you how to include it in your day to day routines.

1. Cook with Coconut oil

You can replace all your other oils, be them canola or corn oil, with the all-natural, virgin coconut oil. You can cook and also bake with the lovely coconut oil, and it will prove to be healthier than any other oil since it’s non-toxic.

So, according to Organic Authority, coconut oil is very stable and withstands high cooking temperatures. And this thanks to its saturated fats. It can even be used for roasting and frying. However, it’s important to mention that unrefined coconut oil has a strong flavor and aroma, but if you’re not into that you can easily use a refined coconut oil that’s neutral in taste and aroma.

2. Brush your teeth with Coconut oil

As research suggests, you can use coconut oil as toothpaste, and this quite beneficially. Why? Well, Mercola reports that there are many reasons why it would prove to be a good choice. One of them is the fact that coconut oil contains no harmful chemicals, it also works against cavity-causing bacteria, and what you need to do about the latter is simply massage coconut oil for about 10 minutes daily into your gums, and proceed for three weeks for results.

3. Practice oil pulling with Coconut oil

When we’re talking about teeth, coconut oil pulling has proven to be a good way to remove bacteria and to promote healthy teeth and gums. Research shows that it is even more effective than flossing, and can benefit even in the whitening of your teeth. According to DrAxe, coconut oil pulling is an amazing oral detoxification procedure where you simply swish a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes. It sucks the toxins out of the mouth and creates a clean antiseptic environment.

4. Use Coconut oil as deodorant

While conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain a lot of toxins and harmful effects, thankfully there are other healthy, non-toxic alternatives like coconut oil. Not only it will not stain your clothes but it’s also easy to use, as research suggests. Simply dip your finger into your coconut oil and apply it on your underarm.

You can also make your own deodorant, by mixing coconut oil, baking soda, and arrowroot powder, in case you prefer having your deodorant on a stick. But, nevertheless, coconut oil is very well effective on its own.

5. Use Coconut oil as a moisturizer

On your skin

You can use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer and it can be extremely beneficial. It melts on the skin as soon as you apply it and this way gets into the pores of our skin and moisturizes the face thoroughly. For more on how to use it on the skin, you can head over to our article on the benefits of coconut oil on the skin and how to use it.

On your hair

Coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer for your hair, taking into consideration the beneficial properties we have already mentioned. What you need to do is heat three to five tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave and apply it to your dry hair before bed. Use a shower cap to cover the hair, and then proceed with shampooing in the morning.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.

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