Coconut Oil - a treasure for Health

Coconut oil has been used for centuries in tropical regions — India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Polynesia — and is central to the health and fitness of those populations.

Coconut Oil: Good Fats That Push Bad Fats Out

Coconut oil is 85-90% saturated fats — crucial for health when from clean sources. But unlike typical saturated fats, coconut oil is composed of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) instead of Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs).

MCFAs are:

• -Much easier to digest, break down and absorb
• -An immediate usable form of energy
• -Metabolism-boosting
• -Contributing to weight loss in some people

Medium Chain Triglycerides have shown therapeutic benefits for brain disorders, epilepsy, and may prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Coconut Oil: Powerful Immune Booster

Coconut oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. Microorganisms are destroyed because of the Lauric Acid it contains.

Lauric Acid converts to monolaurin — a potent agent against germs, bacteria, viruses, fungus. With other MCFAs, it fights Candida overgrowth, athlete's foot, ringworms, and infections that weaken an overstressed body.

Especially Good for Pregnant, Nursing Women and Infants

Lauric Acid is also in breast milk — it protects babies from unwanted infections. Pregnant or nursing women who increase coconut oil intake boost the immune agents of the womb and milk they produce. It often helps women breastfeed more easily.

Coconut oil is beneficial for infants, especially C-section babies whose immune systems are often weaker. It's easy to digest, provides vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting fats that help proper growth and development. Topically, it relieves skin rashes and itching.

Coconut Oil: An Aid for Weight Loss

Coconut oil reduces appetite. The body creates ketone bodies when breaking down fat for energy — providing an immediate usable alternative for the brain. When eating coconut oil, you produce ketones that help manage hunger better.

Long-term substitution of medium-chain foods for long-chain foods induces weight loss when energy intake remains constant.

Coconut oil also balances blood sugar levels, diminishing cravings between meals.

Other Main Health Benefits

• -Better digestion and absorption of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids
• -Improved bowel function
• -Decreased inflammation
• -Improved cholesterol ratio
• -Rich in antioxidants
• -Helps relieve symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• -Prevents obesity and overweight problems
• -Improves insulin secretion and blood glucose utilization
• -Helps balance hormones
• -Prevents tooth decay
• -Protects skin from infections
• -Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots
• -Completely non-toxic with no harmful side effects

Other Uses for Coconut Oil

• -Moisturizer and facial cleanser/makeup remover
• -Shaving lotion
• -Sunblock cream
• -Oil pulling for oral health (mix with Peppermint or Tea Tree oil; swish 15-20 minutes)
• -Natural deodorant
• -Insect repellent (add essential oils like peppermint, lemon, rosemary)
• -Hair mask to nourish and repair damaged hair
• -Coffee creamer to enhance effect and nutrition
• -Best oil for cooking at high temperatures
• -Reduces cellulite when used consistently
• -Mixed with sea salt to remove dry skin on feet
• -Ingredient in homemade soap
• -Great for itchy/sensitive baby skin

I keep one large jar in my bathroom and another in my kitchen. Always. Whether I eat it raw, put it on my skin, or cook with it, I know it's always a good choice.

Important: It must be organic, unrefined if possible, raw, extra-virgin, fair-trade. Many brands see increased consumption and produce low-quality oils that won't be as beneficial.

In Health and Happiness,

Stephanie