Coconut oil can be used in an assortment of ways as a natural and healthier replacement to some of the foods, oils and chemicals people eat or use. Just searching “different ways to use coconut oil” on Google will lead you to more than 70 different ways to use coconut oil.

Why use coconut oil?

According to Dr. Axe Food is Medicine, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglyceride and fatty acids (MCFA's), which are easy for the body to burn and use as energy. Coconut oil also includes three unique fatty acids of lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid, all of which are highly beneficial in helping parts of the body such as the immune system. Source: draxe.com/.

Unrefined VS Refined

According to Wellness Mama, unrefined (also known as organic or virgin) coconut oil retains its beneficial properties through a wet-milled fermentation process that is applied with heat. The process has been found to yield the highest antioxidant levels and lowers bad cholesterol. Refined coconut oil sees a lot of the healthy benefits lost due to the chemical process of deodorizing and bleaching the coconut.

Here is a list of 16 ways to use coconut oil:

Food

Butter: Can be used as a healthy substitute, while also bringing a slight coconut taste to your toast.

Cooking or baking oil: Due to its high smoke point (the temperature at which oil begins to smoke at) coconut oil is a good replacement for other oils in cooking or baking. Just add a bit to your pan and you won't have to worry about your food sticking while you cook.

Cream for your coffee: Can be used as a replacement for dairy creamers while acting as an energy booster because of the saturated fats boosting your brain power.

Natural throat lozenge: Coconut oil works in soothing the throat and also helps boost up the immune system. If you don't want to swallow it as is, Coconut Mama has a great recipe for making homemade cough drops: thecoconutmama.com/homemade-cough-drops.

Information source: draxe.com/coconut-oil-uses.

Beauty and Skin

Moisturizer: Apply a quarter-size amount of coconut oil to your warm skin after a shower to help it sink in. When applying the oil to your face, wash your face, pat it dry and then warm up a pea size amount of coconut oil in your hands. Rub it in a circular motion on your face. Let sit for five minutes then wipe away the oil left on the surface of your skin with a washcloth.

Exfoliator: Combine coconut oil and crushed coffee beans or sugar or sea salt to create a nice scrub to get rid of dead skin. Gently apply it to wet skin and wipe off with water.

Shaving cream: apply to where you need to and shave away. Your skin will be smoother, less irritated and decrease the risk of ingrown hairs.

Sunscreen and Sunburn Remedy: due to its SPF 4, coconut oil makes for a good sunscreen substitute and its nutritional benefi ts promote healing on burns.

Oil pulling: is used to detoxify the mouth of bad bacteria to help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes and spit it out in the trashcan (not the sink) and rinse your mouth with sea salt water.

Information sources: draxe.com/coconut-oil-uses, wellnessmama.com/5734/coconut-oil.

Medicinal

Sleep Aid: Slip it in some tea to help reduce anxiety and aid in sleeping.

Alzheimer's treatment: Research indicates that coconut oil seems to work as a natural and effective treatment for Alzheimer's and brain health. According to Dr. Axe Food is Medicine, one study recommends taking one tablespoon three times a day.

Cancer defense: Medium-chain fatty acids like coconut oil have been proven to be a protection against certain types of cancers. The oil's antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties help boost the immunity system to aid even further in fighting against cancer.

Information credit: draxe.com/coconut-oil-uses

Hair

Anti-frizz: Use a tiny amount of coconut oil and rub it through your hair to get rid of annoying frizz.

Shampoo: Helps retain the colour, treat dandruff and make your hair soft and shiny. Make sure to not use too much and to rinse twice. If the oil weighs your hair down, use less next time.

Conditioner: Coconut oil can strengthen hair and maintain its moisture. Rub the oil in your dry hair and work from the bottom up. Do not put it on your scalp. Leave it in for several hours before washing it out with several rounds of shampoo. The amount of oil you use will be dependent on your hair type and length.

Information credit: draxe.com/coconut-oil-uses, wellnessmama.com/5734/coconut-oil