Uses for Coconut Oil in Cooking, Hair Care And Other Medicinal Applications http://bit.ly/vfFsGp

Article by George Smith

Coconut Oil in Cooking

Coconut oil was once considered taboo by many in the food and health industries because it is high in saturated fats. That perspective is changing and uses for it in cooking are emerging daily. At room temperature, it takes on a solid form and can be used in place of butter in many recipes. When heated, it becomes liquid and is a perfect oil for frying foods.Baked Goods

Coconut oil in baked goods are limitless. In its solid form, it replaces butter and shortening in many recipes. Surprisingly, it can turn out flaky pie crusts, fluffy cake icings and crumbly scones. This has immediate appeal to vegans who eschew the use of butter. It is also an acceptable substitute for olive oil and can be used for pound cakes and the like.Frying

Using coconut oil in place of other oils for frying leaves foods with a rich, almost nutty taste. Some people claim to be able to actually taste the coconut when eating foods fried with it. Some things that fry well in coconut oil are fish, potatoes, batter-dipped vegetables and doughnuts.Some of the benefits of frying with this oil are that the oil drains away from foods more completely, leaving food crisper and less soggy. It also lasts longer than other oils and can be used over and over again in deep frying.Other Cooking Uses

Because of its sweet taste, coconut oil is ideal for use in making candy. The sweetness blends well with most baked goods and pastries, too. It can be drizzled on roasted vegetables for a unique flavor enhancement. Try it on toast instead of butter. The tropical taste lends itself well to most Thai and Indian recipes.One of the many uses for it is in salad dressing. A mixture of equal parts coconut oil and olive oil drizzled of greens is delectable. You can add some sea salt and red wine vinegar for flavor contrasts. There is one thing to be careful of though. If the dressing is chilled or the salad is cold, the oil in the dressing can solidify. It is best to mix small amounts and keep it at room temperature.For health considerations, virgin coconut oil is better than the refined varieties which can contain impurities. Those impurities required bleaching, deodorizing and refining to make the product suitable for use. Cooking is just one of the many uses for coconut oil.

Non-Cooking Uses for Coconut Oil

Uses vary and cross many realms from cooking to personal use and even industrial applications. Its versatility makes coconut highly adaptable and yet few people are even aware of it. In tropical parts of the world, the value of it has been appreciated for many generations and forms an important part of the diet.

Personal Uses for Coconut Oil

The oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry and damaged hair. When applied directly to the hair and left for 15 minutes before shampooing, the hair has a luxuriant shine. It can also be added to homemade shampoos, hair pomades and conditioning oil treatments.Another personal uses for the oil is the treatment of skin. It works wonder for softening and healing dry and damaged skin. Coconut oil helps first by forming a protective barrier on skin that helps retain moisture. Secondly, it penetrates deeply to help keep connective tissues supple and strong. Because it is readily absorbed into the skin, the oil helps minimize the appearance of fine skin lines and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Lastly, coconut oil aids in the process of exfoliation which is the removal of dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin, leaving smoother skin behind.Medicinal Uses for Coconut Oil

Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil on the head, for example, at the temples, can help reduce stress. Massage the oil in using small circular motions and let the natural fragrance sooth your stress away. The saturated fats in the oil can help the digestive process. It contains anti-bacterial properties which can assist with controlling parasites and fungi which can cause digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion. Coconut oil also helps the body absorb amino acids, minerals and vitamins more efficiently. When applied to scrapes and cuts, it forms a tin protective barrier that keeps potential infection down by shielding the wound from virus, bacteria and dust. It speeds the recovery of bruises because it helps repair damaged tissue.When added to the diet, coconut oil can help balance hormones and stimulate the thyroid, it increases your metabolic rate which in turn increases energy and can lead to weight loss.