Coconut oil has been integral to Indian culture and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its origin in India traces back to ancient times, with references found in Ayurvedic texts dating back to around 5000 BC. In these texts, coconut oil is described as having various medicinal properties and is utilised in treatments for skin ailments, inflammation, oral care, and even cancer.
Over the years, coconut oil has become deeply embedded in daily life, valued not only for its health benefits but also for its cosmetic and culinary applications. Renowned for its culinary applications, it enhances dishes with its distinct flavour and high smoke point. Beyond the kitchen, it's cherished for its cosmetic properties, moisturising skin and hair naturally. Its adaptability across culinary, cosmetic, medicinal, and industrial realms highlights its exceptional versatility.
Here are 20 ways to use cold pressed virgin coconut oil along with its nutritional value.
Table of Contents:
- Why is Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil better?
- Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil Nutritional Facts
- 20 Ways to Use Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
- Cook With Virgin Coconut Oil
- Add It To Your Drinks
- Use Coconut Oil To Increase Metabolism
- Use Cold Pressed Coconut Oil For Oil Pulling
- Improve Gut Health With Virgin Coconut Oil
- Practice Ayurvedic Abhyanga (Self-Massage) With Coconut Oil
- Boost Collagen Production
- Best Oil For Gentle Baby Massage
- Make Homemade Toothpaste With Virgin Coconut Oil
- Use It As Natural Make-Up Remover
- Use It Daily As Natural Moisturiser
- Protect Hair from Damage
- Improve Hair Lustre
- Prepare Natural Deodorant
- Replace Your ‘Shaving Cream’ With Organic Coconut Oil
- Improve Wound Healing
- Use It As A Base For Natural Insect Repellent
- Prepare Homemade Natural Soaps
- DIY Nail Treatment
- Removes Stains
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil Better?
Looking for coconut oil to include in your daily routine can be quite confusing with many types of coconut oils being available in the market. For example virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil are not the same. And your favourite champion coconut oil you have been using since you were a child is completely different. In reality, different coconut oils exist and they can be,
- Virgin Coconut Oil
- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Refined coconut oil
- Fractionated
- Hydrogenated coconut oil
The aforementioned coconut oils are in fact different and they differ in terms of overall characteristics, quality of the oil, flavour, nutritional content, and are suited for different applications. Read more here on what makes each of these different.
Why is virgin coconut oil better? Virgin coconut oil, also referred to as raw, unrefined, or cold pressed coconut oil, is best both in terms of quality and affordability.
I. Extraction Method: Cold pressed virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat through mechanical pressing in a traditional wooden or stone-press chekku/ghani without the use of toxic heat or chemical solvents. The wooden press is rotated at low rpm without any application of additional heat. After extraction, it naturally settles for a few days before filtration and packaging in glass bottles, preserving its natural aroma and freshness.
II. Single Press: Its 'virgin' status stems from the oil being ‘single-pressed’, (without the coconut oil being pressed a multitude of times) ensuring superior quality often graded as "Grade A" oil.
III. Nutrient-dense: Minimal heat application retains its original flavour, aroma. The cold pressed coconut oil extraction eliminates processes like solvent and refining, bleaching, and deodorizing thereby keeping intact the original nutritional richness, including medium-chain fatty acids, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
IV. Affordability: It is much more affordable than extra-virgin coconut oil whilst being similar in terms of nutritional content.
Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil Nutritional Facts
- Saturated Fats: 90.5%
- Monounsaturated Fats: 7.5%
- Polyunsaturated Fats: 2%
- Trans Fatty Acids: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
- Vitamin E, A, K, D
- Phytosterols such as β-Sitosterol, Δ-5-avenasterol and campesterol
Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil is almost 99.97% fatty acids of which it contains the highest amount of saturated fatty acids at 90%. Most of the saturated fats in raw coconut oil contains MCT (medium chain fatty acids) like lauric acid (nearly 45-50%) which also provides its resistance to rancidity (meaning this oil is more heat stable and shelf-stable).
Other saturated fats include skin-beneficial myristic acid and palmitic acid; antioxidant boosting caprylic acid and antimicrobial capric acid. It is also packed with healthy monounsaturated fats MUFA 7.5% (mostly oleic acid - omega 9) and small amounts of polyunsaturated fats 2% (mostly linoleic acid - omega 6).
The unique composition of good quality saturated fats makes virgin coconut oil appear clear white (unlike hot pressed coconut oil which can appear pale white or yellow), and have a sweeter taste. The presence of a large number of saturated fats is also the reason for a good quality coconut oil to freeze into a solid state when refrigerated, unlike other blended refined coconut oils or adulterated ones.
