I bought my first jar of coconut oil a few years ago. It sat in my cabinet because I wasn’t too sure what to do with it. Then one day I discovered the benefits of coconut oil. Currently, I have quart jars of it in my kitchen and a jar in the bathroom. I plan to buy some itty bitty containers to keep coconut oil in my purse. If there was ever a “miracle in a jar” coconut oil is it.
You are probably wondering why I love coconut oil so much, right? Here are my reasons:
Coconut oil is a good saturated fat.
Contrary to popular opinion, scientific research has shown that highly processed hydrogenated vegetable oils are to blame for many modern diseases and ailments rather than the natural saturated fats that humans have been consuming for centuries. Bring on the butter and coconut oil, yo!
Coconut oil supports thyroid function and boosts metabolism.
I come from a line of women with hypothyroidism…and I’m definitely in the line up. Ingesting coconut oil each day can make a huge difference in thyroid function, energy and metabolism. The testimonials I’ve read are amazing.
Coconut oil is excellent for skin issues.
It’s great for any kind of skin irritation including bug bites {hello, mosquitos!} as well as sunscreen, diaper rash ointment, moisturizer and makeup remover.
Coconut oil is easy to ingest.
We spread on toast for breakfast, enjoy in smoothies or just by the spoonful. I use it in cooking as a substitute for shortening or if I’m running low on butter. Coconut oil is stable at high heat, so it’s great for sauteeing as well.
Coconut oil is incredible.
It is anti-everything – anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral to name a few. There are no side effects to using coconut oil and it is easy to obtain either online or locally.
I’ve recently come across some wonderful links that include many different uses for coconut oil that I just had to share them with y’all.
- 122 Uses For Coconut Oil – Simple, Strange and Downright Odd
- 15 Non Edible Uses for Coconut Oil
- 160 Uses For Coconut Oil
- Coconut Oil & Thyroid Health
- Delicious Healthy Homemade Fudge {with coconut oil}
- Coconut Oil & Pregnancy
XO
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That is so ironic that you happened to post on this. I was just reading about the health benefits lately, but then couldn’t remember where i saw it and wanted more info. I have fibromyalgia and am always looking for natural things that might give me energy. Where can you buy it? I really enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work!
Hi Tanya, Thanks for your comment!
I buy my coconut oil online from Tropical Traditions, but you can also find it in Kroger’s natural food section, small health food stores, Whole Foods or EarthFare. 
So glad you posted this today! I came across a jar in my pantry yesterday and was thinking “I really need to try to do something with that!” Now I have some inspirations!
I recently bought coconut oil, but still not sure how to use it. Have been using it in some cooking, but didn’t know about other uses. Thanks! I am eager to put my oil to better use.
Lisa@blessedwithgrace´s last [type] ..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday…. Garlic Chicken, Orzo Pasta, and a Watermelon Margarita!
Vitacost.com is also a GREAT resource for Coconut oil at a good price! My husband’s grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease, so when we started reading about how it may (still being studied) reverse some of the progression of that disease and dementia and aid in memory function, we started keeping it in the house. We use it for cooking, baking, and the other ways you mentioned. It’s rare that my hubby (in his early 40s) jumps something with as much energy as this. He even fries his egg in it in the morning!
We have a 5 year old with eczema. It’s awful, and the prescription creams (antibiotics/steriods/moisturizers) don’t work… Coconut oil seems to be the only thing to soothe his skin when it flares up.
I keep a small jar in my purse for skinned knees and chapped lips.
I’ve not cooked with it yet, simply because I’m comfortable with shortening and butter… But, maybe once we leave here and it’s easier to buy larger quantities, I will.
We do put it in smoothies, though.
Sidnie´s last [type] ..stronger than the Army…
Also? I use it as makeup remover and a hair conditioning mask.
Sidnie´s last [type] ..stronger than the Army…
I’m so glad that the coconut oil is helping with the eczema. How wonderful!
I just bought a jar of coconut oil this past weekend and started ug it right away. I “came across” an article last week about the many benefits (I too have had symptoms of hypothyroidism) and decided that I was going to give coconut oil a try! So far all I have done with it is eat it! I was just thinking that after my shower this morning I am going to rub it on my feet and put on a pair of socks-should soften those pups right up!
