Coconut Is King

Coastal towns and island mongers all have a secret up their sleeves: the coconut. Renowned for its versatility, this handy drupe is more than just a welcome ingredient in your Pina Colada. Used in Ayurvedic treatments for centuries, the humble coconut has a few surprises the modern world is unaware of. Uncovering other uses of the coconut that will certainly surprise many, the coconut proves its worth as a superfood.  

Beauty Bliss

For those who prefer a natural and frugal approach to  beauty necessities, the coconut will help tick off a number of products from the list, while  saving you a lot of trouble and cash. Due to its cleansing ability, it is perfect to use as a hair mask if you’re looking to strip off excess product such as shampoo, mousse or gel. Once it’s thoroughly rinsed, your hair is left feeling soft but not oily. It also works well as a beard oil. As a natural makeup remover, coconut oil will take care of those raccoon mascara trails in no time.

What will come as a great relief to many are the unique dual benefits  of coconut oil, which are its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. These qualities make it a simple yet effective treatment for yeast infections and cold sores. It is also known to assist those with cavities and dental problems, by simply brushing with a pea-size amount of coconut oil after regular brushing.

Keep some coconut oil in a small container when you go camping as it is a great remedy for mosquito bites and rashes. Fever blisters and pimples also tend to reduce fairly quickly after applying some oil to the affected areas. It also is the perfect lip balm.

In The Kitchen

Whipping up a delightful dessert with desiccated coconut has been the norm for decades. However, the gradual introduction of coconut milk into  daily meals has certainly given many dishes a healthy boost. Naturally lactose-free, it is a great dairy replacement.

Coconut oil is suitable for general cooking and baking, although its smoking point is too  low for frying. Both coconut oil and coconut milk are enjoyed in coffee by those who require their daily dose of fat.

The flesh of the coconut is a healthy snack and a few coconut nibs will sustain you between meals. No longer just a synthetic flavoring, natural coconut is fast becoming the main focus of dishes. Toasted coconut complements both sweet and savory dishes.

If you have stainless or even brushed steel equipment in the kitchen, you will be happy to know that using coconut oil as a polish will leave those appliances shiny yet non-greasy. This is important for those living in humid areas, where rust seems to settle in quite easily.

If you are concerned about the health of your family, introducing coconut into your diet will make a great difference. Not only does it contain many of the healthy  fats the human body needs, it is also fairly low in sugar, making it the ideal snack. Save the coconut water and drink it chilled, as it is four times more hydrating than water. Take care to read the labels in stores; some bottled versions have added sugar. Coconuts are incredibly versatile, and the fresher they are, the better.

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HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

Pat
28. September 2016
Pat
28. September 2016
Great Article!

Marica Edwards
2. August 2016
Marica Edwards
2. August 2016
Am from the Caribbean island of Antigua coconut oil my grandmother always use as grease. I had kidney failure for 6 years its turns me very darker than i use to be after the transplant of a kidney in January2016 i use nothing but nature coconutoil unrefined cold press virgin oil (organnic) on my skin , cook, in cereal one any thing that ask for oil or butter coconut oil it is.

Andy
26. July 2016
Andy
26. July 2016
You forgot coconut water, a great hydrator.

Rosa
22. July 2016
Rosa
22. July 2016
My face was rough after using a new moisteriser .I washed my face and applied coconut oil and half an hour later I cleaned my face with a tissue and my face was very soft. No more rough.

Rosa
22. July 2016
Rosa
22. July 2016
My face was rough after using a new moisteriser .I washed my face and applied coconut oil and half an hour later I cleaned my face with a tissue and my was very soft. No more rough.

W. Wilson
21. July 2016
W. Wilson
21. July 2016
I am more beautiful because of the use of coconut oil. I ingest it and slather my body with it. Smooths out, everything!!

Norma Nichols
18. July 2016
Norma Nichols
18. July 2016
It has been greatly informed to me of the coconut and the oil. I Will use it often.

Lue
14. July 2016
Lue
14. July 2016
I have been using coconut since I was a kid never know the nutritional facts though we were just too poor to afford anything else

Rose
14. July 2016
Rose
14. July 2016
I use it for so many things.i I love it.

Maxine
27. June 2016
Maxine
27. June 2016
thank you

Yvonetta morgan
13. June 2016
Yvonetta morgan
13. June 2016
My grandmother used it to heal bruises, nourish hair, and skin conditioning oil.

Kim Landolt
24. May 2016
Kim Landolt
24. May 2016
I live in the Florida Keys and if you have never tried coconut oil,milk,or oil you don't know what you are missing! I have many medical problems and since i have been drinking coconut milk my chronic IBS,ulcerative colitis,and skin tone has been a saviour.I have to have it and it is so very good!If you don't try it yourself,you will never know.

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Written by HealthStatus Team
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

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