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10 Ways To Use Coconut Oil

by Lynda
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Coconut oil is the new black.  It’s all over the place and everyone wants to know if it’s good for you.

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Lynda of Healthy Hoboken Girl is here to share all you need to know about how to use it, why it’s good/bad for you and how you can use it a million ways to help you look your best.

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Once you open up a jar the scent alone will transport you to tropical paradise  and make you smile.  And once you get over the fact that it does somewhat resemble Crisco shortening, all will be right in the world.

The Facts

There are many different articles of research out there that will say so much about this oil. So do your homework, but here’s a quick run down of what I’ve found.

– Coconut oil is one of the rare plant sources of saturated fat.  Primarily found in animal derived foods.  And we know that saturated fat tends to increase LDL cholesterol (bad) the leading risk for heart disease. And any oil that you consume can be the biggest culprit of accelerated aging in your diet.

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If you want to read more information check out this video by Dr. Michael Gregor at nutritionfacts.org http://nutritionfacts.org/video/does-coconut-oil-clog-arteries/

– Conversely, coconut oil has been used for many years and can be part of a healthy diet.  Used in moderation, and remembering that it is not a whole food.

Our Health

When we talk about our health and what’s good and bad for us, we need to keep in mind it’s what we are doing most of the time and not about one particular food item.  Should you eat a ton of coconut oil…of course not.  Can you use a little, yes.  Using oil sparingly, as with all other oils. Keeping the focus on real whole foods, mostly plants.

 

Here are some ways to use and benefit from coconut oil:

1. Baking.  I use it to bake with all the time and make my fabulous raw Raspberry Oat Bars with it…recipe here.  

2. Budget Friendly Beauty Product: This miracle oil is used for soft skin, smooth hair and even as a teeth whitener.  It’s perfect to use after the shower to keep your skin soft and smooth.  To find out ways to add more coconut oil to your beauty routine, check out my friend Erin’s blog The Grass Skirt.

Editor’s note: you may have also seen some coconut oil face wash discussions happening at TheBloginista.com}. SUCH a great natural & gentle face wash idea!

3. Blood Sugar Levels: Studies have shown it to help normalize blood sugar. An added bonus for a healthy body.

4. Reduces Adrenal Work: A small amount of fat is needed in the body to function properly.  Coconut oil, as part of a healthy diet can help your body and all our glands function better.  Common signs of adrenal fatigue are exhaustion and dark under eye circles.

5. Keeps You Well:  Coconut oil is composed of medium chain fatty acids, or triglcerides, which have been shown to have many health benefits, like helping the body’s metabolism, and acting as an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent.

6. Thyroid Help: 50-55% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid, which helps support and restore the thyroid.

7. Please Pass the Coconut Oil: Can even be used as a butter substitute on popcorn or toast.

8. Toothpaste: You can actually mix it with baking soda and make TOOTHPASTE! All-natural, of course. Details here.

9. Roast or sauté vegetables using only about a teaspoon or so.  If you need more liquid, add in water or low-sodium vegetable broth. Your veggies will taste great. Coconut oil also stays stable at high cooking temperatures, which is perfect for roasting vegetables.

What I personally love about using coconut oil is that when I roast vegetables, a small amount goes a long way and adds in a nice flavor. Using it from a solid form makes it easy to portion out a teaspoon, as opposed to olive oil that you can easily heavy hand and make your dishes too oily, adding more calories and fat.

10. Oil Pulling: Gargling with coconut oil is all the rage right now, and there seems to be many benefits to it. Here are a few of them.

 

What kind Should You Buy?

A large jar will last awhile, so splurge and treat yourself to a good one.  Look for a cold pressed organic coconut oil.  Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and your regular supermarket should carry it. They are usually less than $10!

Here’s to healthy, smooth skin for spring time.  Look and feel your best by eating well and taking care of yourself.

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For more healthy living tips, visit Lynda’s blog at www.HealthyHobokenGirl.com

 

 

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