Thanks for sharing! Morre people need to know this stuff!
Blessings!
I love coconut oil! Great post!
maria´s last [type] ..Lime & Coconut Ice Cream & KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment Giveaway
Thanks Maria!
xo
I don’t use it currently and I really would like to give it a try, but I have a hard time fitting it into my budget. The spring has surely yielded some unexpected costs! But I’m sure after reading this and the links you provided, I won’t be able to stop myself.
Jenna´s last [type] ..How To Build A Fire
Coconut oil has become a staple in our home too, both for cooking and skincare. I love it! Sunscreen? Really?! I had no idea!!
In fact, I may have blamed it for contributing to a burn last summer when I used it as a moisturizer… *blush* http://www.parentingmiracles.net/2011/06/weekend-psa-check-your-moisturizer/
I’ve used it on Ridley’s fair skin for sunscreen and had great success!
Maybe if it’s not rubbed into the skin (like moisturizer) and is left more oily it works better to shield from the sun? I dunno.
It can contribute to a sunburn if it is still shiny. The key to using CO as sunscreen is to let it fully absorb and become matte before going in the sun.
Alyssa @ Kingdom First Mom´s last [type] ..Retail and Restaurant Coupons Round-Up {Weekend of 5/26}
Thanks for the clarification, Alyssa!!
I absolutely LOVE coconut oil! I use it for so many things. I’ve kept it in my diaper bag for baby skin and I use it on my own skin almost every night. In the kitchen, it’s wonderful for frying up my husbands favorite mini donuts
The uses are endless.
Yes, yes, yes! Thanks for your comment Joanne! #coconutloversunite
I am a big fan of coconut oil too and use it all the time, to moisturize, i add it to smoothies, I use it to cook with, I also have recently started “oil pulling” with it and it made my sinus infection go away after 1 day!
I also have hypothyroid issues! I discovered tropical traditions in college and when I was regularly using coconut oil as night cream, my skin looked amazing!
Candace Creations´s last [type] ..Chocolate Coconut Macaroons – Gluten, Dairy, Egg and Soy Free
I have used it for oil pulling once. I need to get back to doing that!
I have hypothyroidism and have been using coconut oil for the past 2 1/2 years. I bake with it substituting any butter or oils with coconut oil. But I want to make sure I get atleast 1 tbsp in a day, so I take 4 oz. of reall cold milk and add 1 tbsp of coconute oil (liquid) and mix it and drink. It tastes like coconut milk and I know I am getting the full tablespoon. I tried it in my coffee and could not handle it.
That sounds great Lora! Have you tried the expeller-pressed? It doesn’t taste or smell coconutty, so it might work better in your coffee.
Taking a hint from my daughter I bought some cocoanut oil (seems more like a solid consistency till it melts in my hand). I’d love to cook with it but unless I’m making something that should taste like cocoanut, I’m leery of using it. Someone said they fry eggs in it. Do the eggs end up tasting like cocoanut? Doesn’t sound appetizing to me. The oil sure smells like cocoanut. Is it different cooking with it? Thanks for any input.
It depends on which kind of coconut oil you buy. Virgin coconut oil smells and tastes coconut-ty, but Expeller pressed doesn’t.
Thanks, Myra.
And sorry for the misspelling of “coconut”. Duh. :/
I too have hypothyroid and I was given a prescription to help with it. I have stopped taking the prescription about one year ago, but have not heard anything about the benefits of coconut oil. I am anxious to start taking the coconut oil after reading all of the great health benefits it has. I do use olive oil in my cooking and even washing my face. I am wondering though (and I probably should do more research) is how do you take the oil — just by a tablespoon? Does it come in a pill form like fish oil or flaxseed oil? I think I should look into finding more recipes that call for coconut oil uses.
Thank you for posting this! I love reading your blog! It is full of lots of wonderful information and tidbits! Thanks again!
Hi Judy, I do take it by the spoonful and I cook with it too. Both are great!
Thank you for your sweet comment!! 
We’ve used coconut oil for several years now and love it!
Candace´s last [type] ..Chalkboard Hope
I’m so glad Candace! I hope you and your little family are doing well! xoxo
I bought my first jar of coconut oil recently because I had heard so much about it!
