Coconut Oil

We first learned about coconut oil from watching the Dr. Oz show. When we began researching coconut oil, I was surprised to learn what a critical component coconuts are to many culture's diets throughout the world.

I was also surprised to learn how good it is for you!

Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of a matured coconut.

Potential health benefits of using coconut oil:

• Helps build your immune system. 
• Prevents various stomach and digestive related issues; improves bowel function. 
• Coconuts are highlight nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. 
• Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid which have natural antiviral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties.
• Kills various viruses, bacteria and fungus in the body (flu, hepatitis, tapeworm, diaper rash, UTI, ulcers). 
• Reduces inflammation. 
• May help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism.  
• Improves calcium absorption. 
• Helps prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 
• Has antioxidants which fights free radicals in the body. 

Simple and Interesting uses of coconut oil:

1. Use in place of canola or vegetable oil in basically any recipe (aside from cold salad dressing because the coconut oil will become solid when mixed with cold ingredients). 
2. May be used as a butter or margarine substitute for spreads or baking. 
3. Mix a small teaspoon into your favorite tea, blend into your morning shake, and/or add a few tablespoons to your homemade soup. 
4. Massage coconut oil onto your scalp to relieve dandruff, lice and eggs. 
5. Use as a face moisturizer to prevent dry skin. 
6. Use coconut oil to make deodorant.
7. Rub on bruises - we read it is supposed to speed up the healing process. 

And there are so many more.

We started with mixing the coconut oil in our shakes and tea.  I'm planning on trying out the deodorant and using coconut oil in place of butter and oil.

One other thing - Coconut oil can last up to two years before going bad.

You have probably heard, or read, somewhere that coconut oil is high in saturated fats. Similar to avocados, coconut oil contains fats that are good for you - your body does need fat, it just needs good (real) fats. Unfortunately, we usually only hear about the bad fats.

There is a lot of information out there on coconut oil.  Dr. Oz has some great articles - Dr, Oz.com  We encourage you to try out coconut oil in cooking or for personal use. Let us know how you like it!