Who remembers those summer holidays walking past people on the beach and smelling the delight of coconut oil? I do and to this day the smell of coconut oil transports me back to my childhood.
Coconut oil was fashionable back in the day at the beach or anywhere the suns rays were but today we have a much grander appreciation for the contribution coconut oil makes to our health and the versatility of it too. Numerous studies, over 1500, attest to the wonders of coconut oil, it’s superfood qualities and its plethora of health benefits. All you need as an adult are a couple of tablespoons per day… that’s it!
However, not all coconut oil is beneficial. Getting the right kind is vital and reading the package before purchasing will assist with reaping all the benefits of it. There are essentially two kinds – refined and virgin. Refined or processed coconut oil can be bleached, overheated and chemicals added to expand the shelf life… no surprises there! And… processing the coconut oil changes the natural fats within taking the oil from superfood status to super unhealthy status. Virgin on the other hand is just that…it’s extraction is via pressing the coconut flesh together to ‘squeeze’ out the natural oils. Sometimes you’ll see ‘virgin’ oil beside an ‘extra virgin’ oil product but when it comes to coconut oil you’ll be ok with either choice. Avoid however at all cost hydrogenated oils (e.g. soybean, peanut, canola oil) and choose virgin or extra virgin coconut oil instead.
So, what are the benefits or this amazing tasting and smelling oil?
As chiropractors we’ve put the neurological benefits first! That’s right your brain, spinal cord and nerves are made up of approximately 25% cholesterol…the good type. And… coconut oil is a good saturated fat that may boost your HDL (high density lipoproteins) cholesterol production. A win-win for your taste buds and your nerve system. Coconut oil is predominately a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), consisting of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may help with depression, Alzheimer’s, weight loss and heart health too. Coconut oil is not likely to be the ‘bad guy’ when it comes to your heart health whereas hydrogenated oil, refined grains, sugar and processed foods are more likely to be the villains!
This wonderful oil has also been known to assist with kidney and urinary tract infections (UTI) infections. The MCFA’s interfere with the lipid coating on bacteria disrupting their growth and knocking them out. So, coconut oil is not only known to clear up and improve kidney infection but it appears to keep the UTI’s at bay too. The lauric acid (monolaurin) contained in the coconut oil has been known to reduce candida and create an unfavourable environment for viruses as well. Winning!
And what about those summer months when you come home from the beach drenched with salt and sand and your skin has the light salt itch and a raw redness which some love and others hate. If I’m talking to you then your skin and hair are going to benefit greatly from coconut oil use! The silky-smooth feel of your skin and hair after applying it makes you want to do it again and again. Add some essential oils and you have a delightful smelling post beach and shower routine. And who can go past our well-known Sun Skin recipe for those wanting to play responsibly in the sun all day!
Now I know that having two tablespoons per day ‘straight up’ of coconut oil might make you gag so I thought you might like some other ways to pop it into your diet. Whilst the recipes below are not going to provide all of your coconut oil requirements, they are most definitely nutritious and delicious and have coconut oil as an ingredient. I’m confident the whole family will enjoy eating any of these foods and unknowingly will be getting some of their daily coconut needs met!
Some Vital Wellbeing Recipes with Coconut Oil:
Organic Almond Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Raw White Chocolate and Berry Cheesecake
Super Quick Decadent Homemade Chocolates
GOOD TO SHARE: Since 1990 Drs Randall & Sarah Farrant have been global mentors to thousands of individuals, families, health professionals, celebrities and sporting personalities. They have facilitated and inspired people to live an alternate and vitalistic life.
