Coconut oil: How to use coconut oil to improve your health – and which type to buy

Diet hack: Three ways to use coconut oil for weight loss

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Coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods on the planet, nutritionists have claimed, owing to all of its reported health benefits. It’s a ‘superfood’ that could lower your blood pressure, protect your brain, and also helps to keep you hydrated. But knowing how to use coconut oil can be a minefield.

The oil is made from dried coconut meat – the white part on the inside of coconuts.

There are two main types of coconut oil; virgin coconut oil and refined coconut oil.

At room temperature, your coconut oil will look like a flaky white paste, almost like a strange type of cream.

But once it’s heated up, it’ll turn into the more common type of oil that we’re all familiar with.

Seeing as coconut oil changes its physical properties once it’s warmed up, it can be difficult to know how to use it.

There are three main ways to use coconut oil, according to nutritionist Dr Josh Axe.

But, you should always look out for extra virgin coconut oil, he said, as it offers the greatest benefits.

Refined coconut oil isn’t as beneficial, and loses some of its key nutrients.

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“Coconut oil can be used for cooking and baking, and it can be added to smoothies,” Dr Axe wrote on his website.

“Plus, adding coconut oil to your food or smoothies helps to boost energy quickly and it’s easier to digest than other types of oils.”

You could try using coconut oil to sauté your vegetables or meat, or even use it as a substitute for milk in your coffee.

If you’re using coconut oil for its skin and hair benefits, you’re better off applying it directly onto the skin, however.

“You can simply apply it topically directly to your skin or as a carrier for essential oils or blends,” he said.

“Rubbing it into your skin right after you shower is especially beneficial. Coconut oil works as a great moisturiser and it has antimicrobial properties that will boost skin and hair health.”

It can be used to protect against premature ageing, and to treat dandruff or tangled hair.

Alternatively, you could always make your own coconut oil remedy.

It makes an excellent ingredient for antimicrobial, antibacterial natural remedies, said the nutritionist.

You could use coconut oil to make a lip balm, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, and even massage oil.

Some people have even tried using it as a mouthwash. Simply swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 minutes or so.

It’s been claimed to remove plaque and bacteria, while also freshening your breath.

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