What’s so great about extra virgin coconut oil? What’s not to love about it! It has so many uses and can be used internally and externally. It’s a great natural alternative to things such as moisturisers, coconut oil for massage is great due to it’s high levels of hydration, it can be used in baking as a fat instead of butter, and even has anti-ageing properties. If you’re trying to steer away from the less natural products available, try this – you won’t be disappointed.
Coconut Oil should definitely be in your life, whether in your diet, or to protect your skin. Inside and out, coconut oil has many incredible benefits.
Over the years, our team have tried various different coconut oil brands but the one we love the most is this one from Koro as it’s un-refined and additive free.
If you fancy giving it a try, you can use the code- BECKY5 to get 5% off site wide. (Not an affiliate code).
What Is Coconut Oil Good For?
Coconut oil is a digestible oil extracted from the white flesh of matured coconuts. Coconut oil has risen up through the ranks in more recent years to now be one of the most popular forms of oil in both cooking and skincare.
Extra virgin coconut oil is said to be of a much higher quality than that of refined coconut oil. It’s also richer in antioxidant polyphenols as well as vitamin E. So, if possible, try to buy raw virgin organic as it will have much better benefits for you and your body.
- Improves digestion
- Great for hydrating the skin
- Relieves symptoms of inflammatory diseases
- Its antioxidant properties help support the function of organs such as – pancreatic, kidney, liver, and thyroid.
Nutritional Information
As you can see from the list below, this type of oil is all about fat. It contains no carbohydrates, or proteins. One serving (1 tablespoon) contains the following.
- Calories: 117
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Saturated Fats
Although seeing something that’s high in Saturated fat normally isn’t a good thing when we’re reading labels – that’s actually not the case with everything! The saturated fats are incredibly good for you and the health of your skin when in it’s natural form, as it is in coconut oil.
Capric /Caprylic/Lauric Fatty Acid
These three fatty acids have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties and as a result, when applied on the skin they protect us from microbial infections that can get into both wounds or through your pores. This same microbial action can also happen when coconut oil is taken internally as part of your diet. These fatty acids are also able to boost your immunity.
Another amazing thing these fatty acids can do is to give you a super boost of energy. Perfect to have as a quick boost before a workout or to get you going in the mornings.
Helps To Retain Moisture
Due to the presence of these saturated fats, coconut oil also helps to retain the moisture content in your skin once applied and allowed to soak in. However, when taken in as a food, the fats are deposited under the skin, which creates smoother looking skin from the inside. Another reason why it’s great to have coconut oil in your diet too.
Coconut Oil Aids Weight Loss
If taken on a regular basis, coconut oil is said to aid in weight management, or loss due to encouraging fat burning. However, coconut oil is very high in calories so make sure you take that into consideration, especially if you’re looking to lose weight.
Lastly, these three fatty acids can also help the look of your skin. Having skin that looks tighter, smoother and younger will create the effect of being leaner. Skin that clings to your muscles can be great for looking more toned.
Contains High Levels Of Vitamin-E
Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin, it helps to repair the skin, keeps it smooth and protects against cracked, chapped skin. However, most importantly vitamin E can prevent premature ageing of the skin. That’s what we all want right?!
Coconut Oil For Skincare
Coconut oil can be used in many different ways and for pretty much every part of your body. It works perfectly as an intense moisturiser, and many people believe it works better than most creams to smooth the skin. Plus, it’s so much cheaper than buying these incredibly expensive, chemical filled moisturisers. Coconut oil is also great for use in massage as it’s so hydrating.
If you plan to go away on a holiday, simply put some coconut oil into a container (leak proof as it liquifies in hot weather). Then apply as and when you need it. It also makes a great base for make-up when applied sparingly as it smooths the surface of the skin.
It works for everything you could possibly need it for when it comes to moisturising from – being a hydrating lip balm and body moisturiser. To aiding with skin issues such as dry skin, Eczema & Psoriasis, and removing make-up.
Coconut Oil Tips
If you’re new to using this type of oil, here are a few tips to ensure steer you in the right direction…
- Always buy it in a glass jar
- Buy extra virgin coconut oil where possible
- Buy raw and organic
- Leave to soak in to your skin BEFORE going out in the sunshine as it could make your skin more sensitive to sun burn
- Coconut oil for use in massage doesn’t have to be as high quality unless you’re planning on eating it as well
FAQ’s
Can I Drink Virgin Coconut Oil Everyday?
As with everything, especially when it comes to saturated fats, it should be consumed in moderation. Consuming up to 30 mls per day of coconut oil is said to be safe to do so.
Can I Use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil On My Face?
Yes! You can use coconut oil anywhere on your body.
Is It Good To Drink Virgin Coconut Oil?
There are so many benefits of drinking a little virgin coconut oil on a daily basis. It is said to improve heart health, and digestion. It can aid in healing burn, and killing harmful pathogens.
What Are The Dangers Of Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil contains approximately 14 grams of fat per serving, so you need to be careful not to over use it. Too much of this saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol which increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.
How Do You Use Coconut Oil For Massage?
You would simply apply a small amount of the coconut oil on to your skin and massage it in as you perform the massage. If your coconut oil is cold it will need warming up in your hands before using to turn it into a liquid.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post. Hopefully we have given you some inspiration to try coconut oil in your daily skincare regime.
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