COCONUT OIL

Many people do not realise the benefits of coconut oil. Even though this oil is solid at room temperature do not let this put you off incorporating coconut oil into your diet. It is truly one of the most remarkable foods both internally and externally.
Coconut oil is referred to as a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). This refers to the molecular size or length of the carbon chain in the fatty acid. MCT are easily digested and absorbed. Unlike other fats, they put little strain on the digestive system and provide a quick source of energy necessary to promote healing.  Due to the small size of the  MCT molecules, they require less energy and fewer enzymes to break them down for digestion. They are digested and absorbed quickly and with minimal effort so great news if you are under stress or suffer from digestive problems.
Eating coconut oil on a regular basis supplies the body with strong anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties. They are also essential building blocks for the immune system. If you take coconut oil on a regular basis, you are constantly replenishing the body, rather than waiting for an infection to take place in which you then have to mount a massive counterattack!

FOR WEIGHTLOSS
Many people have the misconception that all fats are bad for you. NEWS ALERT, COCONUT OIL IS NOT the enemy. Coconut oil increases the body's metabolism as well as promoting a reduction in dyslipidemia thus promoting a reduction in abdominal obesity. (Lipids Journal 2009). Coconut oil has also been shown to regulate a healthy functioning thyroid gland and helps to combat hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and skin/hair/nail disorders.

FOR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Virgin coconut oil has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels, as well as increasing HDL (the good cholesterol). It also helps in the prevention of LDL oxidation (one main component of heart disease we should be avoiding).

SPORTS NUTRITION
Due to coconut oil being easy to digest and absorb than other saturated fats they provide energy fast. This is great when coconut oil is incorporated into energy bars. The MCT's in coconut oil provide a longer release of energy and decrease the amount of muscle broken down!

SKIN BEAUTY
The antioxidants and fatty acids in coconut oil when applied to the skin rapidly penetrate the underlying tissues. It can help with reducing the appearance of stretch marks, as well as preventing the premature ageing of the skin. Coconut oil absorbs readily into the skin and keeps the skin soft and smooth. It also has a SPF factor of 5.
Coconut oil acts as a great hair conditioner when applied to the scalp and when used as a pre-wash conditioner can help to combat dandruff as well as strengthening the structure of damaged, devitalised hair.

USES IN COOKING
Coconut oil is highly heat resistant, it does not denature when exposed to high temperatures which can happen with other cooking oils. It can be blended easily into smoothies, dips, my special bALL's recipe (see my blog next week), as well as many raw food recipes (more at my talks).

WHAT PRODUCT DO I RECOMMEND?
When it comes to deciding which brand to purchase I always recommend a Virgin Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. Nothing else should be in the ingredients. Expect to pay Aus$12-$15 for 500ml.
If buying in winter, you will find the oil hard in the jar. Make sure to buy oil in a glass jar. As summer sets upon us, you can expect to find your oil jar in the cupboard to liquefy.