Coconut Oil

I could have added coconut oil in the list of my recommended super foods, but I thought it deserved a category of its own. Modern health literature describe saturated fats, including palm oils like that of the coconut, as major contributors of heart disease and recommend that they be avoided. I am here to refute these claims.

A recent study, published in Clinical Biochemistry(2004), found that *virgin, unrefined coconut oil lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipid, and LDLs. At the same time, HDLs were increased. It appears that coconut oil is actually beneficial for heart health and, with its multitude of other benefits, is key component in a healthy eating plan. *As opposed to extra virgin, which is processed.

Besides a healthy heart, what else does coconut oil provide? Well...because of the lauric acid and monolaurin derived from coconut oil, it can inhibit the spread of viruses and bacteria (or even kill them). This includes those strains that are antibiotic resistant, such as staphylococcus aureus. It can be used daily to keep candida in check and yeast infections at bay.

Additionally, coconut oil is high in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which speed up a sluggish thyroid gland and ultimately, the body's metabolism. Supplementing with it can help increase energy levels and promote weight loss, as a result of boosting the output of the thyroid gland.

So...how do you take it? I take one tablespoon with every meal, straight and then I chase it with raw milk. However, it can be melted in herbal tea and sipped, if prefered. Also, it can be used in cooking (it's especially good in Thai dishes). My family and I use it topically as well. As a moisturizer, it can heal conditions such as eczema, body acne, dry skin, or rashes.