You’ve all heard about it now: Coconut is the new panacea for all ills. But this can’t really be true, right? A simple fruit oil, that was once considered hazardous to the heart is not the best thing since sliced bread? Actually, I happen to think it is. I’ve been using raw, virgin coconut oil in my diet and topically for the past 8 or so years, and I LOVE it.
Unlike other fats, coconut oil is made up of a unique family of fats called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). These MCT’s have been found to digest very differently from all other fats, and consequently have a number of incredible health benefits including:
- Improves the absorption of other nutrients.
- Increases energy levels, and boosts metabolism.
- Contains many antimicrobial properties, so can help fight against viruses, fungus, and bacteria. Many people have found that it helps tremendously with viral infections such as Herpes.
- Can help with serious neurological disorders.
- Can help balance blood sugar, and improves insulin secretion.
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties.
- Helps with periodontal disease, and all kinds of skin issues.
- Is amazing for dry skin, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.
Coconut oil originally got a bad rap because they were talking about hydrogenated coconut oil, and as we all now know, the hydrogenated form of any oil is extremely unhealthy. So, when I talk about healthy coconut oil, I am referring to RAW, VIRGIN coconut oil. This means that it hasn’t been heat-treated, or treated with chemicals.
Here’s how use my coconut oil on a daily basis:
Note that coconut oil is solid, unless the place you keep it is well above about 75 degrees F – at which point it will begin to liquify. If your oil is too solid for baking or whatever you are going to use it for, just stand the glass jar in a bowl of very hot water for 5 minutes, and it should begin to soften.
- I pop 1 tbsp into my morning smoothie and/or add 1 tbsp to a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal.
- I substitute coconut oil in any baking recipe that calls for butter or any other kind of vegetable oil. It’s delicious in pancakes, granola, scones, banana bread, cookies etc.
- I try to use it as much as possible for frying and sauteing. It has a very high smoke point, so is wonderful whenever you are using high heat. It’s great for fried fish, chicken, and I use copious amounts when I make a curry.
- I use it as a moisturizing body lotion, and I use it in many of my DIY skin care recipes.
You guys left a load of questions for me on Facebook about coconut oil, so I’ll have a go at answering some of them>
What is “Oil Pulling”? This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice for cleaning your mouth, teeth and gums. The oil ostensibly “pulls” the bacteria and debris out of your mouth. It might sound a bit out-there, but try it because you teeth feel bizarrely clean afterwards. Different oils are used for Oil-pulling, such as sesame, but coconut is the best because of its antibacterial and antiviral nature. Check out my oil-pulling recipe.
How do I get stains out of my clothes? Coconut can indeed stain fabric, so you just have to be really careful about allowing it to absorb completely before getting dressed. If your clothes do get stained, it should wash out in a hot wash.
Can I use it as a massage oil? Yes you can, but it is greasy, so you will have to be very careful with it. I love it as a skin and scalp moisturizer, but I tend to just use it on very dry areas such as my elbows, heels, knees, and scalp.
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