Coconut Oil Uses

Coconut oil has been in use since ages, in fact it alone was the main source of dietary cooking oil for millions of people who lived in the tropical regions or along the coast. Coconut oil is extracted from dried copra, the dried kernel. The dried coconut is cut into small pieces facilitating easy extraction. It is mildly cooked in a steamer to enhance its moisture content, and then pressed for oil. The pressed oil is then filtered to obtain pure and clean coconut oil. Another method of coconut oil extraction involves the use of coconut milk. The quality of the coconut oil is dependent upon various factors; quality of the dried coconut and extraction process.

What is Coconut Oil Used for?

Cooking
Coconut oil consists of nearly ninety percent of saturated fats, the good fats that is. It is a heat stable oil, that makes it excellent for cooking and even frying. Unlike other vegetable oils, coconut oil's saturated fats do not cause harm as they do not increase LDL levels, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The fat in the oil aids digestion and ensures adequate absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is also known to stimulate metabolism and control free radicals. It helps nourish the skin and hair from within.

Weight Loss
As coconut oil does not contain harmful fatty oils, it helps the body to either maintain body weight or lose excess weight. The mechanism is simple, there is no excess fat deposit, and with an energized metabolism, calories get burned fast. One can check this virtue of coconut oil in the people who live along the coast and use coconut oil as their primary source of cooking oil, they are never fat or obese. Regular use of coconut oil helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid system.

Hair Care
Coconut has been used as a natural nourishment for hair by men and women for ages now. By regularly massaging it into the scalp and hair, it conditions the hair and scalp, helps in preventing hair fall and promotes healthy hair growth. It aids in repairing damaged and split hair. The scalp can be kept free of dandruff, lice and any other scalp infection with the use of coconut oil. Many hair care products make use of coconut oil as a vital ingredient.

Skincare
Coconut oil's high emollient properties help nourish the skin, while its molecular structure allows for easy absorption. The use of pure coconut oil helps in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other skin related conditions. An application of coconut oil on cuts, wounds and abrasions speeds healing and its anti bacterial properties ensure that the infection does not spread. As coconut oil prevents free radicals, it is excellent for smoothing and nourishing dry and wrinkled skin. A lot of skin care products are based on coconut oil.

Besides the above, coconut oil has industrial uses such as diesel engine fuel (still under test), engine lubricant, transformer oil and as an ingredient in pest control medicines. Coconut oil is not expensive, so one can derive its benefits without spending too much.