Coconut oil is one of Mother Nature’s best inventions. It’s safe to say that from the kitchen to the bedroom–and every room in between–there’s about a million uses for coconut oil.

Whether your interest is culinary, personal care, or home cleaning related, the benefits and uses for coconut oil are many.

Don’t believe me? Read on for this impressive list. While this list isn’t exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, it does detail some of the simplest and most common uses for coconut oil.

Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil

1. Makeup Remover – Use coconut oil as a makeup remover. I use it to remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Just dip a cotton ball or wipe in the oil and use smooth sweeps to remove the makeup.
2. Frying and Roasting – Because of its high smoke point, coconut oil is perfect for frying and roasting. I use it to make just perfect tostones, which are twice fried plantains.
3. Smoothie Fat – Coconut oil can be added to protein smoothies to add some satisfying and heavy fat.
4. Hair Conditioner – A weekly conditioning with coconut oil will make your locks stronger, healthier, and softer.
5. Body Lotion – In the dead of winter, there’s nothing better for healing dry skin than a good slathering of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for helping to heal chapped skin, eczema, hives, and other skin conditions. It is moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and very soothing.
6. Lube – While it’s not ideal for use with condoms (increases the risk of breakage), coconut oil makes a fine personal lubricant. It’s free from parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and other yucky stuff. Plus, it has the bonus of being a natural anti-fungal.
7. Shave Cream – I’m not ideal for face shaving, but coconut oil works great as an alternative for shaving cream on the legs.
8. Coconut Coffee – Some people are even adding coconut oil to their coffee.
9. Lip Balm – To soothe dry, chapped lips, use coconut oil to make your own natural lip balm.
10. Hair Defrizzer – After a blow-dry, I rub a small bit of coconut oil into my ends and to help smooth flyaways. It works like a charm and smells great too.
11. Leather Polish – While you may not need to polish your leather shoes or bag every day, coconut oil can be used to bring life back to dry leather in need of a shine.
12. Wood Polish – It also makes a great wood polish for adding moisture back into wood furniture. Try it first on a corner, though.
13. Swap it for Butter – Use coconut oil in place of butter for a healthier fat and to impart flavor. It’s equally great in brownies, on top of a baked sweet potato, or in place of butter on toast.
14. Fight Flub Rub – Coconut oil can be useful to prevent chafing–especially between thighs.
15. Diaper Cream – Equally it’s also a nice alternative to diaper creams to protect baby’s bottom from moisture.

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Coconut oil has been creating quite the buzz in health food circles, because it is an all star in the kitchen.

With a high burning temperature, it retains its inherent nutritional properties for longer and also brings a delightful aroma to whatever you are making. However, coconut oil uses stretch beyond the kitchen and even, dare we try it out ourselves, venture into the bedroom. Here are 5 easy and practical ways you can put coconut oil to use on the daily grind, literally.

Without exhausting the conversation surrounding coconut oil, here is why it is good for you, on the inside and out. Coconut is rich a type of saturated fact that does not clog arteries. This fat is composed of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently by the body and do not have harmful effects in the same way normal saturated fats do. The Tokelauans, who live in the South Pacific, consume more than 60 percent of their calories from coconuts but show no evidence of heart disease. Coconut oil’s fats are used as a source of energy and reap the body therapeutic perks, like treating Alzheimer’s. MCTs also exhibited the ability to increase energy expenditure in a given day, by as much as 5 percent, which can contribute to weight loss.

Nearly half of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid, which helps to kill harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. This is good news for those with skin prone to acne or outdoor elements. Coconut oil protects the skin. It also has shown to improve the moisture and lipid content of skin as well as protect the skin and hair from sun damage.

Coconut is clearly something we should all include in our lives. Now, here are 5 unique ways to get the best of coconut oil uses.

1. Lube

Let’s start with one of the most underrated of coconut oil uses – lube. Over-the-counter lube isn’t one of those things that has an ingredient list you can confidently chime at the top of your head. The more I think about it, the more I wonder, what the hell is in there? Looks like parabens, petroleum and petroleum-derived ingredients as well as silicone oils are anything but strangers in the mix. So, why not keep it completely nix the artificial additives and stick to the au naturel feel and flavors of coconut oil? You can add your own edible natural flavors to the mix to keep it interesting as well. [Editor’s note: Coconut oil is not recommended if also using condoms; it will make them ineffective birth control.]

2. Massage Oil

Don’t splurge on a massage oil that is full of artificial aromas. Coconut oil is sleek and smooth and treats the skin while the body is being massaged. In fact, repeated strokes allow for the oil to absorb more deeply into the skin and benefit the body even more.

3. Lip Balm

The lips often go unattended in the heat of the summer or the thick of the winter. Scoop or pour (depending on the temperature) a smidgen of coconut oil into a disposable empty lip balm-sized container. Carry it with you wherever you go to apply whenever your lips are cracked or you are under sun. That way you are always protected from Mother Nature’s elements.

4. Make-Up Remover

Unlike many make up removers or toners that have alcohol in them, coconut oil is smooth and gentle whilst effectively getting rid of even the most caked-on make-up. Use a cotton ball to rub a bit of oil across your lips and chin, under your eyes, and around your temple to remove make up. The ingredient is just one and the additives are none. Meanwhile, you’ll be moisturizing!

5. Shaving Lotion

Coconut oil is a great way to shave without overly aromatic pharmacy shaving creams, gels and mousse. Because it kills bacteria and viruses, if you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, coconut oil is there to save the day! Coconut oil makes for a smooth and easy shave that lets you round those corners and edges without holding your breath.

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Have you added coconut oil into your daily healthy and beauty routines, yet?

Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile item to stock in your pantry and among your toiletries. Its healthy fats bring with them a host of health benefits. Incorporate the following 20 uses into your lifestyle and you’ll know how to take care of daily rituals, from easily removing makeup to reducing frizz, and address health issues from Alzheimer’s to boosting hormone function.

Despite its saturated fat content, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that are shorter than those in animal fats, which means the body can metabolize them quickly and not store them on the body. Coconut oil’s fats are actually quite beneficial for the body. The oil contains nutritionally beneficial fatty acids: lauric, caprillic and capric acids. Lauric acid fights off bacteria and viruses, and coconut oil is the only source of it, apart from mother’s breast milk. Caprilic acid contributes to healthy digestion and balances bacteria in the gut, while capric acid has strong anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.

It’s coconut oil’s unique fat content that makes it especially beneficial. The following 20 suggestions give you practical tips to getting the most from coconut oil.

1. Make Pop-Tarts

Pop-tarts are an American classic, but they are not the best addition to a healthy diet. Use coconut oil in this spelt-based Vegan Pop-Tart recipe to keep things animal-friendly and full of rich flavor and texture.

2. Replace Your Everyday Cooking Oil

While many everyday oils like olive oil are lauded for their unsaturated fat qualities, when cooked, the oils biochemically change and don’t bear the same nutrients, enzymes and potency as when in a raw, cold-pressed state. Coconut oil is unique in that it has a high burning temperature, so it can withstand higher heat levels that other oils can’t. When cooking, opt for coconut oil. It brings a new flavor profile to your dishes and can make the difference in your healthy diet.

3. Eye Makeup Remover

Coconut oil is a gentle and effective way to remove make-up. A little goes a long way and you ultimately get more for your buck by sticking to coconut oil and avoiding expensive brands with chemicals and artificial ingredients.

4. Daily Energy Supplement

Because of its ability to fight off bacteria and viruses as well as its positive influence on digestion and skin health, coconut oil makes a great daily supplement. Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or lightly cook vegetables with it.

5. Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Coconut oil provide a boost of antioxidants, which are linked to preventing signs of aging skin. Apply a smidgen of coconut oil to your face after cleansing at night and let it do its healing while you get your shut-eye.

6. Sex Lube

Over-the-counter lubes are often packed with harmful chemicals, can affect fertility, and are conducive to infections. Coconut oil in its extra-virgin or virgin state is a natural fungicide and completely devoid of additives and chemicals. And while many brands are relatively free of any scent, the extra-virgin varieties can bring a whole new meaning to sex on the beach.

7. Weight Loss

The fatty acids in coconut oil are called medium-chain triacylglycerols, which are much shorter and thus more soluble in water than the fatty acids found in other oils. For this reason, they are more readily burned for fuel. Replacing other oils, such as canola oil or olive oil with coconut oil can be the subtle change to making a big different in your body.

8. Diaper Cream

Coconut oil is an effective, gentle, natural diaper cream that moisturizes and gets rid of bacteria without piling on the chemicals.

9. Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Religiously rub coconut oil on your pregnant stomach as it grows and prevent stretch marks. Many women swear by this ritual.

10. Reduce Frizz

All it takes is a small dab of coconut oil rubbed into your hands and then brushed through your hair to reduce frizz and leave your locks looking soft, healthy, and moisturized. Don’t worry about the greasy look; as long as you apply only a dab, greasiness will be avoided.

11. Prevent Alzheimer’s

According to research, coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acid content has been linked to preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s.

12. Shaving Cream

It’s never fun to shave without something creamy or soft to make the experience less harsh on your skin. Instead of reaching for a store-bought shaving cream, opt for coconut oil. It goes on smooth and works as both a shaving cream and an after-shave moisturizer.

13. Diminish Cellulite

Introduce coconut oil to your daily moisturizing rituals. Apply it on your thighs and bum on a regular basis and you’ll start to notice your cellulite disappearing.

14. Get Rid of Lice

Rinse hair with vinegar and then brush in a generous amount of coconut oil so that the entire head is evenly coated. Put on a shower cap and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing off. The vinegar dissolves the sticking power of lice eggs and the coconut oil smothers and kills the lice.

15. Boost Hormone Health

Coconut oil offers the necessary building blocks for the production of hormones. Fat is very important in the rebuilding and repairing cells, but the wrong balance of polysaturated to saturated and monunsaturated fats can mean bad news for your health. The human body is 97 percent saturated and monounsaturated fats and 3 percent polyunsaturated fat. Most vegetable oils tip the balance towards polyunsaturated fats, which can wreak havoc on the body. Coconut oil keeps the ratio balanced.

16. Tanning Oil

Coconut oil acts as a 4 SPF tanning oil that isn’t cancerous like the brands grazing beauty shop shelves. It’s moisturizing as well, which prevents your skin from getting dry and flaky under the sun.

17. Dry Feet Fix

Mix coconut oil with salt to remove dry skin from feet. The salt acts as an exfoliating scrub that removes dead skin cells and the coconut oil helps to lubricate, moisturize and kill bacteria in the process.

18. Chicken Pox and Poison Ivy Relief

Apply coconut oil to areas affected by chicken pox or poison ivy to reduce swelling, itching, and irritated skin.

19. Hair Care

Store-bought hair masques and moisturizing conditioners are often filled with fragrances, chemicals, and other additives that do more harm than good. Coconut oil works as an excellent masque prior to shampooing. Liberally apply it to the hair, let it stay in for 5 minutes, rinse, and then continue shampooing and washing hair as normal.

20. Massage Oil

There are many organic ways to spice up your sex life, and using coconut oil as a massage oil is one. Mix with other essential oils for desired scents and aura.

Photo Credits: Phu Thinh Co,Veganbaking.net, Adrianclarkmbbs, Eflon, Geomangio, Meredith P.

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