Nuts About Coconut

Coconut, Strawberry and Mint Smoothie
Coconut, Strawberry and Mint Smoothie

Once mistakenly thought to be an unhealthy saturated fat, coconut oil is now understood to contain a unique form of saturated fat that studies show may help to prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries. The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike the fat found in meat and other vegetable fats. It is identical to a special group of fats found in human breast milk, which have been shown to support improved digestion, strengthen efficiency of the immune system, and protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These fats, derived from coconut oil, are now routinely used in hospital IV formulations and commercial baby formulas. They`re also used in sports drinks, with a view to boosting energy for enhanced athletic performance and endurance.

The list of health benefits provided by the medium chain fatty acids, like those found in coconut oil is huge.

Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease
Protests against degenerative conditions
Helps prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections
Expels or kills giardia and other parasites
Supports the functioning of the immune system
Helps to control diabetes
Provides an immediate source of energy (enhancing athletic performance)
Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients
Promotes weight loss
Supports thyroid function
Helps prevent osteoporosis
Helps keep skin soft and smooth, preventing premature aging and wrinkles
Functions as a protective antioxidant
Is heat resistant (healthy for cooking) and is resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)

Personal Uses

Massage oil and personal lubricant
A small amount conditions and styles hair
Make up remover
Scalp massage
Shaving cream
Added to bath water with a few drops essential oil
Applied to warm skin after bathing or showering
A base for home made toothpaste or oil pulling
Massaged into hands, nails, cuticles and hard skin on feet
Lip balm
Sun screen, as used by the populations living in coconut growing countries

Culinary Uses:

Can replace unsaturated vegetable oils
2 tablespoons daily mixed with fresh fruit and coconut milk whizzed into a nutritious smoothie

Other Uses:

Seasons pans and wooden utensils
Polishes leather

Coconut oil does not:

Increase blood cholesterol levels
Promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation
Contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease
Contribute to weight gain

Coconut Oil Skin Butter
2 ozs coconut oil, 10 x 30 mg capsules of CoQ10)
Melt the coconut oil in a glass measuring cup and then empty the contents of 10 x 30mg CoQ10 capsules into the liquid oil. If you can find pure CoQ10 capsules, the CoQ10 will dissolve in the coconut oil very quickly. Let the finished product cool before using.

Coconut Fruit Smoothie

10 ozs of coconut milk supplies 3 ½ tablespoons oil. Mix the milk with fresh organic fruit to make delicious fruit smoothies.

Coconut Dip

3 1/2 tbspns coconut oil, 2 tbspns finely chopped onion and 1 of garlic, ½ T.spn of both basil and oregano, ¼ T spn of each of the following: Sea salt, paprika, black or cayenne pepper. Heat all the ingredients until the mixture just begins to simmer (just so the flavours blend). Allow to cool. Use as a dip, a spread or drizzled over vegetables.

Copyright (c) Sheri Dixon 2004

References:
Coconut Oil by Dr. Ray Peat
http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/coconut-oil.shtml
2-part article in Nexus Magazine Volume 9, No’s 2 & 3 Feb/March & April/May 2002: “The Health Supporting Benefits of Coconuts” by Mary G. Enig, PhD, FACN
http://www.nexusmagazine.com/
Image credit: mashe / 123RF Stock Photo