Found throughout tropic and sub tropic parts of the world, the
use of coconut oil is an ancient practice. Coconut is known for its great
versatility. The oil and milk are commonly used in cooking and
frying. Coconut oil is also widely used in soaps and cosmetics.
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified
as a “super food.” When purchasing, look for organic virgin coconut oil. The
organic virgin coconut oil is grown without pesticides and is extracted from
fresh coconut without using any chemicals or high temperatures.
All coconut oil comes in the form of a white solid and looks
much like shortening. Stored at room
temperature, it will last for years, it does not need refrigeration, and it
will liquefy at temperatures above 75 degrees. Coconut oil contains a unique
combination of fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties. Full of antioxidants and heart healthy nutrients,
this healthy fat is an Oz-approved nutrient for a healthier lifestyle.
Virgin coconut oil is composed of medium-chain-length fatty
acids, or MCT’s, which are shown to have many health benefits. Coconut’s chemical compounds create a powerful tool to help
with many health issues:
Anti
aging Thyroid
Brain
function Blood sugar control
Metabolism Insulin
use
Antiviral Antifungal
Energy Endurance
Antibacterial Improves digestion
Weight
balance Vitamin absorption
Fat
loss Alzheimer’s
Fighting weight balance can be easier with coconut because
the saturated fats aren’t like what you would find in cheese or steak. Coconut contains
MCT’s which are fatty acids of a medium length which metabolize differently.
MCT’s have been shown to help boost your metabolism and help your body to burn
fat more efficiently. It has been shown that breaking down these types of
healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. One study
showed that women who consumed about two tablespoons of coconut oil daily for
12 weeks reduced their belly fat and did not gain weight.
You can use coconut as a face cream, leave in conditioner or
body moisturizer. With high amounts of vitamin E, coconut oil helps provide
deep moisture which protects and helps strengthen tissues. A little goes along way for body and hair
care. Use coconut as a moisturizer for
hair, for shine and to eliminate. Coconut is safe for babies too, so if your
little one has a rashy bottom, scaly dry skin, or cradle cap, massage into
their skin.
Here are some home remedies that experts claim to really work.
- Here’s one for dandruff: Dr. Oz suggests warming the coconut oil, then dabbing the liquid on your scalp. Let it sit, then rinse.
- How about sanitizing your hands? Dr. Oz says that it's a relatively unknown holistic health miracle. Just combine 10 drops of oregano oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Rub it into your hands as a natural hand sanitizer. In addition, the coconut oil can make your skin smoother.
- Acne troubled skin? Just combine equal amounts of oregano oil and coconut oil and apply it to your problem areas with a cotton swab before you go to bed.
- Oil Pulling: It’s easy to do, just use one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for five minutes. This activates enzymes that have a detoxifying affect on your entire system.
Let’s talk about my personal favorite topic - food. Coconut
oil works in baked goods like zucchini and banana bread. It’s excellent with sautéed vegetables and is
especially tasteful when paired with bitter greens like kale. You can use it as
part of an onion and garlic sauté, where it offers a surprisingly different and
pleasant full-bodied taste. It is also a wonderful addition to oatmeal to make
it even creamier, while staying healthy. Coconut oil can withstand the heat –
making it a better cooking option without any side affects. Here’s an excellent coconut recipe:
Buttermilk Pancake with Coconut Flour
1 cup White Rice Flour
1/3 Cup Coconut Flour
2 Tbsp Potato Starch
1 Tbsp Baking Powder
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Oil
2 Eggs
1 ½ Cups Buttermilk
Now that we know the secret of the perfect nut, here’s
something to think about: Populations that eat a lot of coconut are some of the
healthiest people on earth!
I recently tried a new item here at The Healthy Grocer. It’s
an excellent blend of Raw Organic Flax, Chia and Coconut by Barlean's. This
delicious blend is a perfect way to get more fiber, Omega -3, protein,
antioxidants and minerals into your diet. It is a great fuel for the body and
tastes great! I use it on my oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt and salads.
-Mona Claypoole,
Director of Marketing and Wellness Support
