10 reasons we’re cuckoo for coconut oil



This blog post was written by Allessia and posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:00 am

This nut may fall close to the tree but its powers reach far beyond the sand. Smear it, cook with it, eat it – there’s almost nothing it can’t do. We're talking rich, raw, pure virgin coconut oil - the godly grease that seems to be the hottest thing to drop lately. From the outside in and back again, here are 10 ways to indulge in this tropical multi-tasker:

10 uses for coconut oil

Editors note: After speaking with Alli and her love for this nut oil I was inspired to do a little experimenting myself. Getting carried away would be an understatement. I may or may not be completely covered in the stuff… and also added it to my morning smoothie. Have you gone cuckoo for coconut oil too?

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55 Comments »


Is it weird that I use it for 6 of the 10 things you have listed?? LOVE this stuff!!

Comment by Davita — August 10, 2012 @ 3:57 pm


I love coconut oil!

Comment by Abbie — August 10, 2012 @ 5:58 pm


I loooove coconut oil! I get mine at Trader Joe’s and keep one container in the kitchen and one on my bathroom counter for all of the reasons you listed above. It’s good stuff!

Comment by Cherie @ Cherie Runs This — August 10, 2012 @ 6:05 pm


Lovely article. We are bulk producers of virgin coconut oil. I would like to suggest another application. Here in Java, Indonesia, we consume 3 spoons of virgin coconut oil every day, it increases body’s resistance against many viral & bacterial diseases. If anyone would like to know how exactly is it produced (yeah, the process is no way closer to how regular coconut oil is made), feel free to get in touch :)

Comment by JC Organics — August 13, 2012 @ 8:09 am


Isn’t coconut oil full of saturated fat? My understanding is that the American Heart Association and Dieticians of Canada have recommended against the consumption of significant amounts of coconut oil because of the detrimental effects of saturated fats on cardiovascular health. Thoughts on this? I’d like to learn more. Thanks!

Comment by Megan — August 13, 2012 @ 5:10 pm


I’m a firm believer in the stuff, but didn’t know where to get it (I had a supplier that stopped supplying ;) so thanks for the comment about Trader Joes. I’ll be stopping by there soon to pick up a fresh jug and use it for all the reasons listed. Great post!

Comment by Girls Run Faster — August 13, 2012 @ 6:33 pm


I make my (real) oatmeal on the dry side, then add a huge tablespoon of coconut oil, it’s too good !!

Comment by Kathy McNally — August 14, 2012 @ 2:02 am


Love it!! For any nursing mothers out there who may be battling with thrush, try taking three spoon fulls a day. I tried everything under the sun and finally a friend suggested coconut oil and it worked!! Who woulda thunk it! Lol :)

Comment by Jana — August 14, 2012 @ 2:35 am


While more research is needed, they’ve recently discovered a connection between coconut oil and the brain – it may slow the effects of Alzheimer’s!

Comment by Karen — August 14, 2012 @ 4:43 am


My son has had bad exzema in the summer. Since I started using coconut oil on him a few years ago once a day, he hasn’t had a break out since. If it starts to look like it wants to start flaring up, I’ll go to twice a day and his skin stays beautiful!!!! It’s a miracle!!! And I also use it for other things listed…. Its a staple!!!!

Comment by Stacy — August 14, 2012 @ 5:08 am


I have been using a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E for my face moisturizer and my skin has never looked better!

Comment by Wendy — August 14, 2012 @ 5:09 am


In addition to several of the items in your list; we also give a tablespoon to our bulldog for each meal. It helps keep his coat shiny and soft! And has also helped with his seasonal allergies that cause him to get shedding bald spots!

Comment by Hannah — August 14, 2012 @ 5:31 am


I have been using coconut oil for about 6 yrs for all of the above. Old fashioned popcorn made on stove is best when using 1/4 cup to actually pop kernels in. I love this stuff so much I actually just bought a gallon of it since the small jar just wasnt cutting it! ;)

Comment by Michelle — August 14, 2012 @ 5:37 am


We at Harmony can’t get enough of the wonderful oil! It is a true multitasker and much like this article says, we keep it everywhere in our center and home, using it for everything we can think of! The results on our bodies have been rewarding… yes, hair is softer, skin is super moist and acne break outs have disappeared!, make-up comes off in 1 swipe, smoothies are creamy, deserts are delish, try is as a massage oil and you will fall in love all over again!
My tip, try different brands, some offer a stronger coconut aroma and some have just a hint (my favorite for cooking!)
Dig in and your body will thank you!

Comment by Harmony Wellness — August 14, 2012 @ 7:19 am


It’s amazing for curly hair. Apply when hair is wet in place of expensive hair products. It’s all you need!

