Coconut oil has been recognized as a “super” food ingredient and versatile product. You can use it for various purposes, such as cooking, moisturizing your face, conditioning your hair, or even cleaning things. Although there are not many scientific studies that support its health benefits, it never hurts to try using coconut oil for various purposes!
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Method 1 of 4: Eating Coconut Oil
Step 1. Use coconut oil for sautéing, frying, or grilling
Due to its high smoke point and mild taste, coconut oil is a great choice for a variety of cooking methods. For sauteing or frying, use coconut oil instead of other fats (eg butter, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.) in equal proportions in the recipe.
To roast vegetables in coconut oil, melt 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of coconut oil (or the amount required in the recipe) in a small saucepan over low heat, then pour over the vegetables on the grill tray. Season and roast the vegetables according to your chosen recipe
Step 2. Add coconut oil to your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate drink
Prepare your favorite hot drink as usual, then add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of coconut oil before adding the cream or sweetener. The temperature of the hot drink will melt the oil quickly.
- Coconut oil will give a slightly oily texture (especially on the surface of the drink) and give a soft taste to the drink. If you don't mind the end result of the drink, replace half the coconut oil with unsalted butter (or simply reduce the amount of coconut oil, with no other ingredients).
- Is adding coconut oil to your hot cup of coffee in the morning worth a try? Can be. Although it is not certain, it is possible that coconut oil may provide several benefits, including reducing cholesterol, burning fat, killing harmful bacteria, and improving brain function.
Step 3. Add coconut oil to your favorite smoothie recipe
Just mix 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of coconut oil with the other ingredients, then puree. Coconut oil that is still hardened or thick can leave small chunks or lumps in the drink. If you don't like it, first melt the oil on the stove over low heat, then mix it with the other ingredients before blending.
Coconut oil tastes even better when added to a smoothie recipe that uses bananas and tropical fruits
Step 4. Use coconut oil instead of other oils for baking cakes
If your chosen recipe calls for another liquid oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, use an equivalent amount of melted coconut oil. You probably won't notice any difference in taste or texture in the final cake.
If you want to replace another fat (eg shortening, butter, or margarine) with coconut oil, use a 1:1 ratio of solid coconut oil to another solid fat, but only add 75% of the recipe. For example, instead of adding 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of butter, add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the coconut oil and butter mixture. This means that you need to use 1.5 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter (about 23 milliliters)
Step 5. Pour coconut oil over toast or pancakes instead of butter
As the temperature approaches 24°C, the coconut oil will become softer and easier to apply. At this point, you can spread it on muffins or toasted corn. Coconut oil can provide a unique flavor instead of butter!
Alternatively, melt 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of coconut oil and pour it over the popcorn
Method 2 of 4: Moisturizing Face
Step 1. Buy organic virgin coconut oil products that have not been processed with other ingredients
Use coconut oil as natural and pure as possible. Avoid bottled coconut oil products labeled “bleached”, “hydrogenated”, “refined”, or “deodorized”. However, a product labeled “cold-pressed” is a good choice because it indicates a natural process for extracting the oil.
Look for coconut oil in stores that sell natural food and health products. Usually, coconut oil is sold in glass jars and appears as a white gel or paste
Step 2. Use 1 tablespoon (5 ml) of coconut oil after washing your face
Clean your face with a mild soap, rinse with warm water, and pat it dry with a towel. Take about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of coconut oil gel and apply it on your index and middle fingers, then massage into the skin in a circular motion. Repeat this process every day.
- The warmth from the body will melt the oil so it can be absorbed into the skin.
- Coconut oil is more suitable for dry or normal skin. If you have oily skin, choose another natural product, such as argan oil or sunflower oil.
Step 3. Use melted coconut oil as a moisturizing face mask
Melt 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil on the stove over low heat, then mix it with the mashed banana and a pinch of turmeric. Use your fingers to apply the mask on your face, let it sit for 15 minutes, rinse with cold water, and pat your face dry with a towel. Repeat the treatment daily if desired.
This mask can moisturize the skin and reduce acne. Bananas function to add moisture, while turmeric contains anti-inflammatory substances
Method 3 of 4: Conditioning Hair
Step 1. Dispense 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of solid coconut oil onto fingers
If you have short hair, you will only need half the oil. Purchase pure, organic, unprocessed coconut oil with other ingredients from a health food product store for this treatment.
Store the oil in a glass jar at a temperature below 24°C. This way, the oil will still harden
Step 2. Melt the oil over low heat or in the palm of your hand
Take a spoonful of oil and pour it into a small saucepan, then place it on the stove and heat it over low heat. Let the oil cool to a comfortable touch.
Alternatively, you can melt some of the oil in your palms while massaging it into your hair
Step 3. Massage the oil into the hair by section
If you have long hair, separate your hair into sections using a comb and bobby pins. After that, dip your fingers in the melted oil and use your fingertips to massage the oil from the roots to the tips of each section.
If you're using oil that's still solid, take just enough oil to apply to your hair, rub each finger for 15-30 seconds until the oil melts, then massage it into your hair using your fingertips
Step 4. Wait for 30 minutes before washing your hair
If possible, wait for 2 hours before rinsing hair. This way, the oil has more time to be absorbed into the hair. When you're done, shampoo as usual, then rinse and dry your hair.
You can also leave the oil on your hair overnight. Make sure you place a towel on top of the pillow so the pillowcase doesn't get dirty. It's also a good idea to wear a shower cap overnight
Method 4 of 4: Cleaning Items Using Coconut Oil
Step 1. Remove the stain using coconut oil and baking soda
Thoroughly mix coconut oil and baking soda in equal proportions (eg 250 ml of oil and 250 grams of baking soda). Apply the mixture to the carpet, walls, or other stained area with a cloth, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
As with any stain remover mixture, the coconut oil and baking soda mixture can cause damage or discoloration on some surfaces. Test the mixture first on an inconspicuous area (eg the corner of the rug or the underside of a table) before applying it to the stain
Step 2. Polish the furniture using coconut oil
Melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of solid coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of vinegar and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice, then transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, lightly spray the mixture onto the wood surface, and scrub with a clean, soft cloth.
- Test the mixture on hidden pieces of furniture first to see if the mixture reacts with the varnish and causes stains or discoloration.
- Use the mixture immediately as coconut oil can harden if the temperature drops below 24°C.
Step 3. Clean and condition the skin surface with coconut oil
Take a small amount of coconut oil using a clean washcloth. Rub on leather items in circular motions and coat only a thin layer of leather with oil. Add more oil as needed to clean the surface of the skin.
Test the oil on a small section first. It's possible that the oil can cause discoloration of your favorite leather jacket or sofa
Step 4. Remove the remaining sticky dirt using coconut oil
Take a small amount of coconut oil using a washcloth and rub it on the part that feels sticky. The oil will release and lift the remaining dirt from the surface of the item. After that, clean the surface again with a damp cloth if necessary.
- Use coconut oil on sticky areas of the carpet or to remove any excess glue or sticker.
- As always, test the oil on an inconspicuous area first.
Tips
- If you are afraid that the coconut oil will taste too strong, reduce the taste by mixing coconut oil with sesame oil and olive oil in equal proportions (1:1:1). With this comparison, you can still get the benefits of coconut oil, without feeling the strong aroma.
- There is no clear medical evidence regarding the health benefits that can be obtained from consuming coconut oil. However, it is possible that coconut oil can improve brain function, reduce cholesterol, eradicate harmful bacteria, and burn fat.
- If you don't have any liquid or make-up remover on hand, just dab a small amount of coconut oil on your face and use a soft cloth to remove the makeup.
