8 Ways Coconut Oil Can Improve Your Life

What are the three things that comes to your mind when you think about a Malayali? Ask any of your non-Malayali buddies and I bet that 99% of the answers would include these three things – coconut oil, banana chips, and the Gulf – not a stereotype, just stating the facts.

Every time I meet friends who do not stay in Kerala, they ask me to get them a bottle of locally made coconut oil (banana chips being the second request). With its numerous benefits, coconut oil has emerged a hero with close to no possible substitutes. Every lifestyle/beauty blogger around the globe is currently vouching for the diverse benefits of coconut oil ranging from cooking to oil pulling. So here I am, drawing the many benefits of our own “kokonut oyil”. Let us begin!

The Ultimate Hair Potion

I agree with the fact that the amount of hair on your head is dependent on your genes. Having said that, it is always possible to have the best version of those inherited genes by putting in an extra effort. For the past many years, people have asked me about the secret behind my thick, curly hair and my answer has always been the same – coconut oil.  

Just heat it up or mix it with some essential oils (like lemongrass) or fenugreek paste and give your hair the much needed moisture it deserves with a quick head massage. Trust me, it will work wonders to your hair.

Quench The Thirst Of Your Skin

Apply it wherever you want, but be consistent with the application. The anti-ageing properties of coconut oil has been studied for decades and surprisingly, it still holds true to this very day. Just be careful about the amount you apply on your face so you don’t look like a marinated human being ready to be fried!

The Only Lip Scrub You’ll Ever Need

Mix some sugar granules with coconut oil and honey. Rub it over your lips and voila, you can say hello to squeaky-clean, plush lips with a wide smile.

Natural Make-up Remover

Make up removers available in the market are known to dry out your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil on your face, give it a good massage and that will melt your makeup down. Apart from that, coconut oil is said to be a good moisturizer for your eyelashes and eyebrows. 

Antidote For Any Insect Attack

A wasp stung me a few years ago and my father mixed a teaspoon of turmeric in coconut oil and applied it over the swollen area. The relief was almost instant. So the next time you pack your travel bag before venture out into the wild, pack a bottle of coconut oil in case of a probable insect attack.

The Morning Boost You Deserve

During an interview, Mandira Bedi shared that she would have a cup of black coffee with a spoon of coconut oil every day morning before her workout. I did a little bit of digging and found that by following Mandira’s morning ‘drink’ routine, there’s a boost in our metabolism and it improves our energy levels. Do give it a try.

Oil Pulling For Good Teeth & Gums

This is something which is much talked about on the internet today. Consistently doing oil pulling will definitely give you healthy teeth and gums. In addition to that, there are beauty bloggers who swear by its benefits. Apparently, their skin started clearing up after making oil pulling a part of their daily morning regime. So take a tablespoon of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach, swish it in your mouth for around 10-15 minutes and wash it off. I can guarantee that this routine will leave you with a ‘close-up smile’.

Olive What?

The many benefits of cooking in coconut oil will require a separate blog post in itself. You can use it as a salad dressing or just start by using 1/4th spoon of cold pressed virgin coconut oil every day when you cook dishes. The results will speak for itself.

Do you know of other ways to use coconut oil? If you do, please let us know in the comments section below.