Coconut Health Benefits.

Raw cold- pressed coconut oil has many health benefits.  This oil contains no cholesterol and actually lowers cholesterol levels . When you give your body good fat, it has no reason to hold on to the “bad” fat.  Coconut oil also stimulates thyroid function and contains pregnenolone; a powerful antioxidant.

Because it restores thyroid function, coconut oil increases the metabolic rate leading to weight loss.  Back in the 1940’s farmers tried to use coconut oil to fatten their cows but instead, the cows lost weight!

Even more interesting, coconut oil lowers blood sugar and helps adrenals by decreasing stress on the system.

This oil is anti fungal and helps candida quickly without the harsh side effects of prescription anti fungal medicine.

Topically coconut oil offers a mild natural sunscreen and protects from wind burn.  I use the oil on the ends of my hair at night and use a tiny amount as a natural shine serum after blow drying.  During the summer months, it’s the only moisturizer I use on my body. The warm glow it leaves behind is beautiful and the smell is heavenly.    According to Ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil should only be used during the warm months when the oil is naturally liquid at room temperature.  This is due to the cooling effect of the oil on the body.  During winter months I use almond oil.

For yeast infections I mix 10 drops of tea tree oil to 1/2 c of liquid coconut oil.  To melt solid oil, stir in a bowl resting over a non boiling pan of hot water. (turn off heat)  Put this bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes and then shape into bullet size pieces.  Freeze in a baggy, insert vaginally at night.

Oil Swishing has been recommended for many years as a natural cure for gum irritation and minor infections.  Simply swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes and spit out.  The oil becomes cloudy as it pulls toxins out of your mouth.  I tried this for a receding gum line for a month and was shocked at not only the gum results but also the whitening effect on my teeth.

I pop a scoop in every smoothie, and often mix the oil with cocoa powder and maple syrup for a healthy chocolate desert.  Add raspberries or nuts, and it’s a decadent, rich treat.

One of my favorite way to enjoy Coconut oil is to make coconut snow balls.

Recipe:

Coconut Snow Balls

1/2 c raw honey
1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 TBS raw coconut butter
2 c unsweetened dehydrated grated coconut

Hand mix honey, salt, vanilla and coconut oil at room temp well. Add the shredded coconut. Form into one inch balls, chill in the freezer and serve ice cold.

Coconut oil is by far, my favorite kitchen cure.  And for the record, when you put a lime in a coconut and shake it all about, it tastes terrible!  🙂  Go for a young thai coconut~they’re sweet.

xo

Image courtesy of Suat Eman at freedigitalphotos.net