Ten surprising ways to use coconut oil
We all love coconut oil. It’s a very exciting ingredient, and a mainstay in vegan cooking. It also offers excellent nutrition as it’s full of healthy fats in the form of Omega oils.
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut flesh, and is at its best and most beneficial to human health when it’s the cold-pressed version. This means the oil is removed from the flesh by squeezing the freshly shredded coconut kernels without heating them. When the resulting liquid settles, it separates, leaving the pure oil on the surface which is then skimmed off and stored.
As well as being a superb choice for frying and baking, it’s also commonly used as a skin moisturiser and massage oil. But it’s so much more than that, and with so many different types available, isn’t it time you dived in and explored the possibilities offered by this awesome superfood?
Here’s a look at ten intriguing ways coconut oil can be used and enjoyed every day….
Coconut oil provides a natural, sugar-free way to soothe a sore throat. If your throat is dry and giving you grief, simply reach for a jar of this coconutty balm and swallow a teaspoonful. People have been using coconut oil in this way for thousands of years, and like them, you’ll find your cough and dryness lessening noticeably. And you needn’t worry about any nasties, as unlike cough sweets, coconut oil is perfectly natural, healthy and completely free from sugar or any artificial sweeteners.
Cheesecake is one of the finest things that exists, and coconut oil is the cheesecake addict’s best friend! It’s utterly brilliant in vegan cheesecakes as it replicates the luscious, creamy mouth feel provided by dairy, and softens the texture. You needn’t be saddled with a coconut taste either, as we sell an odourless, neutral-tasting coconut oil which is perfect for the job.
Coconut oil can be used as an alternative to shaving cream or shave oil. It provides a smooth, moisturising shave with less irritation. It’s at its best when applied to a clean area and left to sink in and soften the skin momentarily before shaving. Apply another layer after shaving to moisturise and soothe. You can experiment with different mixes to attain a world-class shaving experience by adding ingredients such as shea butter or aloe vera.
Coconut oil can be used straight as a lip-balm, but you can also melt it down and mix it with essential oils such as orange oil or almond oil, and also mix it with colours such as beetroot powder. Mix a little olive oil into it if you require a looser consistency. Apply some to your lips last thing at night, and when you wake up in the morning, you’ll be at your most kissable!
Even the most jaded wood will be revitalised with the addition of a few dabs of coconut oil. Whether it’s chopping boards, wooden bowls or wooden furniture, it acts as a natural polish, making wood appear deep and resonant in colour and healthy and natural in appearance. It also forms a thin surface layer which acts as a dust repellent, making the surface easier to wipe down.
Trying to serve homemade ice cream can sometimes be a bit of a mission, more suited to a pneumatic drill than a serving spoon! Supermarket ice cream tends to counter this by adding a huge whack of unhealthy fats to achieve a ‘soft scoop’ consistency. Healthy coconut oil is perfect for lending this consistency to your homemade ice crea. Add generous amounts to soften the texture for easier scooping – it’ll also result in a wonderfully creamy consistency.
There are few finer natural lubricants than Coconut Oil. If you’re annoyed by a noisy door, simply apply some to the problem area and it’ll sort those squeaks out! It’s also brilliant for bicycle chains – only a small amount is needed to free up even the stiffest links. Similarly, if you’re having trouble with an obstinate zip that keeps getting stuck, apply a tiny amount of coconut oil, and hey presto – problem solved!
Coconut oil is a splendid natural hair conditioner – it detangles the strands and moisturises them. When applied to clean hair and left – preferably overnight – it acts as a ‘hair mask’. It can help prevent dandruff when applied directly to the scalp, and can even prevent hair loss by penetrating the hair shaft to prevent protein loss and breakage. Not only that – it actually stimulates hair growth by removing buildup around the follicles.
Coconut oil is superb as an ingredient in smoothies. It adds an excellent source of energy, and thickens them too, as well as adding prime nutrition with those all-important cholesterol-lowering beneficial fats. Try mixing coconut oil with fruit, flax seeds, chia seeds and a splash of water for an energising breakfast pick-me-up which will invigorate your body and keep you on your toes all day!
Do you need to exfoliate but want to pamper your skin at the same time? This wonderful recipe combines the natural lubrication and skin-friendly qualities of coconut oil with pink Himalayan salt, rose petals, vanilla and rose water to create a gorgeously-scented luxury body scrub which will leave you feeling revitalised and at your most beautiful. The coconut oil not only binds the ingredients together but will also moisturise even the driest, most tired pores! Warm the scrub a little before use to make it easier to apply.
Come and dive headlong into the exciting world of Coconut Oil! We have a massive choice of products encompassing everything you could possibly need for all your cooking and beauty requirements. Peruse our extensive range of coconut oils and you’ll see there’s no excuse not to be well-nourished and glowing with health and beauty.