Coconut Oil

Coconut oil, although saturated, is good when used in moderation. The fatty acids in coconut oil are shorter chains of carbon atoms, which makes a difference in the way our body handles them. Saturated fatty acids with 18 carbons (long chains) appear to be the ones that have the negative effect in our body. This type of saturated fat is more abundant in products of animal origin. In fact, some studies seem to show that the real culprit may not be the saturated fat itself but the animal protein that comes along with it. Many authorities in nutrition are proposing that the real culprit and most powerful blood cholesterol elevator is the animal protein.

Who are the people with the highest rates of hypercholesterolemia (a condition characterized by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood)? The ones who eat the typical western diet, high in animal food and refined vegetable oils? Or the inhabitants of the developing countries who eat diets low in animal product and high in coconut and coconut products and oils?

Another point in favor of coconut oil is that because it is saturated and made of medium and short chains of fatty acids it is more stable (resistant to oxidation). It can resist higher temperatures (cooking…but we don’t want to fry anything) and more exposure to light; therefore, it has a longer shelf-life. Whereas vegetable oils, which are long chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids are less stable and more prone to oxidation.

According to many authorities in nutrition, the best oils to use are the monounsaturated ones, like olive oil and avocado oil, and the short chain, saturated coconut oil. The more unsaturated oils (the polyunsaturated vegetable oils) need to be used freshly extracted because they are easily oxidized. Also, the vegetable oils like corn oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, etc., are very high in the linoleic fatty acid, which is used by the body to make prostaglandins that favor inflammation, thus increasing the risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, arthritis, cancer, etc.

COCONUT OIL USES

A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition. (shiny leather only… test a small area first)

A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat.

A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion.

A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz.

As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream. (just rub on baby’s bottom)

As a completely natural baby lotion.

As a delicious tropical massage oil.

As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora.

As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion.

As a naturally antibacterial skin cream.

As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe.

As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner – Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours.

As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer.

Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu.

By itself as a natural deodorant.

By itself or with turmeric as a naturally whitening toothpaste.

Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth.

Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea.

Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTI’s.

Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush.

Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally.

Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold.

Can help improve cholesterol ratios.

Can help improve insulin levels.

Can help improve sleep when taken daily.

Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins.

Can help resolve acne when used regularly.

Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema.

Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily.

Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites.

Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically.

Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth.

For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally.

Great for baking or as a dairy free replacement to butter.

In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars.

In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin.

In homemade lotion recipes.

In homemade mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils.

In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars.

In homemade vapor rub.

In making your own toothpaste.

In natural homemade diaper cream.

In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation. (also great for baby!)

Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms.

Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness.

Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth.

Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat.

It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis.

It’s high Lauric Acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism.

Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer.

Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost. (do NOT take this at night!)

Mixed with catnip, rosemary or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent.

Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub. (use in the shower)

Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet.

Naturally clears up cold sores.

Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients.

Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health.

On cuticles to help nails grow.

On feet to fight athlete’s foot or toe fungus.

On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin.

On split ends to de-frizz.

On the skin as a basic lotion.

One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.

Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows.

Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick.

Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety.

Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism.

Taken for daily energy.

There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast.

There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s.

To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth.

To help soothe the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy.

To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin.

To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

To season cast iron skillets.

To support healthy thyroid function.

Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections.

Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection.

Used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing.

When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production.

When taken regularly, it can help fight candida.

When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite.

Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm.
With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works.

Donate today so I can continue to help others. Thank you!