I’ve used it in baking as a substitute for vegetable oil and used it for sauteeing. I want to try using it for my skin next {I get a little nervous because it’s oil and I have oily skin, but sounds like that shouldn’t be an issue
}
Megan Brooke´s last [type] ..Inspiration:: Beach Bound
Megan, I tend to have oily skin too, but I’ve found that it works quite well on my skin. A little goes a long way.
Saw your sweet sweet daddy yesterday!! I love talking to him. He is such a wealth of knowledge. Your family have always been one of my favs to take care of. Hope you guys have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Awww, yay!
Dad’s a wonderful, wonderful man. Thanks! We’re having a yard sale to celebrate. Ha!
Thanks for posting this! I have always been meaning to try coconut oil but haven’t gotten around to it. Will definitely try it now after reading your article!
we started “using” coconut oil when heard about the possible benefits for alzheimer’s (my husband has younger onset alzheimer’s) but we didn’t care too much for the coconut taste in our food…didn’t realize there was a difference until i read your answer about Expeller pressed. i also read some where that it was good conditioner for your hair so we will give that a try. thanks for all the links we are trying to healthier so will try it again.
oops – forgot to say the word “we” in that first sentence.
Thanks for your comment, Monica!
We have used coconut oil for YDS if he gets a diaper rash (we cloth diaper and it is safe to use because it doesn’t cause build up or repel). We also use it for dry skin and ODS eczema. I’ve never cooked with it, but I may do that now.
I love that you’re using coconut oil, Stephanie! My little man is potty trained now, but if he has any irritation at all, he’s asking for the coconut oil.
I rub it all over my sweet boy every day! All over his skin and all in his hair (makes those curls bounce and shine beautifully). Going to try it in my smoothies too – sounds delicious!
lauren´s last [type] ..I’m just me and that’s all I need to be.
LOVE that you put it on your little man every day! It’s so good for him!
I had no idea there were so many uses for cocnut oil. I am definitely going to give it a try! Do you have any suggestions for the almond oil that I have in my cabinet??
Miz Meliz´s last [type] ..Hollywood Nights: The Urban Desert Cabaret Review May 17, 2012
From what I’ve read, I think almond oil is best used in salad dressings and not in cooking. I hope that helps!
I LOVE coconut oil and have found the Tropical Traditions to be a high-quality and yummy choice! I usually buy the “expeller-pressed” because I do not like the flavor of coconut oil in ALL my foods! (Some things are good with the flavor!) I also buy their hand moisturizer and lip balm for my skin and lips! It is all really high quality, and they often have “free shipping” offers too! If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, you can get a FREE book about how they harvest their coconut oil and many of the health benefits. If you would like to buy through my link, I would be so grateful
http://secure.ttpurchase.com/7ACD1EA1-1E0B-90B3-0EFC86B4923D66B6 The pint size jar is risk free, you can get money back if you do not like it!!
Thanks Shelly! My favorite is Tropical Traditions too. The next time I order I’m going to buy the expeller pressed!
I never thought about using it as a substitute for butter. I totally am buying some for a moisturizer to alternate with my argan oil.
Seriously Sassy Mama´s last [type] ..Someone Lite A Fire Under Me
Ohh, that sounds lovely to alternate with argan oil!
I have purchased the Spectrum brand and use it for cooking, my face and even give it to the dog. How do you keep it in liquid form? It gets pretty solid in the winter. Thanks for the great reminders!
I do use coconut oil and LOVE it. So far I’ve just used it for cooking but am excited to use it for other things as well. one lady I know uses it to shave her legs. It’s delicious and smells divine! Loved reading this today!
amy cornwell´s last [type] ..Weddings
Actually, there are a lot of things we can benefit from this coconut oil not just for healthy inside but for healthy outside as well.. What a great information here for us!
Karylle´s last [type] ..Healthy Today Club
I haven’t been able to find a source for it here (we live in Argentina) but a good friend just brought me two jars
I’m looking forward to trying it in recipes!
Kim´s last [type] ..Running Behind
I purchases some coconut oil and have kept it refrigerated after opening, as the jar directed. Now it is rock hard , even if I keep it n my pantry. I purchased Jarrow organic coconut oil. Where do you store your oil and is it a soft consistency ?
Thanks !
I keep my coconut oil at room temperature and it’s soft enough to scoop out with a spoon.