Organic coconut oil is an edible, multipurpose oil that’s worth having in your emergency supply or kitchen pantry. Regular consumers of this remarkable oil praise it for its amazing versatility, which includes culinary uses, applications in personal care and even housekeeping.
As a culinary ingredient, organic coconut oil is suitable for high-heat cooking and baking purposes, adding a pleasant, mellow flavor to recipes along with a creamy texture that many enjoy in their food or drinks. [1]
Organic coconut oil, especially the unrefined (extra virgin) kind, is also known to provide healthy fats and antioxidants like vitamin E and phenolic compounds. [2] Aside from contributing to your daily intake, these antioxidants help slow down fat oxidation, allowing organic extra virgin coconut oil to last longer in storage. [3]
When stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container, organic extra virgin coconut oil can last up to 5 years, making it a great, shelf-stable preparedness item to have around. [4]
10 Everyday Uses for Organic Coconut Oil You May Not Know About
For those curious about what all the hype is about, here are 10 uses for Organic Coconut Oil around the house: [5]
Natural source of MCFAs*
Pure organic coconut oil is made up of about 90% saturated fats and 9% unsaturated fats. But unlike the unhealthy saturated fats in animal products, the fats in coconut oil are mostly the good kind. According to a study published in Ghana Medical Journal, over 50% of coconut oil’s saturated fat content is made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are only 6 to 12 carbons in length. [6]
MCFAs make up medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a healthy type of saturated fat found only in a handful of food sources, including palm kernel oil, cow’s milk, goat’s milk, sheep’s milk and coconut oil. Examples of MCFAs include caproic acid (6 carbons), caprylic acid (8 carbons), capric acid (10 carbons) and lauric acid (12 carbons). [7]
Compared to long-chain triglycerides, MCTs are rapidly metabolized by the body due to their lower molecular weight and shorter chain length, thus serving as a quick and efficient source of energy. This means MCTs are not stored in the body as fat. Research also reveals that MCTs provide fewer calories than long-chain triglycerides, making them a healthier addition to your daily diet. [8]
Coconut oil can be incorporated into a healthy daily routine in various ways. As a dietary supplement – preferably with guidance from your healthcare provider – there is no established standard dose for coconut oil. But experts say 1 to 2 tablespoons (~28 grams) a day is enough for you to fully enjoy coconut oil’s nutritional benefits. [9]
If you prefer to consume the oil as part of your meals (or even beverages), here are excellent ways to enjoy organic coconut oil:
- Butter substitute – Coconut oil is an excellent butter substitute to use when baking. Aside from adding a distinct taste and contributing MCFAs, coconut oil can also make your baked goods crispier because it contains little to no moisture. [10] An interesting study published in the Journal of Food Science also reported that bread made with coconut oil has the same characteristics as bread prepared with butter and shortening, concluding that coconut oil is a fine substitute to use, especially for vegans and vegetarians. [11]
- Cooking oil – Because of its high smoke point, coconut oil is a wonderful cooking oil to use for sautéing, stir-frying, or roasting. Its high heat resistance is thanks to saturated fats, which are chemically more stable than unsaturated fats. This means that, unlike the latter, saturated fats are not easily damaged and don’t produce free radicals during cooking. This is why health-conscious consumers prefer using coconut oil over vegetable oils. [12] Note that extra virgin coconut oil has a lower smoke point than refined coconut oil, so it’s more suitable for quick sautéing and baking than frying. [13]
- Coffee enhancer – Some people prefer to put milk or creamer in their cup of joe, while others are content with something as simple as coconut oil. Aside from adding a healthy boost of MCTs to your morning coffee to get you going, coconut oil also enhances its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable to drink! [14]
Skin moisturizer
Pure organic coconut oil has natural properties that make it a great addition to your skin care routine. With its mixture of skin-loving vitamins like vitamins E and K, natural antioxidants and fatty acids, organic coconut oil can help nourish your skin while creating a barrier that helps lock moisture in, according to dermatologists. [15][16]
Important note: Before applying a product to your skin, perform a patch test to ensure it won’t trigger an allergic reaction or cause skin irritation.
