Word on the street is that coconut oil can fix pretty much everything, and we couldn’t agree more. Frizzy hair? Coconut oil. Dry skin? Coconut oil! Ran out of cooking spray? Coconut oil. It’s no wonder we use this ingredient in ALL of our gr8nola flavors!
Coconut oil is well known for its superfood properties and impressive health benefits, many of which are derived from their potent content of healthy saturated fats. We always keep a jar or two stocked in our pantry -- mostly as a clean ingredient when we whip up snacks, but also for a variety of other lifestyle reasons. We’ve compiled a list of eight ways you can smooth out your life (and hair, skin and nails…) with a lil coconut oil!
8 Clever Everyday Uses For Coconut Oil
1. Coffee Creamer
Adding coconut oil to your morning java is a great way to kickstart your metabolism, raise your levels of good cholesterol and increase your energy levels. Plus, it makes for a smooth and creamy brew with a subtly delicious flavor! Try out this Coconut Oil Coffee recipe for a superfood-packed concoction.
2. Skin Moisturizer
Looking for a healthy glow? Apply some coconut oil directly onto your skin (unless your pores get clogged easily) for a silky smooth finish. Its high MCT content helps your skin retain its moisture, while its high vitamin E content assists in skin growth wrinkle prevention. It has even been known to help reduce the appearance of scarring and stretch marks!
3. Natural Toothpaste
Coconut oil has strong antibacterial properties and a high vitamin and mineral content that can slow down tooth decay and reduce plaque without eroding your tooth enamel. It’s even said to fend off bacterial stains that cause infections and bad breath! We like this Coconut Oil Toothpaste Recipe because it only requires a few (all-natural) ingredients.
4. Sunburn Remedy
We’ve already mentioned the extra-moisturizing properties of coconut oil, so it should be no surprise that coconut oil is an ideal treatment for sun damaged skin. If you happen to suffer sunburn and would like to use coconut oil to expedite your skin’s healing process, start applying coconut oil two days post-sunburn. During the first two days, you should apply pure aloe vera as frequently as possible on the affected areas, and drink plenty of water to restore your skin’s hydration!
5. Natural Deep Conditioning For Your Hair
Amp up your conditioner game by topping your conditioner-saturated hair with a layer of coconut oil. Leave the coconut oil and conditioner on your hair for at least 15 minutes prior to rinsing -- you can even wrap your hair in a towel and deep condition it overnight. The longer you allow the oils to saturate your hair, the smoother your hair will be once you rinse it out! If you have thin hair, you may want to avoid applying coconut oil to your scalp as it could potentially weigh your hair down.
6. Eye Makeup Remover
Skip the chemical cleaners and the wear and tear that accompanies washcloths and cotton pads. Opt for pure coconut oil as your new makeup remover -- simply melt a tablespoon of coconut oil by rubbing it within your hands (your body heat will do the trick!) and gently rub your eye makeup off. Once your makeup has washed off, rinse and pat your face dry!
7. Non-Stick Cooking & Baking
Swap out vegetable oils for pure coconut oil in your favorite recipes, and thank us later. Scoop a dollop into your frying pan prior to whipping up your next batch of pancakes, or rub coconut oil all over your bread baking pan before you bake your next loaf of banana bread. If you prefer using cooking sprays, we suggest Trader Joe's Coconut Oil Non Stick Cooking Spray. Sit back and watch as your nonstick worries disappear!
8. Massage Oil
With its skin-smoothing benefits, coconut oil makes for a wonderful natural massage oil. If you’re looking to ease sore muscles, make sure to use fractionated coconut oil which is a liquid, light and non-greasy oil. It doesn’t stain sheets or clothing and is easily washable -- and lacks the coconut scent that coconut oil may have, so you don’t have to worry if you are sensitive to the scent!
What’s your favorite way to use coconut oil in your everyday life? These are all pretty gr8, but we must say we love our coconut oil-packed gr8nola the most!
