The main use I enjoy coconut oil for is a butter substitute in baking. I don’t do it all the time, because I do love my butter, but I use coconut oil about half the time in my baked goods. Especially if something would benefit from a tiny little additional hint of coconut! (Coconut Mocha Fudge Brownies, for example!)
I also love to use it frying and roasting foods. Just the same as you would use olive oil. (Sesame Garlic Green Beans, stir-fried in coconut oil!)
Every time we eat oatmeal (almost every day for my kids) we stir in a spoonful of coconut oil into each bowl. Adds a yummy boost of healthy fat, and makes the bowls easier to clean in the end. It’s a win-win!
We also melt it with butter for a healthier popcorn topping. I actually can’t remember the last time I have made popcorn with just butter. Sometimes I use only coconut oil, but usually I do about 2/3 coconut oil to 1/3 butter. Start with less and work your way up as you get used to the flavor!
I also love to use it on my body as a body lotion… whipped up like this is a nice way to keep it handy in the bathroom!
On that same note, coconut oil makes an amazing diaper cream.
I like to rub a bit into my hair, especially in the winter, for a bit of shine and extra leave-in conditioning.
I also use it to get cradle crap, excuse me, I mean ‘cradle cap’ off my babies scalps. Rub a generous amount onto the area several times over the course of 24 hours and then take a fine-toothed comb and comb out the flakes. Easy-peasy and hasn’t bugged my babies one bit!
Of course I use it on my hands. I have been known to take a bit extra out when I am baking something and rub it all over my hands. Smells good and feels even better! (It’s amazing how something that seems like it would be greasy can be so not greasy on your skin.)
And of course, I use coconut oil all the time as chapstick. Mmmm…
Recently I have switched completely to coconut oil as an eye makeup remover. And I was incredibly picky before. I only wear waterproof mascara, and a little whipped coconut oil on cotton round, sprinkled with a bit of water, makes a perfect, non-irritating makeup remover!
Also, for those of you nursing mamas out there… coconut oil makes a great healing oil for any *ahem* discomforts of any kind. And it doesn’t need to be washed off before baby eats, which is always a plus!
I also swish a spoonful of it around in my mouth whenever I think of it, and especially when I have tooth pain… it always seems to help!
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From Nutiva‘s website (the brand we use most… this post is not endorsed by them, I just like their product best!) : “Coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid, a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother’s milk that supports healthy metabolism and is now being studied for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties. Overall, coconut oil contains 92% saturated fats, and only 1% Omega-6, the fat Americans get way too much of.”
Oh, and in case you’re curious: I bought this huge 78oz tub at Costco in the middle of September and we’re already half-way done with it. I think I’ve used most of it in brownies! :o)
If your Costco doesn’t have it, or you don’t have a Costco, Amazon has some great subscribe-and-save deals on coconut oil!
I’d love to know… What are your favorite uses for coconut oil?
