Ways to Use Nonhydrogenated Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a multifaceted product.

Nonhydrogenated extra virgin coconut oil is an exceptionally versatile product that can be used for everything from baking to moisturizing dry skin. When purchasing coconut oil, be sure to look for "Virgin" or "Extra Virgin" coconut oil, as this indicates that the coconut oil hasn't been chemically altered. Coconut oil can be stored at room temperature, which will keep it in solid form, or heated slightly to become liquid oil.

Cooking and Baking

One of the primary uses of coconut oil is in cooking and baking. Coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil for frying food, adding a slight, nutty flavor. It can also be used as a substitute for butter and oil in baking, with a 1 to 1 substitution ratio. As coconut oil generally comes in solid form, it will need to be heated slightly before it can be used as liquid oil.

Spread

Aside from being used as part of the cooking or baking process, coconut oil can simply be spread raw on baked goods. It can be enjoyed much like butter or margarine on bread, toast or muffins, adding the unique subtle flavor of coconut to any food. Coconut oil offers many health benefits with consumption, and adding it to your regular meals as a spread is a good way to incorporate it into your diet.

Skin Treatment

As well as its cooking properties, coconut oil is also an excellent skin treatment. Coconut oil moisturizes without being greasy and gives skin a smooth, silky feeling. Coconut oil can safely be used as a facial treatment as well, without running the risk of clogging pores with excess oil. It can be massaged into the scalp to control dandruff, applied to the underarms as an inexpensive, natural deodorant or used on the lips as a balm for cracked skin.

Cold Treatment

Coconut oil offers numerous health benefits, not the least of which is boosting the immune system and assisting with weight loss, according to the report "Health and Nutritional Benefits from Coconut Oil: An Important Functional Food for the 21st Century," presented by licensed nutritionist Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., at the AVOC Lauric Oils Symposium on January 1, 2000. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can speed up the recovery time from a cold. Make a soothing cold remedy by mixing a tablespoon of coconut oil to a cup of hot tea and honey to help comfort a sore throat.

References

• "The Nourishing Gourmet"; Incorporating Coconut Oil into Your Daily Life; Kimi Harris; Sept. 17, 2008
• "Natural News"; Twelve Ways to Use Coconut Oil (Besides Cooking); Elizabeth Walling; 2009
• Coco Science: How to Use Coconut Oil to Stay Healthy and Attractive
• "Lipids;" Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity; M.L. Assunção, et al.; July 2009
• The Weston A. Price Foundation: A New Look at Coconut Oil; Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.; Jan. 1, 2000
• Health Report: The Truth About Saturated Fats; Mary Enig, Ph.D., and Sally Fallon