I'm back! I feel like it's been some time since I sat here, with my warm lemon water, and my mind running wild. Life's been busy - cottage visits, family events, pool parties, friends, and more! With that being said, my Flexxie Veggie lifestyle has been a difficult one to obtain. Thankfully, I added the flexxie part, right?
Today isn't about my failures (or, shall we call it struggles) about being a Veggie warrior, but rather about coconut oil! I've recently discovered this gem and absolutely love it! So, sit back with your warm water or tea, and learn about the amazingness of this oil...
For starters, it's got a bad REP! Most people think that it's horrible to intake because it's considered a saturated fat and we all know that's a big NO-NO. But, there is this one, tiny exception...
Ok, up first to stage is, Dr. Oz. He calls this oil a 'Super Power'. Why? He suggests...
1. It helps with weight loss! Although coc oil and olive oil have similar fat and calories they are completely different in our bodies. He states *BEWARE: Chemistry class coming to a computer near you** that coconut oil has shorter fatty acid chains so the body dissolves it into the blood but longer fatty acids (which is typical in most saturated fats) is absorbed differently (if absorbed at all). They actually can make you fat. So....coconut oil is different and not something to shy away from. For your visual learners out in cyber land, take a look at Dr.Oz demo here.
2. Another benefit that Dr. Oz suggests is that is treats skin conditions- it's been used for centuries to moisturize dry skin. It soothes the skin and can fight off infections. More on this below.
3. The third benefit that Dr. Oz suggests is that it treats ulcers. Ulcers are caused by bacteria. Lauric acid (something found in coconuts) is able to kill off the nasty bacteria. Apparently 1tbl a day of coconut will help.
Ok, yes Dr. Oz is amazing, but he's not the only one who's onto this magical oil...check out this:
1. Back to Science class - I want to discuss the acid I mentioned above. Lauric acid. This is biggie. This is the winner. This is the selling point. This is the reason why you need to try out coconut oil! Our body converts this acid into monolaurin which has been said to aid in herpes, influenza, and even HIV. It has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti fungal properties. This monolaurin destroys the membranes of these nasty bacteria, viruses, and fungus type stuff and kills them! The only other place you can find lauric acid in such a high quantity, natural state is in breast milk. Enuf said.
Okay Science haters, here is really what coconut oil can do for you....
1. Great for your hair! Slather this baby onto your hair, put a shower cap on, and head to bed. Shower in the morning and enjoy the new found softness and shine that your hair has soaked up all night. The oil comes all out, don't worry! Some others suggest that massage the oil onto your scalp helps with dandruff, lice, and lice eggs. It provides essential proteins to help damaged hair! So, why buy your expensive hair treatments full of chemicals when you can use this natural one, at home?
2. Skin Care - Dry skin loves this baby! Some people even compare this oil to mineral oil, without having any side effects. Great for preventing drying and flaking. Some say it prevents/delays wrinkles and sagging skin. It also helps treat psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and others. So, next time you jump out of the shower, use this on your skin and know that no harmful crap is absorbing into your body; only goodness.
3. Heart Diseases - forget the saturated bad for the heart bit on this one. That lauric acid again, helps prevent cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
4. Immunity - there's a reason why breast milk contains it!
5. The Safest oil for cooking! Did you know that once you cook olive oil it turns into a carcinogenic? I had no idea! Cooking with coconut oil is completely safe. Warning: You do need to like the flavour of coconuts though because you can often taste it in your recipes.
6. Has been around for a long time! Interesting point: In the Philippines, they call a plant the 'Tree of Life'. Can you guess which plant this is? You got it! The coconut plant! Almost every dish has this magical oil and they have the lowest cancer rates? Hmm....I'm not a genius here, could there be a connection?
7. Eye Make Up Remover - yep, it works!
8. And so much more! It has been said to improve your thyroid functioning, increase metabolism, promote a lean body/weight loss, and more! Go on tea drinker, and google this gem for yourself! I'm sure you will be amazed, like I was.
Okay, I've sold you. But, now what? How do you add this guru into your diet...
1. Cook/Bake/Sear/Saute with it! It withstands high heat without going rancid. So, my rule of thumb is cold recipes - olive oil, heated recipes - coc oil.
2. Add it to your smoothies. As soon as you rub this oil between your finger tips, it melts. So don't worry about it being solid in your smoothies.
3. Use it as an alternative to butter - add to pancakes or toast
4. And as Joy from Joyous Health suggests - use it as a 'love lube' rather than those toxic store bought ones. Read more below!
Ok healthy ones, I encourage you to give this oil a try. Be sure to buy a high quality one that is cold pressed and virgin. I'd love to hear your comments about this one! Message me on facebook if you can't leave a message on this thread.
xo
Credits:
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/01/26/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-why-you-need-to-get-some/
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/02/02/organic-coconut-oil-what-to-do-with-it/
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Just started using this a few months ago and love it too! My one problem is to remember to actually USE it (you get so set in your old ways of using olive oil or butter). I love to use it as a moisturizer (love the coconut smell). You should have seen our kids face the first few times I used it as a moisturizer, and then later threw it in the pan to cook eggs in - they were shocked!! You are cooking our eggs in HAND LOTION???!! :) Great post!
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