Coconut Oil: What Else Can it Do?
As you enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities all year long, you may consider coconut oil a potential new best friend. The internet is aflutter with this affordable oil, as it provides many health benefits and can be safely ingested or applied topically. Think you already know all there is to know about coconut oil? Read through our blog — you might find a couple surprises regarding how it can help your health and body!
Five Uses for Coconut Oil Worth a Try
1 – Reduce Cholesterol Levels with Coconut Oil
Even though olive oil is common in many kitchens, it cannot be used for cooking at high temperatures. Traditionally, home cooks have used butter or lard for cooking purposes. However, such products from animal sources may need to be reduced or eliminated for those with high cholesterol levels. This is where coconut oil can be the hero. A cholesterol-free coconut oil can be used to prepare meals at higher temperatures. Additionally, MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) found in coconut oil may be easier than butter or lard for the body to process, and their calories would be more likely to be converted than calories from other sources. While you shouldn’t go overboard with coconut oil as it is still high in calories, it can be used to replace the practice of cooking with butter or lard.
2 – Remove Makeup Easily with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is not only useful in the kitchen — many people use it to remove eye makeup. A teaspoon of warmed coconut oil can be massaged into the skin and help makeup melt away. Rinse off extra residue with warm water and a cloth if desired. Coconut oil’s emollient properties makes it great for use in beauty treatments on the face and even around the delicate eye area. (If you get it in your eyes, it will probably be uncomfortable but not physically harmful: just rinse it out thoroughly.)
3 – Kill Lice with Coconut Oil
As kids return to school, it is not uncommon for lice to start spreading through the classrooms. If your child comes home with lice, try this natural and effective remedy. After fully rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar, let the hair dry completely. Once dry, apply coconut oil generously over the hair. Keep the mixture on for 12 to 24 hours. Use a fine comb to brush the hair and then shampoo.
4 – Treat Cold Sores with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. This makes it a safe and effective treatment for cold sores. If you experience a cold sore, apply a touch of oil to the affected area. Reapply coconut oil to the cold sore as needed.
5 – Use Coconut Oil as Deodorant
The antiviral and antibacterial properties of coconut oil also make it useful as a deodorant, mouthwash, and dandruff treatment. Those considering their campfire safety needs may want to keep a small jar with them for multiple purposes. Coconut oil can be used to treat burns, bug bites and bruises while out on a camping trip.
Although very helpful, coconut oil isn’t a cure-all. If you’re seeking treatment for something that needs medical attention, visit a MedPost or CareSpot location today for a convenient walk-in clinic offering high-quality care and experienced healthcare professionals.