Hopefully you read all about my post on the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil last week. And if you didn't, give it a gander before you read on. I want you to be joyous when using this amazing food with incredible health benefits and I do find that being knowledgeable about what you are eating makes it all the more motivating to eat healthy food. Here are my fave uses for it:
Cooking, roasting, searing, sauteing anything you like! Coco oil is the perfect choice because it has a very high smoke point. In fact, I've never burned it. This is especially important because you don't want to use oils such as olive or sunflower, as they turn rancid and create free radicals when used at a high temperature - this is damaging to your cells. If you are going to use these oils, then use at a VERY LOW temp. Personally, I only use those oils for salad dressing.
Body Moisturizer. Want to smell like a beach? I know I do, especially when it's so cold in Toronto, Canada. I slather it on my legs after shaving and whenever I want an extra glow on my body. I don't use it on my face, but many people do. Just use caution because it's incredibly moisturizing and may be a bit too much for your beautiful face.
Coco up your smoothie. Some people may find it gets chunky, but if you put your smoothie on high power and the coco oil is soft like room temp butter, then it should combine well. Use about 1 heaping spoonful to get the benefits.
Love-Lube. I won't get into details here :) But I will tell you that the ingredients in most store-bought lubes are NOT something you want to be putting on your lady-parts or man-parts.
Luscious lockes. I loooooove using coco oil on the ends of my hair, especially in the winter when it gets dry - it keeps the frizzies away quite nicely. And it makes you smell very delicious. It is extremely nourishing for dry brittle hair and wonderful massaged into the scalp to prevent dryness. Many people have dry flaky scalp in the winter from taking long hot showers and it's not dandruff, it's simply that your scalp needs some moisture!
Spread it, slather it on toast or pancakes instead of butter. If you follow my tweets, then you know I often eat homemade pancakes and oh do I slather them with raw coco flesh. My fave brand for just this is by Artisana.
If you have another use for coconut oil, please do comment below and share!
Have a joyous day!
I have actually started to use it to remove my eye makeup recently. It works!
ReplyOh really? that's a great idea, haven't tried that one!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Lisa Borden, Joy McCarthy, moniqueboblin, hcgxtreme1, Douglas McNish and others. Douglas McNish said: RT @LisaBorden: It's the best multi-tasker around! RT @joyoushealth: 6 uses for coco oil from lube to luscious lockes: http://ow.ly/3PlzA [...]
ReplyLOVE coconut oil!
ReplyIs it better to use extra virgin coconut oil, verses just virgin, or regular? And does it matter what type you use in different applications? (i.e. is it better to cook with extra virgin, but better to moisturize with regular coconut oil)
ReplyThere is no such thing as "extra-virgin" coconut oil, it's not like the first pressing of olives where you get the virgin oil. One company labelled there coco oil as "extra-virgin" so then many companies felt they had to do the same thing as the EV seemed more premium. As for moisturizing, the oil is best... not the raw coco flesh (pictured in my blog).
I like to use it in baking as well - actually when using your recipes, Joy :-) (chocolate chip cookies, healthy muffins...). And yes, I put it on my face at night, works wonders!
ReplyHi Joy, Where can I find Artisana coconut butter in Toronto? Do you recommend using coconut oil or coconut butter for hair? Thanks.
ReplyAny health food store will have it. Essence of Life, Noah's, Whole Foods.
you should try Edro virgin coconut oil, its high quality food grade.... Ive seen ppl talking about it on red flag deals found at " No Frills @ Markham and steels. price chopper @ warden and finch Fresh CO @ Markham and Lawrence usually 4.99 - 5.99 in the ethnic section"
I love coconut oil and use it for everything! I've used it for most of the things you mentioned (I do use it on my face and love it- it helps with eczema and break outs, and is so moisturizing...can only use it once a day though). I've also heard that people use it as a deodorant, although I've never tried this.
ReplyOh really? Well it smells lovely, but not sure that I would be putting it on my armpits ha! But if it works, let me know :)
It helps with eczema.. hmm interesting! I'm going to have to try this.
I just bought coconut oil at a grocery store, and there is no coconut smell. In fact it doesn't have any odour. I was looking forward to the smell of coconut. Is it ok to consume, use as a moisturizer...Should I return it
ReplyWhat brand did you get?
