Coconut Oil and the Benefits of Coconut Oil

I've only just discovered the wonders and benefits of something I've never really heard of before: Coconut Oil.

I didn't even know you could get oil from a coconut! Coconut Oil is found in the flesh of the coconut, and it is not to be confused with coconut milk or coconut water.

Coconut Oil is different from most oils, in that it is firm and solid. This is because Coconut Oil has a higher melting point than most regular oils.

I found out about Coconut Oil through an article on Pinterest, and began researching further and found out that Coconut Oil has far more benefits than you could ever imagine. I freeeeeeking LOVE coconuts, so figured I would give some of the methods to improve your health, a go!

On this page, I will test my findings and let you know how I get on with my discovery of Coconut Oil!

All photos are my own, and belong to MarcoG.

A very good question, and one I pondered...so, where am I going to find Coconut Oil, I can't recall ever seeing it.

I had a look on Amazon, and found LOADS of Coconut Oil, but the thing that struck me, was how bloomin' expensive it was...which made me wonder if it's worth bothering to buy it.

I passed a Health food shop the other day, and popped in, and they had a 500ml jar for £15...ouch! Then, I was shopping last night in my local supermarket, my beloved Waitrose, and they had some! I couldn't believe how readily available this Coconut Oil is. Yes, it was still expensive, but I managed to get a 283ml jar for £6.99 - a much cheaper way of testing it out. You can see my jar in the picture above.

There are LOADS of things that Coconut Oil is supposed to good for...from weight loss, hair care, skin moisturising, teeth whitening, to detox your body and cooking with it!

Phew...that is a LOT of benefits. But do they work? I'm going to be testing them bit by bit...starting with the detox with Coconut Oil.

Have you heard of Oil Pulling? Well, I hadn't until the other night when I was wasting my life away on Pinterest (that website is so addictive) and a pin took me to this website, about Pulling with Coconut Oil. What the HECK is Pulling, you may wonder. It's essentially, putting Coconut Oil in your mouth and swishing and swilling around your mouth, tongue and gums for 15-20 minutes, then spitting out. It is supposed to draw toxins out of your body through the cheeks and gums, and fuse them into the oil, which you then discard. Soooo, that's what I'm trying!

Day 1

Last night, 26th October 2012, I did my first pull with Coconut Oil, and it was fine.

Apart from cleansing, the Coconut Oil is supposed whiten your teeth and improve the health of your gums. So, I'll be keeping an eye on all 3 elements - detox, whitening and gum health.

My teeth aren't exactly yellow, but I think I could tell if they get whiter - I've taken a "before picture" which I'll add to this page, when I get a decent after picture. My gums are not in the best health, they bleed occasionally and in patches can feel quite rough and tender...so I'm hoping to see an improvement there.

I'm going to swish the Coconut Oil around my mouth every night for a month, and report my findings here - so bookmark this page and be sure to come back and see if Coconut Oil is all its cracked up to be!

I LOVE Coconut, so was surprised when I almost gagged when I put the oil in my mouth. It was solid. I used about a tablespoon, so had to scrape it from the jar. It was a horrible feeling letting it melt in my mouth, and it tasted kinda gross. But, I persevered. After a few moments, it melted and I was able to get pulling.

My jaw and mouth muscles got a bit sore, but it was fine. Foolishly, I watched Graham Norton on TV whilst doing, so had to resist laughing and spewing my oil all over the room! The key thing recommended is not to gargle, or swallow the oil - because it turns toxic in your mouth (because you're drawing out toxins already).

Day 4

Quick update - on my 4th day of pulling with Coconut Oil, I can report that my gums do feel healthier, they feel smoother. Of course, this could be something to do with my diet (which hasn't been any different to normal, although I have had a few more candies, what with it being Halloween, and all) or could be all down to the Coconut Oil.

Day 7

To be honest, I'm not feeling incredibly different. My mouth feels fine, and I feel fine. I'm incredibly tired at the moment, so the Coconut Oil certainly isn't helping my energy levels or my stamina! My teeth don't look much whiter, but my gums feels good. I'm keen to find out how things are 2 weeks into the Coconut Oil pulling.

Day 20

Still not noticing any significant changes. I work out quite regularly, which I hold to account the reason why I feel good, but of course, it could be the Coconut Oil. My teeth seem to be the same shade, and I'm not noticing any major colour differences. BUT I am LOVING doing the Coconut Oil pulling. At first I hated it, but now I love it. I love the flavour and the way my mouth feels after I've spat the Coconut Oil out. I brush my teeth with mint toothpaste after, and the coconutty minty flavour is so delicious!

Since I've began my Coconut Oil quest and journey of discovery, it turns out there are a lot of benefits to be discovered!

Squidoo member, Lisa Klein Weber told me about how she had a fever and took 3 tbsp of Coconut Oil, and in an hour, it had gone! Amazing, huh?

I've had a pretty dull headache over the weekend, so took a teaspoon of Coconut Oil to see if that would do anything, but after an hour, no change. I had to take an ibruprofen to shift it in the end. Next time, I'll try taking 2 spoons of Coconut Oil and see if that does anything with water. I was disappointed that it didn't fix me headache, but I did only take a small spoonful and I didn't drink the water as Lisa recommended...so there's nothing really to say it doesn't work, yet.

It would seem so! Fibromyalgia is a miserable condition for those that have it. Squidoo member, Lisa Klein Weber told about her taking Coconut Oil regularly, and it helped to cure her Fibromyalgia. Isn't that amazing? It's not clear how much you have to take, and how often, but it would seem that you need at least 3 spoonfuls every day...worth a try, right?

I've started to use Coconut Oil to cook with, which is very healthy. It reduces cholesterol and contains lauric acid which the body LOVES! It's so much better than any other oil you can use and it doesn't over power what you're cooking with coconut flavour. If you're making curry, it's perfect to brown the meat with, as you can use a bit extra to enhances the fragrance of the food. Or if you're frying eggs, just a bit does the job, without making your fried egg smell or taste like a coconut.

Squidoo member ShelleyMax shared with us how Coconut Oil helps with her beauty routine. Coconut Oil can work well to remove make-up - and at the same time leaving your face feeling smooth and clean, and fragranced with a delicate coconut aroma.

Coconut Oil also works really to nourish your hair. Just replace your regular hair conditioner with the same amount of Coconut Oil and your hair will be just as soft, shiny and healthy as any other hair conditioner you could use. Thanks ShelleyMax for the tips!