Coconut Oil

Since I was given some coconut oil to sample from Swanson Vitamins and shared a recipe with you guys last week with it, I thought I’d touch on some of the health benefits of coconut oil. That way you can see how something that tastes good is also helping you out!

For some time, coconut oil was regarded as something that wasn’t the best for our bodies, simply because of the high concentration of saturated fat. Really though, it isn’t the same kind that is found in vegetable oils and animal products.

Coconut oil helps fight diabetes, cancers, liver and kidney diseases, osteoporosis, dental decay and skin infections. It also relieves symptoms associated with illnesses like pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic inflammation.

In addition, coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. On a more superficial level, meanwhile, coconut oil is thought to help strengthen mineral absorption, which is important for healthy teeth and bones, and can also help improve the condition and appearance of the scalp, hair and skin when ingested or topically applied.

Do try to stick with organic virgin coconut oils, for those are the best for our health. Virgin coconut oil looks crystal clear in liquid form and turns snowy or cloudy at temperature below 76°F (24°C). I've got people asking me about coconut oil turning snowy at cool temperature. They thought the cloudy appearance means it turns bad or rancid. Now you know it's not. When it turns bad, even in crystal clear form, it bears an unpleasant odor which you'll be able to tell.

Coconut oil can be used in baking as a substitute for other oils and butter. It is also great to saute vegetables in or make some scrambled eggs.

Enjoy!

~What do you enjoy using coconut oil for?