The Benefits of Coconut Oil

By: Nadine Elías

So you’ve probably been hearing a lot about coconut oil these days. And chances are, you're not eating or using it enough. Coconut oil has many uses, and here we will go over what it is, in addition to each of it's many super powers. 

What is Coconut Oil?

The scientific name for Coconut is Cocos Nucifera. Coconut is highly nutritious, it is rich in fibre, minerals and vitamins. In some Asian and Pacific cultures the coconut palm is known as “the tree of life” and they consider coconut oil as a cure for all illnesses.

It has been used in Ayurveda, Indian traditional medicine, and in other cultures as well. After extensive research in modern medicine a wide range of new health benefits have been discovered. It was once believed to be a source of saturated fat, it is still believed by some, but Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). Which are beneficial and well assimilated by the body. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids.

Coconut oil is used on a daily basis in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and Vietnam for its many health benefits and multiple uses in daily life. It is a vital part of their cooking style. Research shows, that people who use coconut oil to cook, are not obese or overweight. It keeps their metabolism fast and healthy and helps burn the fat, especially in the abdomen area. It is a great substitute for cooking. The kind of Coconut oil to buy is definitely, extra virgin, cold pressed and organic. Coconut oil also keeps the heart healthy since it doesn’t increase LDL levels. 

Uses of Coconut oil in Modern medicine

• Kills viruses, bacteria and Fungi
• Kills yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Boosts energy and endurance
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. 
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Non-toxic
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer
• HIV
• Cancer

Why is coconut oil so good for our health?

Coconut oil is rich in Lauric acid. When we consume Lauric acid it is converted into Monolaurin, which combats viruses and bacteria. Lauric acid also prevents heart disease, maintaining the heart healthy and preventing high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil is 50% rich in Laurin acid. It is also rich in vitamin E vitamin K and iron. Coconut oil also contains Capri acid and Caprylic acid, which strengthen the immune system. These contain antimicrobial lipids which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Coconut oil helps in the absorption of other vitamins, minerals and amino acids. 

Here are a few tips on how you can use Coconut oil, and some simple uses, that will allow you to try its benefits.

Using Coconut Oil in the Kitchen

1. Replace for oil or butter in cooking recipes.
2. Add it to salads: as dressing mixture.
3. Creamer substitute (mix while hot, a tiny amount for flavor and sweet taste).
4. Preserve eggs: A thin coating to preserve quality, up to 3 weeks of storage.
5. Protein shake: just add a bit.
6. Dog Treats: ice cube coconut oil mixed with dehydrated coconut or peanut butter. 

My Favorite Coconut Oil Mexican Salsa

Here is a kitchen recipe for Mexican salsa, in which I used Coconut oil: 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Coconut oil
• 1 green chili medium size
• 1 large green tomato or four tiny ones
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic sliced
• 6 tiny yellow cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of water
• 2 teaspoon of sliced onions 

Recipe:

• Add Coconut oil to pan
• Fry the onion
• Continue to fry and add garlic
• Add green chili, also let it heat
• Add tomato also let it fry
• Add green tomato
• Once ingredients are a bit fried, not burned or black, put in blender.
• Blend until desired consistency     
• *10 min. to cook. Medium hot spice, great flavor!

Using Coconut Oil for Beauty

 

• SPF Lip Balm (it has a SPF of 4-6) Use natural or mix with beeswax and any essential oil you like.
• Conditioner: Use as a hair mask and rinse or use as conditioner on your hair.
• Frizz Fighter: Great for a soft hair use as styling cream
• Prevent split ends: use as styling cream just a bit.
• Make up remover: just add a dab on a cotton swab and remove make up.
• Exfoliating body scrub: mix with honey and sugar for super soft skin, store in a jar.
• Deodorant: just grab a little bit on your fingertips enough to cover the area. My personal favorite, even after I work out!
• Under eye cream: for bags and dark circles
• Balm: for dry feet and elbows
• Bath oil: pour a Tablespoon into your bath.
• Aromatherapy/Massage oil: use as massage oil, add a 2 o r 3 drops of essential oils.
• Use as Shaving cream while in the shower.
• Deodorant: just grab a little bit on your fingertips enough to cover the area. My personal favorite, even after I work out!
• Bath oil: pour a Tablespoon into your bath.
• Use as toothpaste with a little bit of baking soda. It keeps gums healthy and helps increase immune system.
• Mouth wash: helps combat cavities and keeps mouth healthy (spit in trashcan, otherwise it will clog your sink)
• Prevent stretch marks
• Flaky scalp treatment: use on scalp to nurture and keep your scalp moist.

Other uses:

• To clean your dog’s ears: use a small amount on a cotton swab or as needed. Have tried it and it does work!
• Clean make up brushes: It cleans your make up brushes and has antibacterial properties.
• Insect repellent: Use as body balm
• Insect bites: Use as body balm
• Diaper Cream: to treat Rashes.
• Nipple cream: when breastfeeding.
• Wound care: Antibacterial properties. It also repairs damaged tissue and nurtures the skin.
• Bruise care: repairs tissue.
• Food poisoning relief: take one to two spoons
• Candida: take one to two spoons daily or use on skin for symptoms
• Psoriasis: Use as body balm on damaged areas.
• Eczema: Use as body balm.
• Dermatitis: Use as body balm.
• Constipation relief: helps metabolism, start with a tiny spoon.
• Dry nostrils: use as balm to moist your nostrils.
• Prevent lice and lice eggs: use in scalp.
• Rash soother: Use as body balm.
• Reduce appetite: Incorporate to your food, cooking with it or adding it to your food.

My personal uses for coconut oil are: deodorant, body lotion, make up remover, cooking, protein shake, dermatitis balm, dog balm (itching or scratching) and mouth wash, they all do the trick for me. I hope you end up loving Coconut oil as much as I do. 

I sincerely, hope you like the tips and find it resourceful and if you already use it, I hope it inspired you to find new uses.  

Check out Nadine's blog: http://weheartit.com/joynlove