Besides fatty acids, raw coconut oil also contains crucial vitamins. Vitamin E is the most abundant vitamin found in the oil while vitamins A, D and K are in trace amounts.
20 Ways to Use Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
1. Cook With Virgin Coconut Oil
Cold pressed coconut oil has a gentle aroma and pleasant taste and is widely used as a cooking oil in Asian countries. It contains 91% saturated fatty acids, making the oil highly heat-stable, meaning the oil does not break down to harmful byproducts when heated over a period of time. This allows the oil to retain its original characteristics and offers a safe medium to cook, sauté, and even deep fry your dishes.
One study found that coconut oil demonstrated high oxidative stability and produced the least amount of polar compounds at the end of the induction time, outperforming even extra-virgin olive oil. This could be due to the presence of natural antioxidants in raw coconut oil. The highly resistant nature of this oil to oxidative rancidity is attributed to its high concentration of saturated fat and low unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
Buy Advait Living High Quality Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil For Your Versatile Cooking Needs.
How to cook with raw coconut oil?
You can safely use the highly versatile raw or cold pressed coconut oil instead of refined oils to cook a variety of dishes:
- Prepare South Indian Dishes such as Dosa, Sambhar, etc.
- Tadka for your coconut chutney, Karuveppilai Chutney, etc.
- Make Breakfast Snacks such as Poha, Upma, etc.
- Prepare all Asian Curries
- Fry Fresh Banana Chips
- Prepare Coconut Fudge
- Make Coconut Avocado Ice Cream (Keto-Friendly)
- Add as base oil in Chicken Phad Thai
- Roast and Grill Vegetables
- Add it to Thai Curry
- Fry Mutton Kebabs
- Make Fish Curry
- Add it to Salads Dressings
- Prepare Paranthas
- Add to Chutneys, Paste, Dips, etc.
- Bake Cake, Breads, Sourdoughs, etc.
2. Add It To Your Drinks
Due to its medicinal properties, consider adding raw coconut oil to other alternate beverages such as coconut smoothie, pineapple matcha smoothie, turmeric ginger tea or hawaiian iced cafe and make it part of your daily routine.
How to add it to your morning routine?
Add 1-2 tspn of cold pressed virgin coconut oil & ½ tspn cinnamon powder to warm water, drink it empty stomach in the morning. This can help aid digestion, reduce blood sugar levels, relieve inflammation of the mucus layers, ease constipation, and form a healthy protective layer in the gastrointestinal tract. Consume in moderation and take breaks in between months.
3. Use Coconut Oil To Increase Metabolism
Cold pressed virgin coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats and especially with lauric acid (45-50%), a type of medium-chain saturated fatty acid (MCT). Lauric acid is ketogenic, gut-friendly and a great source of quick energy. It may help metabolise fat-burning. This is because the body can rapidly metabolise MCTs due to their shorter carbon chains. Unlike long-chain fatty acids (LCTs), the body can quickly transport MCTs directly to the liver, bypassing the lymphatic system. The liver rapidly converts MCTs into energy and ketones, providing us with instant energy. Research also suggests that MCT can increase diet-induced thermogenesis, improve satiety and decrease energy intake and this may help induce weight loss and prevent weight gain or regain.
How to use it to stimulate energy production?
Consume Bullet Coffee in the morning to stimulate your metabolism and keep your blood sugar levels low. Add 1-2 tsp of cold pressed virgin coconut oil in your black coffee (ideally without any addition of sugar) and enjoy it in the morning. This drink is sure to provide sustained energy and increase satiety levels, and may even support cognitive functions.
4. Use Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil For Oil Pulling
Coconut oil has been widely used in oil pulling since ancient times. This ayurvedic technique to maintain oral hygiene eliminates gum inflammation, bad breath, and stains on teeth. Several studies on oil pulling suggest that coconut oil can be used to improve oral health and dental hygiene.
The alkali in saliva reacts with oil, resulting in saponification, and forms a soap-like substance to reduce plaque adhesion. It is also said that sodium hydroxide in saliva reacts with lauric acid in coconut oil to form sodium laureate. This sodium laureth is the main component of soap and is known for the cleansing action of coconut oil. Another study also concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling?
- Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for approximately 20 minutes without swallowing it.
- Spit the oil in a trash can and rinse your mouth with water.
- Later, brush your teeth for best results.
Read this article for a complete guide to oil pulling techniques and the right way to do it.
Note: Oil pulling is not an alternative for any forms of oral health activities such as brushing and flossing.
