Trippin’ with the Kandasamys is hot on Netflix, and it has brought back fond memories of the famous ‘kok-nut oil’ phrase. Aya Kandasamy, as she is referred to in the film, was definitely not wrong when she stressed the importance of coconut oil!
Here are 5 ways to use coconut oil:
Moisturiser for relief of dry, itchy skin
Research shows that coconut oil, which serves a similar purpose as conventional moisturisers, can improve skin conditions like dermatitis.
According to Healthline, the focus areas on the body to apply coconut oil would be the legs, arms, knees, and elbows.
Coconut oil can also be helpful to repair cracked heels. Apply a thin layer to the area before going to bed, and cover your feet with a pair of socks to lock in the moisture.
Even though the oil won’t cure any of your skin conditions, it can help provide relief from dryness, itching, and general irritation.
An ideal cooking oil
Coconut oil is a rich source of saturated fatty acids, which is what keeps the oil stable at high heat and high temperatures. This makes it an ideal cooking oil, Medical News Today says.
The oil is considered a superfood because it may have positive effects on your health, like improving brain function and heart health. Despite these wonderful benefits, it should still be used in moderation, and those who have high cholesterol levels should use it sparingly, according to Healthline.
Coconut oil can be used when making stir-fry, meat, eggs, or fish. It can also be mixed into sauces, or as a basting for coating meat. This is a popular choice for baking as well.
Natural conditioner
Allure suggests that if you’re struggling with dry, damaged hair that is prone to breakage, then coconut oil can be used as a leave-in treatment. This leaves hair feeling glossy and protected.
Natural lip balm
Healthline explains how our lips are extremely sensitive and vulnerable to harsh elements because the skin is thinner than most other parts of the skin. This is why coconut oil makes an ideal moisturiser for chapped lips.
Dental care
Oil pulling is becoming a popular process that dates back hundreds of years in South Asian and Indian medicine.
According to Colgate, the idea is for oil to be swished around your mouth with the aim of removing germs that lead to plaque and gum problems.
Current research shows that coconut oil can decrease plaque buildup on your teeth and fight gum disease.
A 2015 study revealed that oil pulling with coconut oil significantly decreased not only plaque buildup, but also signs of gingivitis in 60 participants with plaque-induced gum disease.
So, as much as coconut oil works wonders for the body, it is still important to be mindful of your health and skin conditions before choosing to apply or consume this product.
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