Coconut Oil Properties and Benefits

Organic Coconut Oil is a superfood and a natural beauty hero with uses not only in the kitchen but in the bathroom too. As well as providing rich plant-based moisturisation Coconut Oil also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used for a whole host of natural beauty purposes by the entire family.

As well as many beauty benefits, coconut oil is extremely useful, delicious and nutritious in all things culinary and can be used in everything from smoothies to stir-fries but how do you know which oil to use in the bathroom and which one to use in baking? We will explain all for you now.

What is Organic Coconut Oil used for?

Organic Coconut Oil is a robust, stable oil that is easy to produce in a sustainable and organic way.

The main compound found in Coconut Oil is Lauric Acid. This fatty acid is similar in structure to a human mother’s milk, supporting the body’s metabolic processes as well as providing antimicrobial and antifungal protection. Lauric Acid is converted by the human body into a compound called Monolaurin which can help support immunity when consumed and applied topically to the skin as it inhibits the growth of common viruses and invaders.

Coconut Oil Health Benefits:

Organic Coconut Oil also contains Capric Acid and Caprylic Acid which further protect against fungi and microbes. All in all coconut oil is a powerful yet super gentle food and beauty source that can protect and soften our skin and provide vital nutrients for optimum bodily functions.

Benefits of Cooking with Coconut Oil:

There is an ongoing debate about which oils are best to cook with and new research is constantly being updated. The main questions to consider are the volatility of the oil, the flavour, the purpose, the price and how sustainable the oil is in terms of how it is produced and its effects on the environment.

Can I substitute Vegetable Oil for Coconut Oil in Baking?

For cooking, the higher the smoke point (the temperature at which the oil undergoes molecular transformation and begins to break down) the better. Avocado oil and Coconut Oil have very high smoke points. Olive oil can also withstand a relatively high heat. From a nutritional point of view, it is always preferable to keep frying to a minimum and to always opt for cold-pressed and organic oils.

The Coconut Company does a great “Organic Coconut Cooking Oil”, it is very versatile and great for cooking at high temperatures. Perfect for baking and roasting as the taste does not overwhelm the food. Instead of reaching for a standard vegetable oil try this 100% organic product instead. The clever team at The Coconut Company have steered clear of any harsh processing techniques and instead used a natural filtration process to remove the coconut aroma leaving a natural taste ideal for all forms of cooking, frying or baking.

Beauty Uses of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

The beauty Uses of organic coconut oil are endless as coconut oil has many skin benefits. The Coconut Companies’ “100% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” is made from carefully selected fresh hand-picked coconuts grown in the Philippines using a traditional village-based ‘cold’ production process. This process is an ancient art form used by Filipinos for centuries which ensures the product remains 100% raw which is better for all kinds of beauty treatments.

Here are a few of the main beauty uses which you could use The Coconut Companies 100% “Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” for.

Coconut Oil As a Body Moisturiser:

Coconut Oil makes an incredible all-over body moisturiser as it is high in fatty acids. Whilst most conventional manufactured body creams contain water, which gives the sensation of moisture but dries on the skin relatively quickly after being applied, oils like coconut oil provide much deeper nourishment and avoid the many chemical compounds used to make shop-bought and big brand modern body lotions, body creams and body butter.

As Coconut Oil is easily absorbed, a little amount actually goes a long way. We recommend applying a thin layer all over the body or on the desired area after your bath or shower.

Coconut Oil As a Face Moisturiser:

As a facial moisturiser organic coconut oil can help with pimples and breakouts because of its naturally occurring antibacterial properties. It is a soothing moisturiser but use sparingly at first and perhaps use before bed for extra moisturisation over night time. It also makes an excellent base cream from which you can add one drop of your favourite essential oil too such as Lavender Essential Oil.

Coconut Oil as a Face Cleanser:

Used with a soft renewable cotton pad or a warm muslin cloth, coconut oil can also be used as a very gentle but effective face cleanser to remove all types of make-up.

Coconut Oil For Hair:

Organic Coconut Oil is an amazing all in one hair treatment that will give shine and vitality to dry or damaged hair. While many oils simply coat the hair and are then rinsed out, coconut oil’s unique structure means it can penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep nourishment from within.

A very useful travelling companion – why don’t you try taking a pot of organic coconut oil on your next holiday as it will become your go-to treatment for any beauty emergency from the sea, sand or sun!

As a hair treatment simply comb some coconut oil through dry hair and leave it on for a minimum of twenty minutes before washing out as usual. For an extra deep conditioning treatment leave hair wrapped up in a towel overnight before washing out the coconut oil in the morning.

Benefits of Oral Coconut Oil:

Oil pulling with extra virgin coconut oil is an ancient method of cleaning the mouth and maintaining optimum oral health. Oil pulling can perfectly complement brushing teeth with toothpaste because regular oil pulling can help fight gum disease, bad breath and inflammation. Usually about half an inch of Coconut Oil is taken into the mouth and swilled around for ten minutes or longer so that the oil can suffocate bacteria, help draw out toxins and break down plaque. 

It also has a natural teeth-whitening effect but be sure to spit the oil into the bin afterwards and brush and rinse your mouth out thoroughly after. Do not swallow any of the oil you have taken into the mouth as this will contain the bacteria you are removing with the oil.

Although the Coconut Companies’ “100% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” is great for beauty treatments it can still be used in cooking as extra virgin coconut oil is a great substitute for vegetable oils in almost all types of cooking and it is delicious as a dairy free alternative to butter or margarine!

You could also use a spoonful of organic extra virgin coconut oil in smoothie recipes as the refreshing coconut taste will combine well with bananas, cashew nuts, berries and any other ingredients you usually have in your breakfast smoothie. It’s also delicious in stir-fries and will enhance any Thai stir-fry recipe!

Click on the image to discover the amazing range of coconut products at Organics.com

Instead of buying your usual coconut products from big retailers on the high street like Holland & Barrett or online giants like Amazon we believe in supporting transparent and ethical smaller businesses like The Coconut Company who source and produce the very best Organic Coconut Oil and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for all your bathroom and kitchen needs.

The Coconut Company work with local communities in the Philippines to ensure the best quality sustainable products and they do many more specialised coconut products as well for use in culinary dishes such as their Organic Coconut Flour and Organic Coconut Nectar to Organic Coconut Sugar and Organic Coconut Aminos… check out a wider selection of their range here: The Coconut Company