Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut has become a major ingredient in both our kitchens and bathrooms, whether it's drinking coconut water or using oil to moisturize. In Ayurveda, coconut oil is considered a powerful ingredient due to its antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content which help reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and immunity. Besides being loaded with numerous health benefits, this ingredient enhances the health of your skin as well. As such, it makes sense to take in coconut oil that gives you the best of both worlds, doesn't it?

Is Coconut Oil Good for Cooking?

A unique composition of fatty acids makes coconut oil stand out from other cooking oils. At high temperatures, coconut oil has a high resistance to oxidation. Because of this, it is ideal for high-temperature cooking methods. If you are considering incorporating coconut oil into your diet, here are a few evidence-based health benefits.

• Good energy booster
• Great for digestion
• Prevents cell damage
• Helps in reducing weight
• Improves dental health

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin?

Aside from its use in cooking, coconut oil is also suitable for application to the skin and hair. The oil is an excellent source of saturated fat and medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid.

• Kills harmful microbes
• Reduce Inflammation
• Help in Treating Acne
• Moisturizes Dry Skin
• Heals Wound

Although refined coconut oil may be more suitable for use in cooking at high temperatures, virgin coconut oil is more beneficial to the health of the skin.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Hair?

With so many hair treatments available beyond your regular shampoo & conditioner, keeping up with them can be challenging. Nevertheless, coconut oil has grown in popularity, with users claiming numerous benefits, including skincare, cooking, and teeth whitening. The great thing about coconut oil is that it also makes an excellent conditioning treatment for your skin. In comparison to other oils, coconut oil is unique because it contains a lipid structure similar to that of hair and is capable of absorbing into hair more effectively. As a regular conditioner, coconut oil keeps your hair shiny, prevents frizz, and makes your hair more lubricated, allowing you to manage and comb your hair more easily.

Coconut oil is an excellent source of vitamins and fatty acids that penetrate the hair cuticle and nourish your scalp. For best results, apply a treatment mask five to ten minutes a week or twice a month. Additionally, the presence of vitamins and fatty acids aids in the removal of accumulated sebum from hair follicles, promoting hair growth. And if you enjoy spending time in the sun, apply coconut oil before going out as it is a natural sunscreen that offers protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, you can prevent bleach damage to your hair by including it in the pre-dye procedure.

Which coconut oil works best for hair?

It is not uncommon for people to apply coconut oil directly to their scalp for treating their hair, whether it is organic, unrefined, pure, or cooking variant. Coconut oil is a great ingredient in leave-in conditioners, deep treatment masks, and conditioners because it helps to avoid weighing your hair down with too much oil.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair

Coconut oil for hair masks

In order to reduce the amount of water that is absorbed by hair, experts recommend applying Coconut oil to the hair before shampooing it. In addition, it reduces frizz and makes it easier to style your hair after a shower. It is best applied as follows:

• Make sure you use raw coconut oil.
• Comb through dry hair with coconut oil applied over it.
• For best results, let it absorb for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Use a great shampoo and conditioner to thoroughly clean your hair (depending on how much oil is on your hair, you may have to shampoo twice).

Overnight treatment with coconut oil

Coconut oil should be left on overnight to maximize its benefits and will give the hair a sleeker appearance and a softer feel after washing. A more intense treatment may be provided as follows:

• Comb through dry hair after applying raw coconut oil.
• Prior to going to sleep, cover your hair with an old scarf, shower cap, or towel.
• The next morning, wash out the hair and follow with your normal conditioner. You may need to shampoo twice to remove the oil completely.

Hair styling with coconut oil

Start small by applying oil to the ends of your hair to tame frizz, if using oil on your hair makes you nervous. Using your hands, rub a bit between ends and comb or scrunch it in to give them a polished, shiny appearance. 

In short, the use of coconut oil can stimulate hair growth. You will definitely see an improvement in the quality, thickness, and length of your hair when you use coconut oil. Good health is reflected in clean, shiny hair. Similarly, the style of your hair can speak volumes about your attitude. Whether it is for cooking, skin care, or hair care, Singh Cart provides you with a wide array of coconut oils for you to reap in its many at the best prices available.