9 Awesome Uses For Coconut Oil and Recipes (2024)

I love coconut. I love coconut water. I love coconut milk. I love coconut meat. Perhaps most of all, I love coconut oil. During themany trips I’ve made to the Caribbean (one of my favourite parts of the world), one of the things I loved most is getting fresh coconut right off the beautiful palms!

Coconut oil – along with basically every other fat – got a bad rap back in the 70s and 80’s when we were told that fat was the worse thing for us. Now,research is showing that thelow-fat diet craze was based on a load of hooey. Is ita coincidence that since tropical oils have become commonly regarded as dietary nightmares and heart attack-inducers, obesity rates and cardiovascular disease continue to rise?

Cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil is a miracle food. It is incredibly nourishing, healing, protective and delicious.

Coconut oil is amazing. It’s beneficial properties are related to its fatty acid composition and structure. This oil is made up of medium-chain fats, which are absorbed immediately by the body and used for a variety of functions, instead of being tucked away as fat. It also contains specific fatty acids called lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

There are many, including:

Digestion

Since coconut oil is easy to digest, it’s a good option for those who are interested in healing the gut or addressing digestive issues.Itsanti-microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that can impact the digestive tract. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Weight Loss

Coconut oil is very useful in reducing weightbecause of thosemedium-chain fatty acids. Research shows that coconut can not only help us lose weight, but burn fat more effectively, change body composition and reduce the size of our waistsin particular.

Stress Relief

New research suggests that it may have anti-stress and antioxidant properties.You can also use it as a massage oil, which will definitely help with stress reduction too!

Immunity + Infections

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which can help fight staph infectionsand skin infections.Coconut oil’s anti-viral and anti-bacterialproperties can fight harmful bacteria such as listeria and h.pylori (a common cause of stomach ulcers and other digestive issues).It’s alsoeffective on fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis(candida), ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.

Hair Care

It helps your hair grow healthy and strongandcan evenkeep your scalp lice-free.It is an excellent conditioner and helps reduce protein loss in undamaged and damaged hair.

Skin Care

I always say that you should have three jars of coconut oil: one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom and one for the bedroom. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins. It is a safe solution for preventing dryness and skin flakingand boost skin’s hydration.It also protects us from UV radiationand addressesvarious skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

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Wound Healing

When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues. It can help to heal burnsand wounds.

Heart Disease

Coconut oilcontains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful to our hearts; in fact, they help improve lipid profilesand reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes + Blood Sugar Balance

Fats are incredibly power foods for balancing blood sugar, since they help us feel satiated and slow down the absorption of sugar.Coconut oil helps control blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

Brain + Nervous System Health

Nutritious saturated fats such as coconut and ghee nourish the brain and nervous system. Research shows that medium-chain fats can improve memory and cognitionin patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, while high-fat diets (such as ketogenic diets) can protect the brainand treat neurological conditions.

Liver + Kidneys

Animal studies show that coconut oil can improve liver functionand protect against liver damage.

Bone Health

Coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin D, as well as calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for development of bones.Animal studies show that coconut oil mayhelp prevent bone loss, too.

How to Choose Coconut Oil

I opt for organic, unrefined coconut oil in glass jars because it’s minimally processed and isn’t cut with chemicals. However, it’s always important to read labels to make sure that you know what you’re getting.

Seriously, add this oil into your diet. Replace vegetable oil, butter or margarine with coconut oil. Replace your fancy moisturizers with coconut oil. Replace your morning cup of tea with hot water and coconut oil. Get on it. Go!

7 Amazing Coconut Oil Recipes

Here are some of my favourite recipes to help you join the coconut oil fun.

Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

A moist and delicious gluten-free, dairy-free lemon poppyseed muffin with lemon cream frosting. And, because it uses chickpea flour, it’s higher in protein and fibre.

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Wild Blueberry Crumble Recipe

In this recipe, coconut oil replaces butter to create a crunchy and crumbly topping. Use whatever fruit is in season to make this a year-round treat.

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Caramel Fudge Chocolate Bar

Coconut oil and chocolate are the perfect combo. This multi-layered, healthy caramel fudge bar is a delicious treat that you should probably make once you’ve finished reading this post.

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Easy Thai Red Curry (with vegan and Paleo options)

A one-pot, full meal deal that features coconut flavours and red curry paste, which is extremely anti-inflammatory.

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Brain-Fueling Hazelnut Coconut Fudge

The thick texture of the oil combined with nuts make this low-sugar treat incredibly fudgy and very delicious.

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Fat-Fueled Morning Elixir Recipe

A fat-rich morning elixir to keep blood sugar stable, your immune system humming and your skin glowing. You can grab more elixir ideas here.

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Grain-Free Coconut Cookies (Toddler Super Cookies)

Easy to make, no bake cookies that are winners with toddlers and children.

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Header image: iStock/jurgakarosaite

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