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Coconut is one of the most widely eaten foods in the world, and it has many amazing health benefits. The oil, which is high in nutrients and heart healthy fats, is becoming more popular in the kitchen, but it also has many other uses that may surprise you. Read on for some ways that that jar of coconut oil can change your life.
In Place of Butter
Whether you’re looking for a way to eat less animal products, or you are just trying to give up butter altogether, coconut oil is an amazing substitute. Unlike other plant-based fats, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which means it stays solid at room temperature just like butter does. This means that you can use it in many of the same ways. It’s great for piecrusts, cookies, and other baked goods, but it can also be spread on toast too. You’ll find it on the ingredients list for most vegan baked goods, but don’t worry, in most things, you won’t be able to tell the difference between it and butter.
For baked goods that will be complimented by the light flavor of coconut, use virgin unrefined oil, for a less strong flavor, use refined.
For Frying
Coconut oil is great for frying, and has a high smoke point, so you can get it really hot. It’s great for dishes in which coconut flavor will compliment the other ingredients, such as Indian curries or Thai stir-fries.
If your oil is solid, just put a dab in your pan on the stove and it will melt just like butter. Use it as you would any other type of fat.
In a Smoothie
A dab of coconut oil in your smoothie may sound odd, but it actually adds richness and coconut flavor. It’s particularly good with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, but it is also lovely with cocoa powder and banana. Don’t add too much; it’s high in calories since it’s pure fat, but a little bit will add nutrients you may not get elsewhere.
In Your Tea
Want to add creaminess to your tea without milk? Try a tiny bit of coconut oil. It will add a delicious flavor as well as some nutrients to your tea. It’s particularly good with a chai tea, or in a tropical variety such as pineapple or mango.
You don’t need a lot to reap the benefits; in fact, too much and you may find it difficult to drink. A couple of drops of melted coconut oil is enough to add just the richness and flavor you need. If you don’t like the oiliness, you can try a little bit of coconut milk from a can for similar benefits.
Season Your Cast Iron Skillet
Coconut oil makes a great choice for building up the seasoning on your cast iron skillet. Simply apply a thin layer with a paper towel to a clean skillet and bake for an hour in a 300 degree oven. Do this a few times, and your skillet will be as good as new!
Protect Your Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards can warp or crack when exposed to washing after washing. While you can buy an expensive bottle of mineral oil to coat and protect them, coconut oil can do the same if you already have some in the kitchen for other uses. Simply rub a bit into your board until it’s absorbed. Do it once a month to keep your boards in tip top shape. Coconut oil will also help keep your cutting board bacteria free.
Make an All-Natural Toothpaste
Coconut oil will help whiten and clean your teeth without harsh chemicals that may be found in commercial toothpaste. You can either use it alone or mix it with a bit of baking soda to form a paste. Brush your teeth as usual. After a few times, you’ll notice that your teeth are whiter and smoother than ever before.
To Treat Dry Skin
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer that doesn’t have a lot of the harsh ingredients you’ll find in drugstore moisturizers. You can use it all over your body, and even on your face. It helps treat dry skin disorders like eczema really well, and can even clear up acne. A little bit goes a long way, so be careful to avoid greasy skin.
Coconut oil also makes a great makeup remover and will help get rid of acne causing dirt and oil in your skin.
Use it In Your Hair
You can use coconut oil as a conditioner for over processed or damaged hair. It’s extremely moisturizing, so if you have dry strands, a little bit of oil will help. You can simply substitute your regular conditioner in the shower and then rinse it out, or you can add a tiny bit of the melted oil (or rub it in your hands) to dry hair to add shine, moisture, and smoothness. It also tames static and fly aways. Use a tiny bit and add more if you need it; too much can weigh hair down. It can also help get rid of dandruff, so instead of buying expensive, medicated shampoo, put a dab of coconut oil on your scalp for almost instant results.
Treat Burns
Keep a jar of coconut oil in your kitchen to treat burns. It’s a natural soother, and has healing properties that will not only lessen the immediate pain, but will also reduce scarring in the future. As soon as you get a burn of any kind, treat it with coconut oil; a small dab will do. It will not take place of medical attention, however, so if you get a burn that is blistered or otherwise severe, seek medical attention.
Replace Your Deodorant
Mix coconut oil with baking soda for a totally natural deodorant that works wonders in keeping you feeling fresh all day long. If you want something close to the solid deodorant you may be used to using, you can mix cornstarch into your oil until you get the texture you’re looking for.
Use as Insect Repellent and To Treat Bug Bites
If you’re going outside where you know there’ll be bugs, mix some coconut oil with a drop or two of peppermint oil and rub a light coat onto your skin. Not only does it smell better, but it’s much safer than most DEET containing commercial brands of insect repellant.
Too late for repellent? If you’ve already got a bug bit that you can’t help but scratch, put a small dab of coconut oil on it to instantly relieve itch.
While that jar of coconut oil may seem pretty expensive, when you think of all the uses you’ll get out of it, you’ll see that it’s worth the money. While it may just seem like another kitchen product, once you start using it in other areas, you’ll be amazed at what it can do!
Conclusion
For most uses, the virgin, unrefined version is best, and a little bit goes a long way. With it’s heart healthy fats, amazing healing properties, and moisturizing abilities, you’ll soon be keeping a jar of coconut oil in every room in your house.