Benefits and Uses of Coconut Oil

One of the products that has been mentioned a lot lately is coconut oil, which enchants people with its aromatic scent. Contrary to popular belief, this oil obtained from a tropical fruit, coconut, has miraculous effects that can be used not only in skin care but also in many areas.

Although we are not used to consuming coconut fresh, we cannot say that we are unfamiliar with this fruit. Many years ago, our kitchens were already acquainted with the dried and grated form of this fruit. Coconut, which is used to decorate and flavor desserts, has come a long way since then and has succeeded in establishing a throne in the hearts of those who use it.

Coconut is also called the tree of life in the regions where it grows. Although it is fooled by its name and thinks that it grows only in India, it grows abundantly in soils with a tropical climate where water and sun are abundant. Moreover, it is one of the rare plants that has the ability to grow in salty and sandy soils.

At the end of this period, it slowly begins to give tiny coconuts. A coconut tree needs 12 years to become productive. On the 12th birthday, the most productive time of the tree begins. If you think that’s all, you’re wrong, because the coconut fruit needs some time to mature; up to 1 year. When you show enough patience at the end of this period, it rewards you with delicious fruits that are ready to eat and weigh approximately 2-3 kilograms.

What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil?

Saturated fats such as myristic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil are fats that can be quickly converted into energy by the liver. These fats have a different structure than saturated fats in cheese or meat group and are rarely stored as fat cells. They are in the group of MTC oils, ie medium chain fatty acids, and dissolve very quickly in the body and do not tire the digestive system. Thanks to their rapid conversion into energy by the liver, they both provide energy to the body and help to lose weight when consumed in moderation.Coconut oil has both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Thanks to the components it contains, it helps to fight fungi, bacteria and viruses and thus protects the body against infections such as acne, flu and bronchitis. The antioxidant substances in its content both protect the body against diseases and fight against aging.

With these positive effects;

It regulates blood pressure. It protects the body against the risk of heart diseases. It strengthens the muscle and bone system. It cleanses the body of toxins. It acts as a shield on the skin, protecting it against the harmful effects of chemicals. Relieves diaper rash in babies. It helps to get rid of lice in the hair. It is used in the treatment of warts. It is used in the treatment of stye. It treats puffiness under the eyes. It prevents the formation of wrinkles around the eyes. Relieves the effects of eczema. It strengthens the hair and gives shine. It reduces muscle and joint inflammation. It helps skin wounds heal faster. It prevents the formation of parasites in the intestines. It helps to have a lighter menopause by regulating hormones. It helps to reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue.It is an ideal massage oil and helps to reduce muscle pain. It helps to remove skin blemishes.

How Can We Use Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is an ideal make-up remover. You can easily remove your make-up by applying a small amount of coconut oil on a piece of cotton. After removing your make-up, it is sufficient to rinse your skin with warm water. You can use coconut oil in hair and skin care. You can apply it directly or mix it with different oils to make masks. You can also use coconut oil to get an excellent peel. With this peeling you get by mixing 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, you can both purify your skin from dead hijra and moisturize it. In manicure and pedicure, you can also use coconut oil to soften nail cuticle.Mix a teaspoon of coconut oil with a small amount of baking soda and brush your teeth. You can use coconut oil instead of chemical shaving cream. You can apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your face and then shave directly with your razor blade. If you have sunburn, you can help your skin heal faster if you gently massage it with coconut oil after the heat of the burn has subsided. This will reduce your risk of being robbed. You can also benefit from coconut oil instead of using deodorants that damage the chemical and ozone layer. Applying a thin layer of coconut oil to your armpits will prevent the smell of sweat. If you are fighting the lice problem, coconut oil comes to your rescue here too. Firstly, wet the hair thoroughly with apple cider vinegar and wait for it to dry. After drying, massage the scalp and hair with plenty of coconut oil and leave it as long as you can.First of all, you need to apply a small amount of oil to any part of your body and check if there is an allergic reaction. You can use coconut oil in the rash of yourself or your baby. It will be sufficient to apply coconut oil to the rash area. You can also use it as an anti-nappy rash if your baby does not show any allergic reaction. If your baby is in the teething period, you can help relieve the pain by rubbing her palate with a very small amount of coconut oil. In case of insect bite, apply coconut oil after disinfecting the bitten area to relieve itching and pain. If you have foot odor problem, rub your feet, which you clean well in the morning and evening, with coconut oil.

You can find various mask recipes that you can prepare with coconut oil on our coconut oil mask page.

How to Make Coconut Oil at Home?

Although it is a little troublesome, it is possible to make coconut oil at home.

The first of these is the wet grinding method, the other is the drying method, and finally the boiling method.

Wet grinding method:

This method is one of the most classic methods of producing coconut oil at home. If you want to use this method, you must first buy a well-ripened coconut. Carefully cut the coconut in half with a sharp knife. The white part in the coconut, which is divided into two, is its edible fruit part. With the help of a spoon or knife, remove these white parts well. Cut the pieces you removed into small pieces, pass them through the food processor and grind them well. This process may take a little longer than you think because the coconut pieces need to be crushed well. It takes about 10 minutes on average, but it can take a little longer. Put the thoroughly crushed coconuts in a clean and fine cheesecloth and strain it through cheesecloth to remove the oil. Strain the oil into a glass jar and leave it for 1 day. At the end of this period, the water and oil in the fruit will separate from each other and you will have obtained your pure coconut oil.

If you are in the summer and have a sunny balcony, you can choose this area for drying. Chop the coconut pieces into small pieces and dry them in a clean area for 1 day. If you do not have such a possibility, after dividing it into small pieces, heat the oven to the lowest temperature and dry the coconut pieces in the oven for about 8 hours. Pass the dried coconut pieces through a solid fruit press. Repeat this process twice, i.e. run the removed residue through the juicer again. Leave the oil you have obtained in a glass container for 1 day. Take care to be in a warm environment during waiting. At the end of 1 day, you can transfer it to a glass jar with a lid and start using it.

Boiling method:

After taking the white parts of 1 ripe coconut and grating it, add 2 glasses of water to it and pass it through a food processor to obtain a smooth liquid. Pass the mixture you have obtained through a clean cheesecloth and separate it from the pulp. Then transfer this liquid to a saucepan and start boiling over medium heat.

After the boiling process is finished, transfer this liquid to a glass jar and wait for a few hours. At the end of this process, your coconut oil will be ready.

All these methods can be a bit of a hassle. Instead of getting it at home, you can also choose the additive-free products of reliable brands sold in the market.