It’s no secret; coconut oil’s popularity has increased drastically over the years, and it’s for a good reason too. Coconut oil benefits and uses range from cosmetic purposes to health. This is why it’s a must-have in your cupboard as it is in mine. And all these amazing coconut oil benefits get even better if you get a jar that has 100% organic, cold-pressed, unrefined and virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Skin Moisturiser

With the harsh desert climate and reliance on air conditioning, it is vital that appropriate action is taken to nourish and hydrate the skin. Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil is a staple in many natural skincare products and serves as an excellent base oil for at-home skin treatments. Used alone or with the addition of a mild exfoliant such as sugar, coconut oil can be used to treat dry skin conditions, remove dead skin cells and maintain skin integrity. T make things simple, just apply it directly to your body for softer, smoother skin. And as someone who has done this consistently, I agree that it moisturizes.

Hair Repair

Remedy the drying effects of chlorine and sun damage with at-home coconut oil hair treatments. Packed full of vitamins and fatty acids, coconut oil benefits include strengthening and nourishing the hair for a healthier look. You can apply as a deep conditioning mask or as a targeted detangling treatment. Coconut oil is said to stimulate faster hair growth and eliminates the build-up of excess sebum from hair follicles.

Teeth Whitening

Excess coffee drinking (or tea drinking in my case), the consumption of certain spicy foods and acidic drinks all contribute to discoloration. Through the 3,000-year-old Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling, a tablespoon of coconut oil is swilled around the mouth to drawn out toxins and leftover food. The anti-microbial properties of the oil improve oral hygiene, resulting in healthier gums, fresher breath, and cleaner, whiter teeth.

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Treats Bites and Stings

Few insects evoke such adverse feelings as the mosquito. The irritating bites and itchy red bumps they leave behind are enough to deter even the most forgiving of animal lovers. Many bite-soothing remedies contain harsh chemicals and are expensive. Coco-oil is a natural itch-reliever and an anti-inflammatory. The anti-microbial properties of the oil make it an excellent choice to speed up the healing process and applying a thin layer over bites and stings provides a barrier to keep dirt and dust out of the wound.

Cooking and Baking

Coconut oil’s long shelf-life and high smoke point make it excellent cooking oil and a great vegan alternative to butter. Traditional fats can be substituted for the oil in baking, adding a tropical twist to traditional recipes. The oil is considered a healthy fat due to its high proportion of MCFAs – Medium Chain Fatty Acids, which are more readily used as a source of energy, thus being less likely to be stored in the body as fat.

After knowing all these coconut oil benefits, we’re loving Vita Coco 100% unrefined organic oil, which is available throughout the UAE in Spinneys and Carrefour.