Comment by Sarah — August 14, 2012 @ 7:35 am


i got to get me some

Comment by sara — August 14, 2012 @ 10:26 am


for your hair how do u apply it? and does it make your hair silky?

Comment by sara — August 14, 2012 @ 10:27 am


Megan – Yes, coconut oil does contain high amounts of saturated fat, but the myth that saturated fat causes cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one that is quickly crumpling. As the macronutrient that played the key role for allowing us to evolve from Australopithecus some 2 million years ago, it’s no wonder meta-analyses find that there is NO connection between saturated fat intake and CVD: http://www.ajcn.org/content/early/2010/01/13/ajcn.2009.27725.abstract

So, have no fear about “clogging your arteries” with saturated fat (that’s an overly-simplified metaphor for atherosclerosis anyway). Instead, take pride in the fact that coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) which happen to be the easiest form of fat to digest. Cheers to coconuts!

Comment by Bobby Gill — August 14, 2012 @ 12:13 pm


It also works wonders on sunburns. Rub a little bit onto the burn a couple of times a day and the next day it should be almost gone is not gone and best thing is no peeling.

Comment by Kristen — August 14, 2012 @ 12:19 pm


for those of you concerned with it being high in saturated fat: coconut oil IS high in saturated fat, but it is of the kind that is metabolized and utilized differently than the saturated fats that play a role in cardiovascular diseases and other ailments. coconut oil’s fat is a medium chain triglyceride, thus is does not hurt the body the way long chain triglycerides do. it is my understanding that the fat in coconut oil is utilized quicker and immediately for energy by the body, and not stored in the body and clogging arteries (like long chain triglycerides). hope this helps :) [i am a nutrition major, if you are curious]

Comment by grace — August 14, 2012 @ 12:21 pm


I am very cuckoo for coconut oil. My mom started ‘pushing’ it on me… she was really just suggesting it to me and buying it for me but it worked, I have fallen in love. I have used it for almost all of the things on the list except for the bug bites and bug repellent. I have even used it for ‘tanning’ lotion… my skin has never felt better.

Comment by Christina — August 14, 2012 @ 12:22 pm


and pardon my bad grammar haha

Comment by grace — August 14, 2012 @ 12:24 pm


Megan- if you’re interested in the propaganda and misinformation surrounding saturated fat, I would suggest checking out http://www.westonaprice.org/, mercola.ca, chriskresser.com, and marksdailyapple.com…to name a few!

Comment by Brittany — August 14, 2012 @ 12:24 pm


there is also a wave of studies coming out about how coconut oil helps brain functioning and can help combat Alzheimer’s!

Comment by Katie — August 14, 2012 @ 12:26 pm


Agreed! Amazing stuff. My 5 year old has battled chronic eczema since she was an infant. I started eating coconut oil (a tablespoon a day) and it got rid of the dry patches on my hands that I had for years. I decided to try it on my daughter. Within a month the eczema is gone. She stopped scratching. She had scratched so often and so hard that she literally had scarred her skin. We had tried several Rx’s and none of them worked. WE LOVE COCONUT OIL!!! “Now” is the brand we use…organic :)

Comment by Tanya — August 14, 2012 @ 12:31 pm


my favorite thing to use coconut oil is when im baking. rather than using canola or vegetable oil, coconut oil is a healthier option.

And if you are cooking fish it’s great too, to really give a nice tropical feel!

Comment by The get in Shape Girl — August 14, 2012 @ 12:31 pm


I love coconut oil…I use it in my shea butter mixture for my hair as a deep conditioner and my hair always feels amazing! Thanks for sharing :)

Comment by Suni — August 14, 2012 @ 12:43 pm


I also love coconut oil and use it as mentioned above. I would like to add an extra use I have for it: I make my own deodorant. I refuse to use all those harsh chemicals on a place so sensitive as the armit so I melt cocnut oil I mix with baking soda some corn starch and some drops of my favorite essential oil which is lavender and voila! The best and most skin friendly deodorant you have ever used!

Comment by Kat — August 14, 2012 @ 1:37 pm


Another little know use for CCO is for foot (toe) fungus. My husband was a tri-athlete for years and from having feet in sweaty running and biking shoes for hours on end… he developed horrible foot fungus that would not go away (dr.’s wanted to inject poison, no thanks). Anyway, as mentioned on marksdailyapple.com someone said they used coconut oil on their foot fungi. It is almost gone, apply it at night with a sock or before a workout with socks and shoes.
It is truly amazing!
and yes, baking, cooking, moisturizing, hair conditioner, ingesting by the spoonful. The wonder of nature!!

