All About Coconut Oil

Image via WikipediaI have been actively using coconut oil for a little over 4 years.  I started using it when it was still very much a disputed item on the grocery shelves, and to some, it is still quite controversial.

The controversy over this plant oil, in my opinion, is just silly when you weigh the benefits over what is the assumable risk.  The *risk* is that it is a saturated fat and is supposedly bad for your heart.  Ok.... it is a saturated fat and in response to that, I ask.... "What is Butter?"

Yet, people more frequently use butter and there are no health benefits in using butter.  It is a bit perplexing to my little brain.

I use coconut oil in baking, to replace butter completely, or at a minimum by half.  Coconut oil measures the same as butter, with the same consistency, so no recipe adjustments need to be made.

Coconut oil is the ONLY oil I cook with.  I use olive oil for dressings and salads.  Heating olive oil destroys the fragile health compounds that are beneficial.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

*Coconut oil helps maintain proper blood sugar.  It can be a useful tool for any diabetic as it improves the secretion of insulin.

*Coconut oil improves the metabolism because it is a great source of nutrients for optimal pancreas function.

*Coconut oil is an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and an anti-parasitic.  This can be an important factor for anyone suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.  The fatty acid chain of coconut oil also helps clear toxins making minerals more soluble.

*Because coconut oil has the above properties, it is also very useful in healing cuts, yeast infections, gum infections and any type of inflammation.

*Coconut oil is great for the immune system as it keeps so many different organs working optimally.

*Coconut oil is a great energy booster.  Adding a small bit to a cup of tea, coffee, or other warm beverage is a great way to pick up your energy level.

These are just a handful....

According to Dr. Mercola, heart disease can be prevented and healed with coconut oil.  He says that we have been led to believe that saturated fats are the problem in heart disease, but that is simply not true.  UNSATURATED fats are the real issue.

Purchasing Coconut Oil

When choosing your coconut oil, it can be confusing and disheartening because there are so many different choices and types.

*Choose an Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
*Choose Organic
*Choose Unrefined
*Choose one with no chemicals added or made with a heating process

Brands

My favorite brand is Wilderness Family Naturals.  It is a creamy, coconut scented oil (without coconut taste), that is easy to use for baking.

Tropical Traditions is another good brand.  I've heard great things about them.

Mountain Rose Herbs also has coconut oil.  It isn't as creamy as Wilderness Family Naturals, but the scent is just as divine and it is great for cooking.

Fresh Shores is another great brand to try.  Dr. Mercola swears by it.

Remember.....
Virgin Unrefined.....
And you'll choose a great one!

~Wendy
Herbalist, Wellness Consultant

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