Join Basmati.com every week for a Q&A session with one of Basmati’s practitioners, Melissa Hill (FDN-P)! We know that there is a lot of confusing information out there, which can make applying health advice overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s best to ask a practitioner directly, so each week we’ll cover a common health question!
Do you have a health question you’d like to ask? Write to us at editors [at] basmati [dot] com () and your question could be chosen and featured in a future column!
Q. What’s so great about coconut oil? How can I use it?
There have been many studies done showing the positive impact of virgin coconut oil on:
- Improving lipid profiles, increasing HDL, and lowering levels of LDL
- improving or reversing Alzheimer’s
- improving skin conditions
- fighting candida overgrowth
- killing many bacteria and viruses
- providing peak energy for performance
- promoting weight loss while preserving muscle mass
- improving type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- nourishing hair and skin
Beyond its potential major health benefits, coconut oil also has great everyday uses like:
Skin Application
Topical application of oil is an amazing solution for young, beautiful, flawless skin. In addition to being a great moisturizer, it helps to nourish and heal your skin, and its antibacterial properties can be an effective treatment for acne. Additionally, its cooling properties can help reduce skin irritations. Coconut oil’s antioxidant properties also serve as natural protection from sun damage and free radicals.
It is also a great choice because it’s all-natural! No hidden chemical ingredients to worry about! Try using it as the base to replace many of your personal care products by making them yourself with coconut oil.
Pre-wash Hair Conditioner
For healthier and smoother hair, use coconut oil as a natural pre-wash hair conditioner. It can help treat dry scalp, reduce dandruff, promote stronger hair, and help hair retain its natural moisture. Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil into your dry scalp and leave it on for about 5 minutes (or more) before rinsing. Your dry and dull hair will now be softer and silkier with a healthier scalp.
Dental Health
Because of its anti-microbial properties, coconut oil can be used as a base for homemade toothpaste, or use it in oil puling to break up plaque and pull out accumulated toxins.
Cooking
Because of its ability to withstand high heat, coconut oil is a must-have ingredient in the kitchen. Unlike other vegetable oils, coconut oil maintains its structure even at high heat, which means no oxidation and rancidity, making it perfect for high-heat cooking. Try it for sautéing veggies, roasting, and baking. Coconut oil can improve the flavor of most foods, especially chicken, fish, and vegetables. Coconut oil can be a tasty, essential part of your healthy diet.
Be sure to look into the type of coconut oil you are buying and consider how it was processed and refined to choose the kind best suited for your needs. You can read about the properties and benefits of the different types here.
