Coconut Oil for the Body: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions

The popularity of coconut oil has risen in recent years as a result of its alleged health benefits. Coconut oil has been a popular choice for its many flexible uses as consumer demand for plant-based foods grows. But while it may not be a cure-all for health problems, there are great benefits when using coconut oil for the body and skin.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a type of edible oil derived from the kernels of ripe coconuts. It is entirely made up of fat, with 80-90 percent of it being saturated fat. It has a firm texture at cold or room temperatures as a result of this. Coconut oil contains numerous forms of saturated fatty acids, which are smaller molecules that make up fat. The fatty acids in the oil potentially have the ability to fight dangerous microbes such as viruses and fungus, which could help avoid infections.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated lipids are also present in trace amounts. Coconut oil is cholesterol and fibre-free with trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols. Plant sterols are cholesterol-like compounds found in low concentrations in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains.

What are its uses?

Coconut oil has grown in popularity as a healthy alternative to vegetable oils, with numerous health benefits in culinary applications and beauty and skincare treatment. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is a healthier option for high-heat cooking and frying. It is a great ingredient for homemade salad dressing and when consumed in the recommended amount, its plant sterols can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in human blood when consumed in the right amounts.

How and why did people come up with the idea of using coconut oil for the body?

Coconut oil has been used in tropical regions for centuries. However, we are now just discovering the varied uses of the oil and its benefits driven by the dissatisfaction with currently available vegetable oils dominated by soybean oil and trans fats.

According to research, populations in the South Pacific and Polynesia that consumed large amounts of coconut in their diet stayed healthy and fit, with a low incidence of heart disease. Coconut oil contains a lot of medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid by nature. While coconut oil is one of the few natural sources of lauric acid, it’s also found in breast milk, which helps newborns’ immune systems. Coconut oil has lately been shown to benefit cardiovascular, immunological, and skin and hair health, as well as weight management.

Coconut oil uses for the Body

Coconut oil offers a variety of benefits when used on the body due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Moisturising

Coconut oil benefits for the body and skin include moisturising. Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids, which help to relieve inflammation and moisturise the skin. It can be used to hydrate your face, arms, and legs, as well as to soothe chapped lips. To make it easier to apply the oil to the skin, warm it first in the palm of your hands.

Coconut oil is so gentle and kind to the skin that mums are now being recommended to use it for cleansing and ‘oiling’ their newborns!

Treat skin conditions

Using coconut oil for body and skin conditions can provide relief from eczema and help heal acne. It contains lauric acid that kills harmful bacteria on the skin. It can also protect the skin from scars. Coconut oil makes exfoliating and cleaning simpler since saturated fats relieve irritation and inflammation.

Coconut oil body wrap for weight loss

Body wraps can help you lose weight quickly, especially if you have a big event coming up in a few days. They tighten and moisturise the skin while also removing impurities and reducing cellulite.

Whether you want to shed mid-body weight with a coconut oil stomach wrap or target another problem area, first wash and exfoliate the skin. Apply the coconut oil and wrap the area in cellophane. Secure it with a wrap bandage and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.

Coconut oil for body massage

Because coconut oil is slick when heated and has no chemicals or pollutants that may irritate sensitive skin, it makes a wonderful, sensuous massage oil. Warm a mixture of coconut oil and essential oil between your palms and start massaging your entire body with upward strokes from your feet to your face. In a circular movement, massage the joints and stomach. Allow 10 minutes for the oil to penetrate your skin.

Hair health

Coconut oil not only hydrates your skin but also nourishes your hair. Apply a tiny amount of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. For optimal results, leave the oil in overnight. Coconut oil can also help with frizz and dandruff. Massage warm coconut oil into your scalp and coat the remainder of your hair. Before rinsing it off, let it on for at least half an hour.

Makeup remover

Coconut oil is an effective and inexpensive way to remove make-up. Apply a reusable cotton pad with coconut oil to your eyes and face and softly sweep it over them. The oil helps to break down the waxy make-up on the eyes and face while also hydrating the delicate area.

Contraindications and Precautions

While coconut oil is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it should only be used in the amounts normally found in the diet. But it is always recommended to consult a medical practitioner if you make changes to your diet while pregnant or breastfeeding. Ingesting too much coconut oil or using it excessively can cause nausea and other side effects and may even increase cholesterol levels.

Are all coconut oils the same?

Coconut oils are processed differently. Coconut oil that has been cold-pressed is called raw, as it retains all of its nutrients. Unrefined coconut oil is lightly processed and has a strong coconut taste and lower smoke point. Refined coconut oil has a gentler aroma and flavour, but a higher smoke point so is better suited for cooking.

How to find the best coconut oil for body uses?

When it comes to applying coconut oil to your body, unrefined, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil is always the best option. Organic Coconut Oil is produced without pesticides and is not genetically engineered. Despite the fact that coconuts have a hard shell and are not pesticide-prone food, going organic is always preferable due to the type of fertiliser used during the agricultural process or other post-harvest applications.

Buy coconut oil that is unrefined, extra virgin, and/or cold-pressed whenever possible, but stay away from deodorised (refined) coconut oil. Following these recommendations will ensure that you get the best coconut oil possible.