Boasting an impressive range of health benefits and uses, organic extra virgin coconut oil is an incredibly useful survival food and preparedness item that deserves a place in your survival pantry. According to research, 62% of the oil present in coconuts are composed of three incredibly healthy fats: capric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid. Also known as MCFAs, these three healthy fats are at the ideal length for optimal absorption and metabolism, making them perfect for sustaining healthy energy levels. This, in turn, makes coconut oil incredibly useful for when you need to keep your energy levels up during a survival scenario. Furthermore, these healthy fats help make coconut oil the versatile superfood that it is.
Coconut oil has a high smoke point due to its natural abundance of healthy saturated fats, making it a nutritious substitute for cooking oil. It is suitable for high-temperature cooking and can even be used as a healthy substitute for butter. Aside from being a great cooking oil, coconut oil also makes for an excellent addition to smoothies and baking preparations.
Because coconut oil is high in lauric acid, it has natural soothing properties that allow it to be useful in making your own DIY carrier oil, insect repellent, skin moisturizer, hair conditioner and mouthwash or oil-pulling solution. Other survival applications of coconut oil include using it to clean, polish or lubricate tools, guns, leather and other objects, as well as using it to remove stains, preserve natural wood or for candle-making.
The many survival uses of extra virgin coconut oil**
Use it in smoothies – Add one to two tablespoons of coconut oil to your favorite pre- and post-workout smoothies and protein shakes for a little extra creaminess. This is also a delicious way to experience coconut oil's many health benefits. In order to avoid clumping, melt the coconut oil and blend it with ingredients that are already at room temperature.
Use it for your cooking and baking needs – Aside from cooking, you can also bake with coconut oil. If your recipe requires shortening, simply refrigerate coconut oil for a brief amount of time until it becomes firm and use it as a shortening alternative. You can also use it to replace vegetable oils because unlike other vegetable oils, coconut oil doesn’t form any harmful byproducts when heated.
Use it to moisturize your skin – Apply a pea-sized dollop of coconut oil on your hand and rub it onto your skin in a circular motion until warm.Allow the coconut oil to sit for five minutes before wiping away any residue to reveal smooth and supple skin. This works best when applied after showering. Those with dry skin might benefit immensely from using this all-natural moisturizer.
Use it as a carrier oil – Coconut oil makes for an ideal carrier oil since it naturally possesses soothing properties. The topical application of aromatic essential oils diluted in coconut oil can help soothe away feelings of mental fatigue. When paired with certain essential oils, coconut oil can even serve as a relaxing massage oil.
Use it to create a non-toxic insect repellent – When mixed with suitable essential oils, such as rosemary, thyme or citronella, coconut oil can be used to create a non-toxic natural insect repellent. A study from the journalScientific Reportsalso found that coconut oil contains compounds that can naturally repel mosquitoes, flies and bed bugs.
Use it to condition your hair – Apply a small amount of warm coconut oil on your palms and work it into dry or damp hair. For added fragrance, you can even dilute a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Comb your hair to distribute the oil evenly, then allow it to sit for 30 minutes or longer. Afterwards, thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo and warm water to remove excess residue.
Use it to remove stains – In order to create an effective DIY stain remover, simply mix one part coconut oil with one part baking soda thoroughly until the mixture forms a paste. Apply the paste on the stain on your carpet or furniture. After five minutes, wipe away the paste and the stain should be gone.
Use it for oil pulling – Simply swirl one spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes in the morning. Avoid swallowing. Spit the oil out and rinse with sea salt water for maximum freshness.
Use it to preserve natural wood – Keep your wooden furniture looking glossy and shiny by polishing it with coconut oil instead of commercial furniture polishes that may contain hazardous ingredients. You can even use coconut oil to help repel dust and safely bring out the beauty in natural wood.
Use it to make DIY emergency candles – You can make your own DIY candles with coconut oil and a few common household supplies to light up your home in case SHTF. Simply melt a combination of 3 parts wax flakes to 1 part coconut oil. After that, attach a cord or wooden wick to the bottom of a glass jar and pour in the melted mixture. Wait for the liquid wax mixture to set and solidify; you'll have a ready-to-use emergency candle.
Use it to clean and lubricate objects – Coconut oil can help remove tough spots and stains on your tools, grills and other metal or leather objects. Additionally, you can use coconut oil to lubricate your garden equipment, firearms, and other metal items that are prone to rusting.
