Updated 8/2/08: I finally had time to do more research since prices went up. Click here for the BEST PRICES on good brands of organic virgin coconut oil.
Or keep reading for more info...
"COCONUT OIL IS THE HEALTHIEST OIL ON EARTH"
Coconut oil is a healthy fat that kick-starts your metabolism and helps you lose weight - it is very different from other fats because it turns into instant energy and isn't stored in fat cells. (Remember not all fats and calories are alike!) It is a lot like butter, cod liver oil and olive oil when you're thinking of traditional fats and oils that have been used for thousands of years. Compare them to newer fats and oils like margarine, soy, canola, safflower, corn, sunflower and any of the others that you've only heard of in the past few decades, and think of how heart disease, diabetes and other issues are on the increase; whereas the health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. You may not have heard what a healthy fat coconut oil is due to it's high saturated fat content, but coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids and does not have a negative effect on cholesterol, it actually helps protect against heart disease. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal.
photo by Koshyk
Here's just a short list of conditions that are helped by using coconut oil:
thyroid issues, heart health, skin health, weight loss, candida/yeast problems, digestive health, chronic fatigue, diabetes, viruses, getting rid of lice, building up the immune system, and the list goes on...
This post would go on forever if I tried to cover each topic at length, so here's what I suggest: Google it! Whatever your issue is, type that in along with "coconut oil" and you'll find all sorts of research and help. (If you need my help, leave a comment below.)
HOW TO GET MORE COCONUT INTO YOUR DIET
If you're like me and don't like the flavor of coconut (unless it's in smoothies or in my popcorn), it's trickier getting it into your diet, but usually you can find some recipes you like it in. Just Google "coconut recipes" and you'll find a ton. If you find one you like, PLEASE leave a comment below and share it with us!
Also, if I'm making a recipe that I know I don't want the flavor of coconut in, then I'll use the unflavored, but that's refined. From what I've been able to figure out, this coconut oil is no where near as beneficial as the unrefined virgin coconut oil that I'm talking about in this post, but it's still better than none at all. See this post for info on where to get that at the best price.
WHERE TO GET THE BEST PRICE AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- First, if you're wondering about whether or not I make any money if you end up buying the below products, read #3 at my FAQ post and I'll answer that question.
- Click here for the BEST PRICE on a good brand of organic virgin coconut oil:
- I highly recommend this book, Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats
, for more information on the benefits of coconut oil, especially as it relates to weight loss, along with some recipes to help you find ways to get more into your diet - and don't forget to check out my popcorn recipe! Also, see the link below for more on coconut oil and weight loss.
- If you suffer from eczema, read the comment section at my cod liver oil post (scroll to the bottom) for more detailed information on that topic.
- You can also get the benefits of coconut oil through your skin when applied topically. Unless I'm going right to bed, I like the coconut oil cream on my skin because it soaks in better than the oil. It works well to help heal cuts or painfully dry skin, and is great on my hands after a day of changing diapers and washing a lot - they always heal quicker with this cream. Here's what I use:
Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Cream - Unscented - 4-oz. I also get this for dry lips:
Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Lip Moisturizer - Unscented. And I really like their coconut oil/tea tree oil soap, which I tried based on Nina Planck's recommendation. (I love her book, Real Food: What to Eat and Why.)Just do a search at the same link as above (for the cream or lip moisturizer) for "Tropical Traditions soap" and it will come up.
- For more interesting reading, especially for you skeptics out there, be sure to scroll down and check out the RELATED LINKS below!
Related Links/Posts:
- Think this is all a bunch of bunk? Check out this page full of coconut research links
- The fat that makes you thin
- Here's a good overview on coconut oil benefits, and even though this site sells it (makes my radar go up), everything you read here is information found in many other places, this site just happens to explain it the best
- Some typical questions and misconceptions on fats and oils
- How coconut oil helps your heart!
- More here on coconut oil and weight loss
- Do diet foods make you fat?
- Healthy milk
- More info on coconut oil & dieting, along with the recipe that is mentioned in the comments below
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Information found on the Kelly the Kitchen Kop site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health care and dietary decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with your health care provider. It should not be relied upon to determine dietary changes, a medical diagnosis or courses of treatment. Individual articles and information on other websites are based upon the opinions of the respective authors, who retain copyright as marked.
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