5. Improve Gut Health With Virgin Coconut Oil
Lauric acid in coconut oil has a strong antimicrobial activity among all saturated fatty acids. It showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pneumococcus, and fungi like Candida albicans. Besides killing these infectious microbes, it increases the probiotic microbes like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. This proves that consuming coconut oil improves gut health by balancing the gut microbiota. The medium-chain fatty acids of coconut oil are smaller and easy to absorb into the bloodstream. This leads to quick digestion and improves overall nutrient absorption.
How to Use Virgin Coconut Oil to Improve Gut Health?
Add two teaspoons of raw & uncooked virgin coconut oil in your food, salad dressings, smoothies and other recipes frequently. This adds unique flavour and aroma to your food and improves gut health by eliminating disease-causing microbes and increasing probiotics.
6. Practice Ayurvedic Abhyanga (Self-Massage) With Coconut Oil
Abhyanga is an ayurvedic self massage technique practised to relax muscle tension and enhance overall health and wellbeing. Abhyanga restores doshas and reduces muscle stiffness, improving flexibility, strength, and mobility. It also promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces the trauma effects (Abhighata sahyatva). Self-massaging with coconut oil also cleanses dirt, improves body complexion and skin elasticity, improves eyesight and prevents the ageing process. A pilot study revealed that practising abhyanga reduces stress and is beneficial in lowering blood heart rate and blood pressure in prehypertensive subjects.
How to Practise Ayurvedic Abhyanga with Coconut Oil?
- Take ¼-½ cup of cold pressed coconut oil (pita oil) and warm it gently.
- Start massaging from head to toe in a smooth circular motion.
- Massage the limbs with long strokes and joints with circular strokes.
- Continue it for 5 to 20 minutes and give special attention to ears, scalp and feet.
- Take a warm shower to rinse the oil from the body.
- Apply a few drops of essential oil on wrists and neck for additional benefits of Abhyanga.
7. Boost Collagen Production
Scientific evidence shows that virgin coconut oil boosts collagen synthesis and promotes wound healing. It has been noted that wounds treated with coconut oil healed much faster with a significant increase in pepsin-soluble collagen, indicating a higher collagen crossover. This increased natural production of collagen improves skin elasticity and prevents premature ageing signs.
How to Boost Collagen Production?
Clean virgin coconut oil can be directly applied at the site of the wound to boost collagen to heal wounds faster. Applying coconut-infused products like serum, spot treatments, serum masks, and under-eye patches also helps to boost collagen and keep the skin young and supple.
8. Best Oil For Gentle Baby Massage
Coconut oil is prevalently used to massage newborn babies to gain weight and improve skin maturity. A study that detected the effect of coconut oil massage in 585 newborn babies concluded that coconut oil massage is a promising and cost-effective solution to gain weight and reduce morbidity and mortality.
Another study comparing the effectiveness of coconut and olive oil for body massage shows that these oils improve body weight and sleep patterns and reduce crying in low birthweight newborns. It concluded that coconut oil is more cost-effective and easily acceptable to mothers than olive oil for body massaging.
How to Massage a Baby with Coconut Oil?
- Take a few drops of cold pressed coconut oil and rub it between the palms to warm up.
- Massage the feet, hands, and legs of the baby, followed by the abdomen and chest using gentle long strokes.
- Continue this for 15 to 30 minutes every day for best results.
9. Make Homemade Toothpaste With Virgin Coconut Oil
The antimicrobial property of this oil is renowned for reducing plaque-causing microbes. Unlike non-herbal toothpaste, virgin coconut oil is safe even when swallowed, reduces debris and plaque formation, strengthens teeth, polishes tooth surfaces and eliminates bad breath. Adding coconut oil to the homemade toothpaste is inexpensive and eco-friendly. Besides this, no harmful chemicals like lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, and sodium lauryl ether sulphate are found.
Ingredients to Make Homemade Toothpaste
- 6 tbsp of Virgin coconut oil
- 4 tbsp of baking soda
- 20 drops of oregano oil
- 20 drops of food-grade peppermint oil
How to Make Homemade Toothpaste with Virgin Coconut Oil?
- Mix the virgin coconut oil with 4 tbsp of baking soda to get a smooth paste.
- Add oregano and peppermint oil and stir it well with a spoon.
- Store this thick paste in a small jar, dip your toothbrush in it, and use it like regular toothpaste.
10. Use It As Natural Make-Up Remover
Another excellent use of cold pressed coconut oil is removing makeup. This oil acts as a better alternative for commercial makeup removers. With its moisturising and antimicrobial properties, cold pressed coconut oil removes makeup effectively. However, due to its comedogenic properties, it may clog pores in acne-prone skin. Always rinse the oil with lukewarm water to remove the oil residue.
