Coconut oil has long been lauded as a superfood. A simple Internet search for: ‘Is coconut oil good for your health?’ will bring up endless articles claiming that coconut oil is high in fatty acids meaning it has beneficial effects on heart health, can help aid weight loss, improves brain function and raise good cholesterol levels.
But apart from consuming this miracle, nutrient-packed superfood, what other ways can we use coconut oil for better health? Here at Prinos, we believe wellness is holistic, so we’ve outlined our top eight uses for coconut oil that will improve your wellness today.
1.Coconut oil as a moisturiser for the face and body: Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser for the skin and is safe to use on both your body and your face. A little bit goes a long way, so you’ll only need a small amount, and as coconut oil is natural, your skin won’t be absorbing any harmful chemicals – plus you’ll smell like coconuts!
PRinOs tip: To lock in the most moisture, apply coconut oil to your whole body straight after your shower, when your skin is still wet.
2.Coconut oil as a treatment for dry or damaged hair: Thanks to its high quantity of a fatty acid called lauric acid, coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft and lock in the moisture better than other oils. Not only does this nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it looking shiny and healthy, you will also smell tropical and delicious.
PRinOs tip: Warm the oil in your hands before applying from the roots to the ends of your hair. Next, wrap your head in a towel, then leave the oil in for as long as you can before washing out.
3.Coconut oil for UV protection: While we don’t recommend replacing conventional sunscreen (especially in the strong Cyprus sun), when applied to the skin, coconut oil has been found to block around 20% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, making it the equivalent of an SPF 7.
PRinOs tip: Only use coconut oil when the sun is not at its strongest. If you are fair skinned or sensitive, be smart and also use over-the-counter sunscreen.
4.Coconut oil for whiter teeth and better oral health: What is oil pulling? Oil pulling is the process of swirling coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes a day. Why? Coconut oil is known to reduce the bacteria found in the mouth that causes plaque, gum disease, gingivitis and tooth decay. It also reduces inflammation and can help eliminate bad breath.
5.Coconut oil as a body and face scrub: When combined with ground coffee, sea salt, oats or fine sugar, coconut oil makes the perfect homemade body scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.
PRinOs tip: Head to Prinos in Nicosia or Larnaca to pick up some premium ground coffee and organic coconut oil to make your body scrum today.
6.Coconut oil as a natural deodorant: Coconut oil has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This means that coconut oil can be used as a natural deodorant because it kills off the bacterial and yeast that cause your sweat to smell.
PRinOs tip: Go online and search for ‘natural deodorant recipes using coconut oil’ and get creative with homemade, DIY deodorants that don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
7.Coconut oil as a DIY natural facemask: Because of its incredible hydrating properties, coconut oil makes an amazing natural facemask that helps to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Combine one tablespoon of melted coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey then apply it to your face and let it soak in for up to 10-15 minutes before washing off.
8.Coconut oil to remove makeup: Coconut oil is a gentle, natural and chemical free way of removing your makeup – even stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner. The oil will soften even the toughest or heaviest make up and as an added bonus you get a built-in moisturiser.
PRinOs tip: Apply the coconut oil using a soft cotton wool pad then wash off any excess with a gentle face wash.
Find your nearest Prinos shop in Nicosia and Larnaca.