Hair conditioner
Just as your skin needs moisture, your hair does, too. Natural oils like extra virgin coconut oil make the best conditioners for your hair because they contain only nourishing components and no toxic synthetic chemicals. In the case of coconut oil, research reveals that its high lauric acid content allows it to penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep moisture. Coconut oil also has a light, non-greasy texture and is suitable for various hair types. You can use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment or as a leave-in conditioner. [17]
Oil pulling
The practice of oil pulling has been around for ages. Recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners, this traditional method of cleaning the oral cavity involves swishing one tablespoon of an edible oil, such as coconut oil, in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes first thing in the morning. A non-toxic alternative to gargling with commercial mouthwash, the process of oil pulling itself, coupled with the natural cleansing properties of organic coconut oil, is believed to benefit oral health in many ways, especially when practiced as part of a proper oral care routine. [18]
Homemade toothpaste
Individuals seeking to avoid the toxic ingredients hiding in commercial toothpaste will find coconut oil very useful. Thanks to beneficial compounds like lauric acid, coconut oil is an excellent base for your homemade natural toothpaste. Here’s a simple recipe that requires only 3 natural ingredients: [19]
2 tablespoons organic extra virgin coconut oil
2 tablespoons baking soda
10 drops organic peppermint oil (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Combine coconut oil and baking soda in a clean, small jar with a tight lid until you form a paste.
- Add the peppermint oil (or any essential oil of your choice) a few drops at a time and mix well. Adjust until the flavor is to your liking.
- Store the jar in a cool place away from heat. Use a clean spoon or spatula for scooping to avoid contamination.
Massage oil
Coconut oil is perfect for massages because it is gentle on the skin, has a pleasant mild scent, helps retain skin moisture and leaves no greasy residue. [20] Pure organic coconut oil is also free of harmful chemicals, so you can relax and enjoy a simple massage without worrying about what goes into your skin.
As a bonus, coconut oil makes a great carrier oil for your favorite essential oils. Because pure essential oils are highly concentrated, diluting them in a carrier oil before topical application is a must to avoid skin irritation. [21]
Furniture, leather and appliance polish
Coconut oil isn’t known as an all-around oil for nothing; it has many uses in your home. Coconut oil is great for polishing and cleaning surfaces, whether it be wooden furniture, cutting boards, countertops, leather items or stainless steel appliances.
Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil into wood after cleaning helps preserve the grain, repels water and brings out its natural sheen. It also helps banish smudges when used to polish steel surfaces. [22] Coconut oil is also great for conditioning leather shoes, removing rust from tools and getting gunk off surfaces, especially residue from sticky labels. [23]
Where to get clean, lab-verified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for personal and household use
Coconut oil is a delicious and highly versatile oil obtained by pressing the fresh meat of the fruit that grows on the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera). Unrefined, or extra virgin, coconut oil is the best kind of coconut oil because it goes through very minimal processing, ensuring that it retains many of its beneficial components. So whether you’re looking to use coconut oil internally, externally or for your household needs, you can’t go wrong with organic extra virgin coconut oil.
For discerning consumers who prioritize quality and safety, the Health Ranger Store proudly offers Health Ranger Select Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 14 oz. An excellent source of healthy medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), our organic extra virgin coconut oil is obtained from natural sources and has not been chemically modified in any way. It is suitable for cooking, baking, personal and skin care routines or for all-around housekeeping.
Health Ranger Select Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 14 oz contains no gluten, GMOs, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or synthetic ingredients. It is also vegan, certified Kosher and organic, and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
For those looking to add this incredible oil to their emergency supply, we also offer Health Ranger Select Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 1 Gallon. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, light and moisture for maximum shelf life.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References:
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[5] https://coconutsandkettlebells.com
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[9] https://www.healthline.com
[10] https://medium.com
[11] https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[12] https://lilynicholsrdn.com
[14] https://www.healthline.com
[15] https://jamaicahospital.org
[17] https://www.hilarispublisher.com
[18] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[19] https://coconut-merchant.com
[20] https://www.lifeandpursuits.com