[...] you’ve read my last 2 posts, you may have noticed I’ve been having a bit of a writing love affair with coco oil. I do hope my posts have inspired you to pick up a jar of coco oil because there are so many ways to [...]
ReplyHi Joy, I love your blog - please keep writing! One question - is there a particular brand of coconut oil that you would suggest for hair moisturizing? Thanks! Juliana
ReplyI like the smell of Nutiva myself. You will smell like a beach.
I love coconut oil I use it for everything!
Reply[...] been having a bit of a writing and eating love affair with coco oil. I do hope my posts have inspired you to pick up a jar of coco oil because there are so many ways to [...]
ReplyI've been using the same brand as you, the oil, not the butter for a few months now and love it! I use it pretty much in any recipe where it calls for butter or shortening. I love it to saute squash, as it gives a really nice flavor and same for adding to rice. My favorite though is adding melted oil to popcorn - Yum!! I use it on toast all the time, especially kamut - nice combo!
ReplyI've had coconut oil in my cupboards for a little while, but stopped using it in my baking because I found it solidified into chunks in the batter. How can I correct this? And i'm super excited to try using it in all these other ways!
ReplyHi Joy! I'm glad I came across your post as I have been recently discovering all the wonderful uses for coconut oil - and I plan to try using it on my hair this week. It is also great for oil-pulling.
ReplyI use it on my legs for shaving cream! It works so well and my legs smell awesome. It's also great if you need to do this on the go (it happens!) because you don't have to use water, you won't get cut. And it washes out of the razor no prob. That's my little ocntribution -- love this list! I was feeling self-conscious about how quickly my coconut oil disappears, but it's just good for so many things. Awesome staple.
ReplyWhat a great suggestion! Thanks so much Emily. I never thought about using it for shaving. I'm definitely going to try that out in the winter because my legs get very dry living in a high rise condo!
I use coconut oil as a nose rub for a cold, especially for my kids. I also use it to rub onto the back for the same ailment-Very effective in opening-up blocked noses. Coconut oil is easily prepared in our homes since Goa(india) is best suited for coconut trees. We sun dry the coconuts & extract oil in our local mill.
Reply[...] I just lathered myself in coconut oil! It feels great, you smell like a beach and it’s free of any chemicals or toxins usually found in regular lotions. I like the Artisana Brand of coconut oil. Check out this article on everything you can do with coconut oil from Holistic Nutritionist Joy Mccarthy: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/02/02/organic-coconut-oil-what-to-do-with-it/ [...]
Reply[...] More Uses for Coconut Oil. [...]
ReplyI do not think rancid means what you think it means.
ReplyMeaning... "gone bad/off". Is my English off? Please feel free to correct me :)
Hi Joy, I wondered if you do 'Oil Pulling'. I've heard it's very beneficial, especially with coconut oil. I'm trying to find a source of coconut oil at the moment. Trace ps I love your website and have found it a great source of information and inspiration, thank you.
ReplyHi Tracey! I don't personally do it because it's a texture thing for me... it grosses me out! However, that doesn't mean I'm against it. You should try Skinny Coconut Oil. It's super yummy. Thanks for visiting my site!
Can you still use it as lube with condoms? I think I read somewhere not to use oil-based lubrication with condoms and if that's the case, what kind of natural lube can you use?
ReplyHi Joy, Just wondering if there is anywhere to buy Skinny coconut oil in Ontario? Thanks!
ReplyUnfortunately it can only be purchased online in Canada right now.
Hi Joy! Thanks so much for sharing all this great information on coconut oil! I have the Artisan coconut butter at home and I find its really hard to use as it's very solid and hard to spread or scoop for recipes. Is that a normal texture for the coconut butter? Do you have any tips for ease of use? Thank you!!
ReplyHi Ann, I find that my coconut products are really affected by the temperature in my kitchen. In the colder months, I tend to keep coconut oil and coconut butter in the warmest part of the kitchen, which keeps it a little softer. I also sometimes put the jar in a pan of warm water to soften it up a bit. Kate - Joyous Health Team
I want yo try this oil
ReplyIt's one of our favourite oils to cook with! Kate - Joyous Health Team