Clever Uses for Coconut
Coconut is a powerhouse; there isn’t much this fruit cannot do! There are probably over 100 uses, but we narrowed it down to 22! After reading these ideas, you’ll want to make sure this superfood is a staple in your cupboard.
Lifestyle:
Oil pulling: Swishing a teaspoon to a tablespoon every morning before any food or drink for up to 30 minutes will help to pull out plaque, bacteria, clear your sinuses, and can whiten your teeth. Be sure to spit the oil out in the garbage can and not in your sink since it can clog your drains.
Oil cleansing: Using only oil to clean your face at night is a great way to remove impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Coconut oil’s antibacterial properties will help with acne.
Thrush treatment: Caprylic acid in coconuts is a very potent anti-fungal. Try swishing coconut oil inside your mouth 2-3 times a day will help to eradicate thrush.
Vaginal yeast treatment: Making suppositories out of coconut oil and inserted vaginally can help eradicate fungal overgrowth and balance the body’s natural pH.
Natural SPF: Coconut oil is a natural SPF 5-10. When paired with light cotton clothing, you can protect your skin from sun damage without damaging the environment or hormones with toxic sunscreens.
Diaper balm: Diaper rash can be bacterial or fungal. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Allow baby’s skin to dry out and apply a good layer of coconut oil and let their tushies air out!
Deep hair conditioner: Using coconut oil as a deep conditioner or hair mask will help keep your hair shiny and smooth. Also, the healing properties of coconut will keep dandruff at bay.
Removes stains: Using coconut oil on the carpet when combined with baking soda is a great stain remover. Just work the two combined into the stain and sit for a few minutes, then wipe it up. The coconut oil will pull the stain up.
Deodorant: The antifungal and antibacterial properties of coconut oil will help your armpits avoid odor and stay clean all day long. Just a little bit goes a long way here.
Wood furniture polish: Coconut oil doesn’t leave a waxy residue on your furniture but provides a nice light oil to help keep it from drying out.
Leather cleaner: Rub coconut oil into spots where leather is dry scratched, or slightly discolored. Rub, rub, rub it in!
Makeup remover: Like old-fashioned cold cream, you can use coconut oil to remove makeup from your face without drying your skin out.
Helpful with weight loss: Consuming up to 2 tablespoons a day helps your body burn stored body fat. Try mixing it into your morning tea or coffee.
Tooth whitener: Brushing your teeth with straight coconut oil or natural toothpaste made with coconut oil will help to keep your pearly whites white!
Face and lip moisturizer: Instead of using a petroleum-based product, try using a small amount of coconut oil to moisturize your lips during the day. Also, coating your lips with a thick layer before bed will help to exfoliate and hydrate your lips for the next day.
MCT Oil: Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride that will boost your brain’s cognitive functions. Add it to your hot beverages, or a personal favorite of mine is to melt it and mix raw carrot ribbons with some sea salt. It is a beautiful snack to have that helps to balance hormones.
For frying: Most high heat fry oils are unstable and go rancid quickly. Most are rancid by the time you open the container. Try using coconut oil as your fry oil instead. It is more stable and is a good neutral flavor. Or try half coconut oil and half tallow or duck fat for an additional flavor boost.
Butter substitute in baking: If you avoid or need to avoid butter for a time, you can substitute coconut oil for the butter in your baking projects.
Coconut sugar instead of processed white sugar: Coconut sugar can substitute white sugar or brown sugar 1:1 in all baking projects and adds a fantastic flavor. It also makes a great caramel since it already has that deeper flavor.
Coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and prevents dehydration: Put that Gatorade down and replace it with coconut water that has more electrolytes in it. It is great for those hot days.
Season your cast iron: The next time you season your cast iron pan, try using coconut oil. It is very moisturizing without being greasy and can handle the high heat from cooking without breaking down.
Sticky door locks: Rub your key with coconut oil, then put it in the door lock, twist the key back and forth a few times, and voila! A smooth moving lock again.