Comment by emily — August 14, 2012 @ 2:40 pm


You can use it to make a DIY Beach Hair Spray also. Just add 2-3 Tbs with 1 cup warm water & 2 Tbs sea salt. Works great!

Comment by Melissa — August 14, 2012 @ 3:06 pm


Will it help with my Maltese’s tear stain?

If so, how do I use it?

Comment by Nanci — August 14, 2012 @ 4:16 pm


I don’t like the coconut essence when using it to cook with. What is the best brand for a limited coconut smell?

Comment by Kendall — August 14, 2012 @ 5:59 pm


This sounds amazing! I truly would love to purchase some, but I do not know where to go. Does anyone know of a retailer of such in London, Ontario?

Thank you!

Comment by Gail — August 14, 2012 @ 6:14 pm


I love love LOVE coconut oil. My sister just introduced me to all the ways to utilize this amazing oil.. I already use 4 of the 10 tips.. Bugs LOVE me so I am willing to try the repellent and hopefully mosquitos will buzz off. I have had a lot of trouble lately with breaking out and I refuse to get on birth control again just for the amazing clear skin I use to have. I am using a little dab of coconut oil to moisturize, I just hope its not enabling my break outs. Thank you for posting this! I love learning new ways to live more natural. xoxo

Comment by Jami — August 14, 2012 @ 8:37 pm


Someone said up in the comments that they are putting coconut oil in their smoothies — HOW??? When coconut oil is below around 24C it is solid? Are you having warm smoothies??

I love coconut oil — I use it for pretty much everything listed and I also put a bit in my dog’s food to keep her coat shiny and soft and her skin in good condition (she had a circulation problem in her ears that made the tips of her ears necrotize and fall off, the result was scabby rough skin at the tips of her ears)

Comment by Stacey — August 16, 2012 @ 12:06 pm


You can choose refined coconut oil, which has almost no coconut smell. You will still get some benefits, but organic, unrefined, cold-pressed has the most health benefits. My boyfriend hated the smell on me… but he’s getting used to it!

Comment by Julien — August 16, 2012 @ 2:26 pm


I LOVE coconut oil and have been using it for years.

It has SO many benefits with nursing mothers and non-nursing mothers. For decades coconuts have been added to formula, if you were in a serious accident and fed through a tube or intraveneously it had coconut in it. Here is a wonderful article…. http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10612.htm

I buy mine through Tropical Traditions, it is certified organic. You can even get it in 5 gallon pails, lol. I have also seen it sold lately in Costco and it is organic as well. I use it in smoothies, to cook with, I make a body scrub with it and NEVER have to apply lotion after a shower because of this. If you want your shaved legs to be smoother for longer shave two times with coconut oil. (Shave once with coconut oil and then reapply coconut and shave again.) I can go almost all week without shaving again. I also wear sandals all the time and never have issues with the heel of the foot looking scary, again I use the body scrub everyday on my feet and never apply lotion or anything else ALL day. I make bug lotion out of it, our own sunscreen. I try to avoid anything with parabens in it so I make my own once every three weeks. A great book is from Tropical Traditions about ALL the things it helps with. Sometimes they give it to you free with certain promotions. :)
You can search the internet for recipes to make your own body products.

Comment by Renee F. — August 17, 2012 @ 9:23 am


I’ve been a long time fan of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! I cook with it, add it to smoothies, etc. I put it on any cuts or scrapes and easily the next day they’re way on the way to healing up. I have suffered for years with a scalp condition that doctors could not figure out, my scalp would have hot spots, then break out in tiny blisters, and no medication was helping. When I feel these things starting to show up I rub the sites with EVCO before I go to be and next morning, they’re gone! My husband cut himself two days ago with a stanley knife at the tip end of his first finger and by the end of the day he said it was swelling up and hurting, so we swiped it that night with EVCO, put a bandaid over it and the next morning the swelling was down and the pain was gone! I used it to condition my dry feet for sandal season. I just apply it every other night then put on cotton socks for a few hours. Works great. Pretty smooth soft pink feet! Great for pets too! my cat loves to eat it off my fingers. Also great for heat rash/spots on dogs! The uses are endless and it’s so healthy for you!

Comment by Barefootcookingirl — August 17, 2012 @ 11:17 am


Sorry, I forgot to say that when I add it to smoothies, first you warm and melt the coconut oil then after you blend the rest of the smoothie ingredients you drizzle the warm oil in very slowly and it will blend completely. I don’t use much, just like 1/2 a tablespoon to a full tablespoon depending on what the smoothie is made from.