How to Use It As a Makeup Remover?
Take a few drops of virgin coconut oil and apply it over the makeup. Wipe it off with a cotton or clean cloth completely, and wash your face with lukewarm water. Enjoy this effective natural makeup remover without using any harmful or expensive makeup remover.
11. Use It Daily As A Natural Moisturiser
Cold pressed coconut oil is widely used in the skincare industry for its moisturising properties. 90-95% of virgin coconut oil is saturated triglycerides, and this adds a moisturising and soothing effect to the skin when applied. The fatty acid, especially lauric acid, found in coconut oil is considered more safe and efficient in the preparation of moisturisers. This serves as a safe alternative for mineral and petroleum-based emollients. This oil acts as a natural moisturiser, prevents tissue damage, and protects your skin. Several clinical studies also proved the efficiency of cold pressed coconut oil as a moisturiser.
How to Use It as a Natural Moisturiser?
Apply 2 to 3 drops of coconut oil and massage it all over your body. Regular application of coconut oil on the skin improves dry skin and prevents the signs of premature ageing like wrinkles.
12. Protect Hair from Damage
Coconut oil is an excellent remedy to protect the hair from damage. The lauric acid in the oil has a high affinity for keratin protein in the hair and aids in repairing hair shafts, acting as a barrier for the hair. The linear polymer chain structure and low molecular weight allow this oil to penetrate inside the hair shaft and prevent hair damage.
How to Protect Hair with Coconut Oil?
Slightly warm the coconut oil along with a few drops of any essential oil and apply it on the entire hair. Leave it overnight and wash it off with a mild shampoo. Treating your hair with coconut oil offers an extra layer of protection and leaves your hair smooth and shiny.
13. Improve Hair Lustre
Enriched with vitamins E and K, lauric acid, and minerals, coconut oil helps people with Pitta dosha. Besides this, antimicrobial properties and antioxidants present in cold pressed coconut oil support hair growth. When mixed with other herbs like kalonji, curry leaves or hibiscus, it enhances the hair lustre and growth.
How to Improve Hair Lustre with Coconut Oil?
- Add some herbs or essential oil to the warm coconut oil and apply it to the hair (focus more on the ends).
- Use a shower cap or warm towel to cover your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash the hair thoroughly using a gentle shampoo & make sure the oil is completely removed.
14. Prepare Natural Deodorant
As an alternative to conventional deodorants, cold pressed coconut oil, with its antimicrobial properties, helps to ward off microbes that cause an unpleasant odour. This cost-effective solution protects the body from the damage of prolonged usage of commercial deodorants.
Ingredients for Natural Deodorant
- Coconut Oil
- Shea Butter
- Baking Soda
- Cornstarch powder
- Essential oil
How to Prepare a Natural Deodorant?
- Using a double boiler method, add coconut oil and shea butter in a glass bowl and boil it until it melts.
- After it melted, add cornstarch powder, baking soda and essential oils to boost the odour-fighting power.
- Once done, store it in a glass jar at room temperature and use it whenever needed.
- Take a scoop of this mixture and apply it to your underarms after showering to prevent unpleasant odours.
15. Replace Your ‘Shaving Cream’ With Organic Coconut Oil
The high moisturising property of cold pressed coconut oil soothes the skin and provides a slippery surface for a smooth shaving experience. By switching to organic coconut oil, all the harmful effects of mineral oil, surfactants, preservatives, and other toxic chemicals can be prevented.
How to Use Coconut Oil as a Shaving Cream?
- Apply a thin layer of it to the clean skin.
- Let the oil sink and soften your skin for a few minutes.
- Once done, shave normally and rinse the razor often to prevent the coconut oil buildup.
- Also, apply coconut oil on the skin after shaving for better results.
16. Improve Wound Healing
Cold pressed coconut oil is widely known for treating minor wounds. The topical application of coconut oil on the wound has been proven to be an excellent wound-healing agent. The presence of vitamin E in the oil slightly increases the antioxidant enzyme activity, fibroblast proliferation, and formation of new blood vessels. A study conducted on young rats also proves that cold pressed coconut oil heals the wound faster.
How to Heal Wounds Faster?
Clean the wound thoroughly with water or an antiseptic agent and apply sterilised cold pressed coconut oil on the minor cuts. Do this often till the wound heals.
