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Coconut oil tips that may lead to a healthier you

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coconut oil, whole coconut, halved coconut, glass jar with green twine bow filled with oil

I have the privilege and blessing of knowing a beautiful Korean woman. She’s in her mid-70s. I could probably write an entire post (or series) on the magnificence of this woman. A few years ago (so, yes, while she was still in her 70s) she and her husband (a few years younger) walked the entire Camino in Spain. That’s 500 miles! In reality, she’s walked much farther because I’ve been on many 100-mile walks with her, which were pilgrimages for religious freedom. This woman has been working on special project in recent years, alongside her husband. The two of them are building their dream home. I don’t mean that they have dreamed up a home and have hired people to build it for them. They — the two of them — are literally building it, brick by brick, slab of wood by slab of wood, river stone by river stone–themselves.

It’s amazing. They’re amazing. SHE is amazing. One can’t help but marvel over my friend’s beauty, inside and out. Her flawless skin is one of her most striking features. She has the smoothness and muscle tone of a woman half her age. Her secret? If you were to ask her, she will smile and giggle and say, “Coconut Oil!” That’s why we’re talking about coconut oil tips today!

Every single day, my beautiful Korean friend slathers herself in coconut oil. If you happen to have the pleasure of traveling with her, she passes her container of oil around as one might do with a tray of pastries at a party. Soon, an entire room of women on pilgrimage are glistening and emitting a tropical scent wherever they go! When I learned about my friend’s coconut oil habits, I became intrigued. I have since incorporated its use into my daily life in many ways. If you want smoother-looking skin, whiter teeth, a stronger immune system and a non-toxic product on your pantry shelves, then you need more coconut oil in your life!

Fatty acids are part of our coconut oil tips

coconut oil, fatty acid

There are at least eight different fatty acids in coconut oil. The oil comes from extraction of raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. Most of this oil is saturated fat, with a small portion of it being mono or polyunsaturated fat. It’s especially rich in lauric acid. You cannot ingest lauric acid on its own. However, it’s used to make monolaurin, which is a powerful antimicrobial agent that fights bacteria, yeast and viruses.

In addition to using coconut oil tips for skin care, many people cook with it, as well as use it medicinally and for personal hygiene, such as in homemade toothpaste. There is strong evidence showing that use of coconut oil helps helps lower LDL cholesterol. It is also known to improve brain function in Alzheimer patients.

Anti-inflammatory properties in coconut oil are good for your skin

coconut oil, girl, brunette, pimples on face, eyedropper squirting liquid

If you or someone in your household has psoriasis, eczema or contact dermatitis, you might want to try using coconut oil for skin care. It is known to reduce inflammation, which helps alleviate the rash and irritation associated with these conditions. You can use it topically or you can consume it. Both uses can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Acne is another skin condition that is closely associated with inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its antibacterial properties, make coconut oil a viable option for treating acne. You can also use coconut oil as a base carrier, then add quality essential oils, such as lemon, lavender and frankincense. Mix well and apply to acne several times per day. Many researchers also believe that coconut oil can help speed up healing for wounds.

It is one of the safest oils for cooking

coconut oil, hand pouring oil into frying pan

One of the reasons that cooking in corn or other vegetable oils is bad for your health is that they release toxic compounds under high heat. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has a very high saturated fat content. This helps it retain its structure when heated to high temperatures. This makes it a safe and healthy option for cooking, especially when frying foods.

Swish it in your mouth or use in homemade toothpaste

hand holding toothbrush with toothpaste on it

Coconut oil fights bacteria, including streptococcus mutans, which is what causes gum disease, plaque and tooth decay. Have you ever heard of oil pulling? You’ll want to use an edible, quality oil to start. You basically hold a spoonful of it in your mouth and swish it around as long as you can. It’s important to NOT swallow because, as you swish, the oil is collecting bacteria and other toxins. When you feel like you can’t swish any longer, spit it out.

Many people make homemade toothpaste with coconut oil, baking soda and therapeutic grade mint essential oil. My family loves using this in place of store-bought toothpaste. The flouride in store-bought toothpaste is a scientifically identified poison. Making your own toothpaste might be a safer option.

What are some of your favorite ways to use coconut oil?

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to give health or medical advice. The Hot Mess Press is not responsible for any results that may occur if someone tries the suggested uses for coconut oil mentioned in this post.

 

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