The Amazing Coconut Oil: The Healthiest Oil

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Coconut and its tree in their myriad ways have captured the imaginations of people across the globe – from kids to housewives, scientists to saints.

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Coconut oil is one of the major products derived from the coconut which has a wide variety of use. For years, coconut oil has been suffering bad reputation because it has been linked with unhealthy saturated fats. Many people think that cooking oils like corn, soy, sunflower, canola, etc, are good for their health just because they’re made from vegetables or plants. Let’s have a closer look.

In fact, these oils are probably the worst oils you can use for cooking.

One reason is that they are loaded with omega-6 fats or polyunsaturated fats. What’s more, when these oils are heated, their antioxidants become damaged and oxidized, adding more toxic burden to your body.

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A wiser and safer choice is virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil, according to recent reports, is the latest universal remedy. Many studies support that coconut oil is a health food and can cure everything from poor immune function, thyroid disease, and heart disease, to obesity, cancer, and HIV.

Virgin Coconut Oil Versus Other Cooking Oils

Virgin coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts. For many years, it was vilified and accused of causing heart disease and other health problems. But now, many health experts are recommending this oil, claiming it to be one of the most healthful founds on Earth.

Virgin coconut oil is highly recommended for cooking because it is stable enough to resist heat-induced damage. It is even better than extra-virgin olive oil, which can be a problem when heated. This is because olive oil’s chemical structure also makes it susceptible to oxidative damage.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are smaller and more easily digested by your body, so they do not get stored as fat.

Meanwhile, vegetable cooking oils contain long-chain fatty acids or long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). LCTs are larger and are difficult to break down.

Almost 50 percent of the fat in coconut oil is also made of lauric acid, a compound with unique health promoting properties. Lauric acid is converted in your body to monolaurin and it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiprotozoal properties.

So, the next time when you are cooking, you know what to use. Nutritionally virgin coconut oil is better and also has a richer, sweeter flavor that will certainly complement any dish.

How to Get a High-Quality Virgin Coconut Oil

However, not all coconut oil brands sold today are created equal. Some commercial coconut oils are made from the dried-up meat called copra, which is cheaper, production-wise. However, this copra-grade coconut oil may not be sanitary and may not be fit for human consumption.

What’s more, these inferior, mass-produced coconut oil brands are refined, bleached, and deodorized. The process they undergo removes the beneficial nutrients in the oil, and also adds in unhealthy bleaching agents and chemical solvents.

Therefore, make sure you know where the coconut oil you buy comes from and how it is processed. The best coconut oils are made from fresh coconuts and are cold-processed. This process leaves the oil’s nutrients intact while leaving out harmful additives and solvents.

All-Health Coconut Products

The coconut is called “the tree of life” because every part of it can be used. The coconut fruit itself gives you not just coconut oil, but also a wide array of healthy products, such as:

Coconut water – Also called coconut juice, this sweet fluid is known for its high electrolyte content. It also contains a wide array of beneficial minerals, making it a perfect alternative to sports drinks.
Coconut meat – This is the solid or jelly-like part of the coconut. It is sweet and filled with beneficial nutrients. Coconut meat is used in various recipes, especially for pastries and desserts. However, it can also be eaten as it is.
Coconut milk – Coconut milk, also called coconut cream, is made when shredded coconut milk is simmered with water and then strained through cheesecloth. The fluid is then squeezed out of the pulp, resulting in a creamy liquid. It is a popular ingredient of many Asian curries and soups.

Virgin coconut oil and the other coconut products mentioned above should be part of your holistic diet. Try them today and enjoy their many unique benefits.

EHC’s Favorite 50 Uses for Coconut Oil

1. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
2. Tropical massage oil
3. Lauric acid and MCFA content boost metabolism
4. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizzy hair.
5. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
6. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
7. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
8. It’s a natural hair conditioner- rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours.
9. Fights athlete’s foot or toe fungus
10. Cures psoriasis or eczema
11.  Mix with apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
12. Natural homemade sunscreen
13. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
14. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
15. Improves insulin level
16. Improves gum health when mixed with a drop of oregano oil
17. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
18. Replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
19. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
20. Helps reduce appearance of varicose veins
21. Natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
22. Natural antibacterial skin cream
23. Natural shave cream and after shave lotion
24. Removes cellulite from skin
25. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
26. Resolves acne when used regularly
27. Rubbing into scalp daily can stimulate hair growth
28. I’ve used in kids to help resolve ear pain and infection
29. A great tanning oil
30. Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
31. Can speed up weight loss when consumed daily
32. Can help improve sleep when taken daily
33. A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
34. Alleviates the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
35. Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
36. Natural deodorant
37. On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
38. Mixed with catnip, rosemary or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
39. Anti-aging facial moisturizer
40. When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
41. When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
42. Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
43. Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
44. On cuticles to help nails grow
45. As an eye-makeup remover
46. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
47. Use it as a re-mineralizing toothpaste
48. Lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
49. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
50. Natural SPF 4 sunscreen

The benefits of virgin coconut oil don’t stop here. It raises good cholesterol, balances out blood sugar without weight gain; it is antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral. It is the perfect oil and can be used in a million ways to enrich our life.

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Image courtesy : healthenlight.org , ahsmiles.co ,