Comment by Barefootcookingirl — August 17, 2012 @ 11:20 am


Megan- Gonna have to chime in with many of the others here: A lot of the “coconut oil is bad for you” [really, all] was propganda pushed really hard by corn and vegetable oil producers because coconut oil was largely imported from caribbean and southeast asian countries vs. corn/veggie oil which was produced in the US. Coconut oil has been used in many places around the world and hasn’t caused hear disease, high cholestorol, etc. In fact, it’s much preferable that you use say… coconut oil in your foods as opposed to oil produced by things that don’t naturally produce oil [i.e. vegetable oil... oil from veggies? hmmm... sounds super processed/ unhealthy.] Coconut oil has tons of benefits and your body metabolizes it just fine. The next time you “hear” xyz food is “bad” for your– remember that a lot of money and special interests go into “studies” that can be made to essentially say anything. This is especially true for food growers of America who will pay to convince you that eggs are bad, that beef is bad, that soy is bad, etc…. hope this helps!

Comment by ae — August 17, 2012 @ 9:21 pm


Dear Friend,

You should check this out, Coconut Oil Care, They carry a full line of Virgin Organic Coconut Oil Care products for your Body, Hair, Lubricant, Tranquility, Mother and Baby, Aches and Pain and Sports Care.

http://www.coconutoilcare.com

Comment by Michael Schnitzler — August 23, 2012 @ 10:27 pm


I was hoping for some clarification… when you are saying 3 tablespoons of oil, you’re talking about the room temperature liquid state, correct? I just bought my first jug and am trying to find ways to use… mostly cooking uses, so if anyone has ideas, let me know! THanks!

Comment by Kelly — December 12, 2012 @ 2:16 pm


Hi Kelly,
Great question! Yes, we are speaking of coconut oil at room temperature which would mean a liquid state. Keep us posted on which ways you’re using the oil.
~ Siya
Social Media Educator

Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — December 13, 2012 @ 9:05 am


I have heard about rinsing with cco is it the same as eating it?

Comment by lauren — December 18, 2012 @ 2:13 am


Hi Lauren,
Direct ingestion is different than rinsing with it and the above recommendations are as per stated. I find that with direct ingestion you receive different results than another form.
~ Siya
Social Media Educator

Comment by lululemon athletica GEC — December 18, 2012 @ 9:49 am


Is there a specific type I should be looking for when purchasing coconut oil? Any info on where to purchase would be helpful too. Thanks in advance :)

Comment by Katrina — December 31, 2012 @ 7:09 am


Katrina, you want to get organic virgin cold pressed coconut oil (no extreme heating, processing, refining, etc.) like the article mentions.

You can find it in a variety of places. My local fav is my Trader Joe’s right near my office, but there are also sources from Dr. Mercola’s site, some mentioned in the comments above and online sources, of course.

I am a recent ‘consumer’ of coconut oil, 1-2 months, now and it’s great! I don’t mind just eating it off the spoon like peanut butter.

Wishing you the best,
Dr. Mike

Comment by Dr. Mike — January 29, 2013 @ 1:17 pm


Hey Guys!

Love coconut oil! Use it daily as a skin and hair product, alternative for cooking oils, and as a dietary supplement and for oil swishing! But here’s what else I’ve found. Not all coconut oils are created equal. There are different qualities and grade. If you are someone who cares about putting only the best product on your skin or in your body then NutriCoco is it! It is the Premium VCO out there. Check it out! http://www.nutricoco.com

Comment by Mark — January 31, 2013 @ 3:30 pm


In Jamaica last year I made 1 litre of coconut oil from aprx 12 coconuts. Yesterday I purchased 3 large coconuts and tried to get some oil. Not even a tsp full. Can someone tell why?

Comment by Yvonne — February 8, 2013 @ 10:41 am


Does anyone know if it helps arthitis?

Comment by Cheryl — February 20, 2013 @ 1:24 pm


oops….arthritis

Comment by Cheryl — February 20, 2013 @ 1:24 pm


You can get it at Coscto for $21 for a 2 litre container.

Amazing stuff!

Comment by JJ — March 2, 2013 @ 8:48 am


How many g of coconut yoghurt is healthy to consume per day? Is it really a healthier alternative to dairy natural low fat yoghurt? I’m scared off by the high saturated fat ..

Comment by anonymous — March 4, 2013 @ 4:33 pm


I love coconut oil my cholesterol level was 1100 plus in September of 2012. By March of 2013 it is now 200.I went the hospital for what I thought was a breathing problem well it was
Congestive heart failure, if my levels were at that high level I would probably be having a major surgery. Love in my hair and skin as well I am African American and I were my hair natural it detangles my hair easily I also notice most hair products that work well contain coconut oil in there products.

Comment by Jhane — March 29, 2013 @ 9:43 pm


Nice article! Coconut oil should be the top item included in the food guide pyramid.

Comment by INFOFIT — April 30, 2013 @ 12:19 pm


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