Do you like to get the most bang for your buck? I certainly do. So whenever I buy stuff I try to look for things that can be used in multiple ways. At the top of my multipurpose list is coconut oil.

While the coconut oil trend has skyrocketed recently, this powerful oil has been a staple in many tropical regions for thousands of years. It is solid at room temperature, has a very mild flavor, and loaded with some amazing health benefits you wouldn’t even think would be possible from a fat.

Here are my fave ways to use coconut oil:

1. TASTY COOKING

Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil is actually a healthy fat that can improve the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol to help reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also be easily broken down by the body to give you energy, instead of stored around your waist as fat.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat so it will remain relatively stable with heat making it a good cooking oil in your fave stirfries and sautées, and when baking your grandma’s to-die-for cookies.

2. DETOX + CLEAN TEETH + FRESH BREATH

Also known as oil pulling. This ancient ayurvedic practice of swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes and then spitting it out has a variety of health claims such as drawing out harmful toxins in the body, preventing cavities, gingivitis and halitosis, whitening teeth and clearing allergies.

Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning. Even though it is solid at room temperature, the heat from your mouth will liquefy it within seconds. After 20 minutes, spit into the toilet and flush. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water and finish off with a thorough brushing with toothpaste.

After the first time, you’ll feel a noticeable difference in your mouth. Like you just went to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned (minus the discomfort) and you’ll have much fresher breath.

Be careful not to swallow any of the oil while swishing because it will be filled with toxic pathogens. When I first started oil pulling 2 years ago, I accidently swallowed some in my clumsy state of swishing and ended up with quite severe flu-like symptoms as my body tried to fight the toxins I had accidentally put back into my system.

3. SILKY SMOOTH SKIN

Coconut oil is a great alternative to shaving cream. Not only will you be able to get rid of unwanted hairs, the vitamin E in coconut oil will also help you moisturize at the same time.  Perfect for those mornings when you are short on time!

Where to Get It? What to Look For?

Coconut oil can be found in the oil section at your grocery store. Look for organic, cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil (preferably in a glass jar/bottle to minimize exposure to BPA).

Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite ways to use coconut oil.