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5 Smart And Practical Uses For Coconut Oil
Imagine if there was an item that you could use for literally everything ranging from your cooking, for your skin care, teeth, and the pets? Coconut oil is that product you have been looking for all this time. It has been gaining popularity in the beauty industry owing to its anti-inflammatory characteristics. In the kitchen, coconut oil adds up as the perfect super=food with its numerous nutritional values to the body. Its delightful odor and flavor make it a favorite pick for most people regardless of its intended use. This piece will focus on informing you about five of coconut oil’s popular uses.
Cooking
Coconut oil has high levels of saturated fat content. According to research and tests, 87% of its fat is saturated. This feature makes it very stable for use at high temperatures beyond 177°C which makes it great for high heat searing and cooking. Saturated fats like coconut oil, retain their compound structures when heated to high temperatures. On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as vegetable oils smoke out when heated to such temperatures. Oils such as safflower turn into toxic compounds when heated to high levels of temperature which may tag adverse effects to health. This unique feature makes coconut oil a safer alternative for cooking.
Moisturizing skin
Coconut oil keeps the skin hydrated. It is rich in fatty acids and absorbs through the skin quickly. Coconut oil is usually recommended for those with dry skin as it improves elasticity, complexion, and suppleness. Depending on the body part you need to improve, it can be used on the entire body or the face. However, people with very oily skin are advised to stay away from coconut oil.
Eases inflammation
Coconut oil has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation emanating from skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis could benefit immensely from coconut oil intake or application. According to studies, it reduces inflammation by improving antioxidant status. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals found in the body which neutralize reactive atoms responsible for inflammation. Compared to other oils such as sunflower oil, coconut oil was tested and proven to have one of the best antioxidant statuses that makes it one of the best oils in easing inflammation.
Removes stains
Apart from beauty and kitchen use, coconut oil also cleans out stubborn greasy, wax and fat-based stains on fabric furniture and clothing. It works best when coupled with baking soda. After applying the mixture on the stain spot, you will let it sit for a few minutes which allows the coconut oil to break down the stain. This method isn’t recommended for stains on walls, leather and vinyl furniture.
Dental health
For decades, people have used coconut oil to improve oral health and keep dental diseases at bay. Its compounds have proven to be a powerful weapon against bacteria especially the notorious Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria are found in the oral space and responsible for tooth decay, dental plaque build-up, and gum disease. Experts recommend swishing with coconut oil for about ten minutes. This practice is known as oil pulling and is equally as effective as rinsing antiseptic mouthwash in killing bacteria. Patients suffering from inflammation emanating from gingivitis, gum diseases, and dental cavity sensitivity can use coconut oil to reduce the pain. Swishing daily helps contain any pain in the oral space.
Final note
As discussed above, we can conclude that coconut oil offers multiple clever and practical uses. You won’t find many products with as many applications as coconut oil. Be sure to have plenty of it coconut oil on hand.