Fun facts you never knew about coconut oil
As a college student, we’re always looking for inexpensive ways to pamper ourselves with all of the stress of midterms and papers. With just one jar of coconut oil, you can truly provide yourself with a makeshift spa appointment in your dorm room. Coconut oil has taken center stage as a hot “superfood,” and we at the Clog found some interesting facts about the ubiquitous oil for you to enjoy and potentially benefit from.
1. It can be used as a hair mask
Coconut oil is excellent for repairing damaged hair, as well as restoring shine and hydration to your hair follicles. This makes coconut oil a great treatment for dandruff, but remember not to use too much! You can either create a coconut oil mask for your hair and wash it out in the shower, or choose to apply a small (pea-sized!) amount of oil to damp hair after you shower.
2. It can be used on your skin
Other than making you smell amazing, coconut oil can return moisture to dry skin. Because of coconut oil’s antioxidants, it also acts to delay sagging and wrinkling skin. But, if you tend to have oily skin, try not to use coconut oil on your face and instead use on other parts of your body. If you wish, you can try to add a tiny amount of coconut oil to your regular moisturizer.
3. It’s good for your immune system
Coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral properties that come from its lauric acid when broken down in your body, which means consuming coconut oil may help your body fight off pathogens and viruses.
4. It can help reduce “bad fats” in your body.
Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats act in your body to increase “healthy” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and reduce “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This can improve the health of your heart and reduce heart disease, but try not to consume more than two tablespoons of coconut oil per day, as coconut oil is full of rich calories.
5. Some people use coconut oil for dental hygiene
This practice is called coconut oil “pulling.” This practice is a traditional method of oral care. It is important to note that this practice has not been scientifically researched thoroughly. A study in 2008, however, showed that swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes reduced the presence of streptococcus mutans, which contribute to tooth decay. Scholars have also argued that the mechanical action of swishing naturally reduces bacteria in your mouth. We at the Clog recommend you stick to your regular mouthwash. This tip is not very practical, but fun nevertheless.
Coconut oil has been used throughout history for its versatile uses, from cooking to moisturizing. Explore some of these fun facts, but remember to do so in moderation!
Contact Chelsea Song at csong@dailycal.org.