Coconut oil is ubiquitous. From cooking to skincare to healthcare, coconut oil is used virtually everywhere in our day-to-day life.

Many households world-wide have a multipurpose jar or bottle of coconut oil that comes in handy every day.

> Not only it nourishes, smoothen, and moisturizes your skin and hair, but it also helps in preventing skin disorders like Eczema, psoriasis, etc.
> Coconut oil is also a well-known ingredient in the kitchen.
> Coconut Oil has a rare composition of Fatty Acids. This makes coconut oil highly resistant to oxidation at high heat. For this reason, it is very suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying, searing, and sautéing. It is also used for coating meat and poultry along with spices before baking. But for coconut oil to give best results it is necessary to verify that the coconut oil and its derivative products are legitimate, of good quality, and safe to use.

Here's a list of things to consider before you buy a coconut oil product.

COCONUT OIL: First on the list is coconut oil itself. While there are plenty of coconut oil brands, it is not wise to grab just any of them. Most grocery stores have both solid and liquified coconut oil available but they are not the same things. The liquified coconut oil has gone through extra processing, eliminating some of the fatty acids (lauric acid) that are responsible for health benefits. Solid coconut oil is one step closer to its natural state.

Virgin coconut oil or Refined coconut oil? : Virgin coconut oil will have a natural scent and taste. It is unrefined and made from fresh coconuts whereas Refined coconut oil has a neutral scent and taste. It is steam refined with no chemicals used and made from dried coconuts. To make Virgin coconut oil, fresh Coconut meat is scooped out from the shell, cold pressed, leaving just the oil which has a pure and tropical taste and scent. Both oils have the same nutritional values having 63% MCTs and 50% lauric acid. Make sure to be sure that the coconut oil you're buying is certified organic and verified non-GMO.

COCONUT OIL AND ORAL HEALTH: Coconut oil has been particularly used in Ayurvedic medicines for a long time, to clean and whiten teeth, reduce halitosis (bad breath) and tooth decay, and improve dental health. Oil pulling is a process in which a person swishes coconut oil in their mouth and around their teeth. Along with its antimicrobial properties, swishing oil in the mouth is believed to have a cleansing effect to reduce bacteria and plaque in the teeth.

There aren't many known side effects of oil pulling, however, you may suffer from headaches or a sore jaw from the rigorous motion of oil pulling. And if by chance you swallow the oil, it may cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.

COCONUT OIL IN COOKING: Coconut oil is exceptionally rich in lauric acid which improves the composition of blood lipids. It may also reduce belly fat and suppress appetite. Using coconut oil in cooking may raise the HDL cholesterol, the 'good' cholesterol, potentially decreasing the risks of heart diseases.

However, using increased amounts of oil in cooking can cause diarrhea, cramps, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Coconut oil may also increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing your cardiovascular risk.

COCONUT OIL MOISTURIZERS: Coconut oil-induced moisturizers are an excellent source for hydrating and moisturizing your skin. Coconut oil moisturizers will have anti-fungal, antimicrobial properties which may protect you against bacterial infections and sunburn. Coconut oil Moisturizers will keep your skin supple, youthful, and healthy.

COCONUT OIL BODY LOTIONS: Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E which helps in improving skin texture and reducing inflammation and redness. Coconut oil lotion will restore the cracks and prevent water loss by providing essential fatty lipids that will improve the barrier function of the skin.

COCONUT OIL SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: Using coconut oil-containing shampoo and conditioners would be great for your hair. These products will rehydrate your dry hair, fight off frizz, prevent flaky scalp, dandruff and hair breakage, repair split ends and will add instant luster and shine to your hair making them look shinier, stronger, and longer.

While coconut oil is itself a hair treatment and may help to moisturize and seal the hair, using too much would build oil on your hair and scalp, making your hair look greasy.

COCONUT OIL FACE CREAM: If you have dry, flaky skin, coconut oil comprising cream will be beneficial. Not only you'll have soft, hydrated skin, but it may also help you in lightening skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots or uneven skin tone. It will boost collagen production in the skin. And adding lemon zest may enhance the effects. Avoid using these creams if you've acne-prone skin. They may clog your pores and cause breakouts.

Why you should consider buying coconut oil products

> It will protect your skin from UV rays.
> It will increase your metabolism.
> You can cook food at high temperatures safely.
> Provide relief from skin conditions like eczema, and dermatitis.
> It may help you fight infections.
> It will protect your hair from damage.
> Its inflammation properties will help in healing wounds.
> Improves dental health.
> By neutralizing free radicals which are harmful to the bones, coconut oil may help in boosting bone health.
> Coconut oil is effective against fungal and yeast infections.
> Coconut oil’s powerful antibacterial properties make it a natural deodorant that contains no chemicals, which is great for the skin.
> It also helps in removing makeup.
> Saturated fats present in coconut oil improve liver conditions.
> Coconut oil makes the best natural lip balm for smooth-looking lips and also protects them against the sun.

Coconut oil is typically safe for people and if you have any allergic reactions to it, it's better to stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.

Using coconut oil and its products will definitely be worth it. You're getting tons of health and skin benefits with many practical uses, there's hardly anything else you'll need to improve your health and skin.