Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most versatile oils. It has a variety of uses - for example, you can use it for cooking, for skin and hair care and for health purposes. Coconut oil is packed full of healthy antioxidants and is particularly rich in Vitamin E. So, let’s take a look at the advantages of using coconut oil.

Coconut oil in cooking

You can buy coconut oil as a pressed oil (kind of like olive oil) to cook with. This oil can add a wonderful coconut flavour to baking and cooking. It can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes - some people will also add it to drinks and smoothies as it can give a quick and effective energy boost. The properties of coconut oil also make it a good option when you are looking to lose weight - it makes you feel fuller quicker so you won’t be so tempted to overeat.

Coconut oil in skin/hair care

Coconut oil can make a great moisturiser as it is rich and is absorbed well into the skin. It can also be used as a hair conditioner and hair rinse. A lot of people also use coconut oil as a massage oil. And, of course, you’ll find coconut oil in all kinds of off the shelf beauty products including moisturisers, shampoos and conditioners, skin creams and soaps. The Vitamin E content of coconut oil is particularly beneficial, helping to moisturise and to cut back on the effects of ageing.

Coconut oil in health care

The high antioxidant content of coconut oil can help protect you against ageing and a range of illnesses and diseases. It can boost your immune system (so is great for colds and viruses) and can help maintain a healthy digestive system. The Lauric Acid content of coconut oil makes it a natural antibiotic so it can be used on conditions such as dandruff, cradle cap, candida infections and on sunburn. Some sufferers of skin conditions such as eczema also find it beneficial.