Back in the seventies, when I thought of coconuts, I pictured Reef Oil, Golden Roughs and Gilligan’s Island. Good times.
Little did I know (or being truthful, little did I care at that time of my life — how things have changed) that the humble hairy coconut would now be thought of as a wonder food of sorts.
If you’re curious as to what all the fuss is about, organic coconut oil has been found beneficial for a bunch of reasons including:
- Bolstering resistance to viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus and candida
- Helping blood sugar levels
- Boosting thyroid function, digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
- Increasing ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol in the body courtesy of its lauric acid content
- Encouraging the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, the precursor of many hormones our bodies need
- Lowering abdominal fat through the liver breaking down coconut oil’s medium chain triglycerides and leading to efficient energy burning
- Helping to combat ageing through its protective antioxidant vitamin E levels, both nutritionally and topically (moisturising skin and hair)
When choosing your coconut oil, look for one that’s unrefined, made from virgin cold pressed coconuts to maximise the nutritional properties and benefits. Some are milder in flavour than others, so ask your local trusted health food store people for their recommendations if you have a preference flavour-wise.
Coconut oil changes consistency depending on the ambient temperature. This is normal. Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s runny. Don’t worry — you’ll get used to it.
Here are some of our favourite ways to use coconut oil daily:
- Switch or alternate with your other favourite healthful oils for cooking (it’s not altered by heat — you’ll be quite amazed at how beautiful it is to cook with and how nicely it browns and caramelises)
- Add a melted spoonful to your cereal or smoothie for a wickedly rich texture that’s doing your heart good
- Use instead of butter on toast (the French might have something to say about this tip but try it, you might like it). A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg (skip the sugar!) is a saintly replacement for bikkies with your afternoon cup of tea
- Apply ‘au naturale’ to your skin as a moisturiser
- Apply with a couple of drops of authentic lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to aching muscles for a soft, sweet and soothing massage
- Use it as a carrier oil when dilution of your essential oils is desired or needed
My massage therapist is a bit in love with Young Living’s V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex. Not only does it apply smoothly to the skin with a satin-like touch, but it has a long shelf life, doesn’t clog pores or stain clothes and comes out easily in the wash. It includes fractionated coconut oil with a custom blend of other hydrating and nurturing oils. So when it comes to moisturising, massage and essential oil dilution, it’s a wonderful alternative to unadorned coconut oil.
This will also connect you up with The Good Oil Team for our personal support and coaching. We'd love to help you on your journey to vibrant well-being the natural way!
Any questions? Please get in touch via our Contact page.
All this talk of coconut has me thinking of Golden Roughs again. A healthful alternative would be to rustle up a batch of quick Chocolate Coconut Patties. I just might head to the kitchen.