17. Use It As A Base For Natural Insect Repellent
Cold pressed coconut oil, when applied topically, repels blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, and bed bugs. The mixture of medium-chain fatty acids in the coconut oil shows better repellent activity. These fatty acids from coconut oil are non-toxic and safe to use as an insect repellant and a natural, cost-effective solution.
How to Repel Insects with It?
Mix the coconut oil with a few drops of any one of the desired essential oils with insecticidal properties, such as citronella oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and cedar wood oil. Shake the mixture well before applying it to the skin.
18. Prepare Homemade Natural Soaps
Cold pressed coconut oil is widely used in soap making and is best known for its high cleansing and lathering power. This oil has a high amount of lauric acid and aids in reducing inflammation and infections in the skin. It can be combined with other oils, like castor oil, for additional benefits.
Ingredients
- Lye solution (66g of sodium hydroxide in 150g of distilled water)
- 454 g of coconut oil
How to Prepare Soaps with Coconut Oil?
- Prepare the soap mould and ensure the goggles and gloves are on.
- Once the lye solution and coconut oil attain 100℉, stir the lye remedy into the oil pan.
- Blend the lye solution and oil until it reaches a trace with a silicone spatula.
- Once the soap is traced, pour it into the silicone mould with cavities. Leave it on the kitchen counter out of direct sunlight for 48 hours.
- Leave the soap bars for at least 10 weeks in an airy area till they turn hard and white. Once done, the soap can last up to 2 years.
19. DIY Nail Treatment
This versatile oil treats nails in the comfort of your home, reducing the expense. Cold pressed coconut oil strengthens brittle nails, treats damaged cuticles, prevents nail ridges, and treats toenail fungus. Apply and massage coconut oil for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water.
How to Strengthen Nails with Coconut Oil?
- Clean nails thoroughly and soak them in warm water for a few minutes.
- Dab the nails with a clean towel. Apply and massage the coconut oil for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water.
- Follow this often for optimal results.
20. Removes Stains
Cold pressed coconut oil not only has health benefits but also helps in other areas of life too. For instance, coconut oil is often used to remove stains from upholstery and carpets. It is also efficient in removing some stains, such as ink, soap, or oxide.
How to Remove Stains with it?
To remove stains, rub a few drops of coconut oil on the stain, let it soak for 10 minutes, and wash it off. Using baking soda along with coconut oil removes the soap scum.
Conclusion
In essence, cold pressed virgin coconut oil is more than just a culinary staple; it's a versatile elixir deeply rooted in ancient traditions and modern wellness practices. Its rich history in Indian culture and Ayurvedic medicine speaks volumes about its myriad benefits, ranging from skincare to culinary delights and even medicinal applications.
As we've explored, the nutritional richness of cold pressed virgin coconut oil, coupled with its unique extraction process, sets it apart as a superior choice for both health and culinary enthusiasts. Its ability to withstand high temperatures while retaining its natural goodness makes it an ideal cooking oil, elevating the flavours of dishes across diverse cuisines.
Moreover, its versatility extends beyond the kitchen, serving as a natural remedy for various skin and hair concerns, a gentle aid in baby care, and even a DIY ingredient for homemade toiletries. From oil pulling to homemade toothpaste, from baby massages to natural deodorants, its applications are as diverse as they are effective.
Where natural, sustainable alternatives are increasingly sought after, cold pressed virgin coconut oil shines as a beacon of purity and efficacy. Its timeless appeal, coupled with its modern-day relevance, cements its status as a cherished essential in both traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
So whether you're whipping up a batch of coconut-infused delicacies or pampering your skin with a luxurious massage, let cold pressed virgin coconut oil be your trusted companion on the journey to holistic well-being. Embrace its goodness, savour its flavours, and revel in the timeless wisdom of nature's bounty encapsulated in a humble coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Good Ways to Use Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil can be used for various purposes like cooking, skincare and haircare, body massage, oil pulling, lubricant, repelling insects, etc. Make sure to use pure cold pressed coconut oil to retain all its nutritional value.
2. Can I Apply Coconut Oil on My Face?
Yes, you can apply cold pressed coconut oil to your face for moisturising. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this oil keep your face free of ageing signs. However, this oil is comedogenic and not best suited for acne-prone skin.
3. Can I Apply Coconut Oil on My Lips?
Yes, you can apply coconut oil to your lips. It helps you keep your lips moisturised and treat dry and chapped lips.
4. What Kind of Coconut Oil is Best for Brushing Teeth?
You can use pure cold pressed coconut oil as it tastes better and doesn’t undergo too much processing. The lauric acid of this oil has antimicrobial properties and promotes better health.
