Originally published July 19 2013
Eight great ways to enjoy coconut and coconut oil
by PF Louis
(NaturalNews) The whole issue of saturated fat dangers is falling apart gradually, although there are still many diet and medical experts still inside its crumbling edifice. The fact is unprocessed saturated fats are necessary for good health.
Our brain cells and nervous system's myelin sheath to transmit nerve signals are fatty. Fat is a structural component of our cell walls. Without cholesterol in our skin, converting sunlight into vitamin D3 would not occur.
The plaque of interior artery walls is actually caused by inflammation from trans-fatty hydrogenated cooking or salad oils, an imbalance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and/or calcium build-ups (calcification) from free floating calcium in the blood not getting into bones due to vitamin K deficiencies. (http://www.naturalnews.com)
Most of the "science" against coconut oil was based on heat-processed hydrogenated coconut oil. That's like saying milk is unhealthy after using only Big Ag pasteurized dairy from poorly treated and fed cows poisoned with antibiotics and growth hormones.
Now that the cholesterol and saturated fat misinformation is fading, everyone can enjoy the liberal use of healthy saturated fats. One of the healthiest saturated fats is coconut oil. Organic, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil is the healthiest choice.
It tends to turn into a liquid at warmer room temperatures, so you may have to refrigerate it for short periods if you want to scoop it onto other foods or simply take it directly. There are other forms of coconut to consider as well.
Coconut products' benefits
Organic, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil that's not processed is the only coconut oil you should use for non-cooking situations. It contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT). They are converted into energy, not fat, by the liver.
This process creates ketones, which the brain can use for energy despite metabolic obstructions.
A doctor in Florida used coconut oil successfully to reverse her husband's late stage Alzheimer's disease, so it certainly can help early phases of Alzheimer's. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030373_coconut_oil_Alzheimers_disease.html)
Additionally, there are many reports of improved digestion and increased energy from ingesting coconut oil or water.
Various methods for using coconut oil and other forms of coconut
(1) You can add a spoonful or two into your cereal or in the smoothie of your choice, excellent applications if you can't handle the taste of coconut oil directly. Coconut oil can be an integral part of your smoothie creations.
(2) Coconut water has become the sports drink of choice for health conscious athletes and those who work out strenuously. Pro tennis player John Isner uses coconut water, and he won Wimbledon with an 11 hour match.
He claims coconut water is very hydrating and keeps the cramps away regardless of the heat and humidity.
(3) Coconut oil has a low smoke temperature. So it's not the choice for high heat cooking. But it's excellent for sauteing veggies at low heat. If you like Thai cuisine, coconut cooking and a few peanuts will put you there.
(4) Want to get that old-time movie theater popcorn taste? You can use a slightly lesser grade of coconut oil to pop your organic popping corn. Here's how (http://www.ehow.com/how_7694088_cook-popcorn-coconut-oil.html). Movie theaters used hydrogenated coconut oil, the unhealthiest choice.
(5) You can make coconut milk with organic, unsweetened shredded coconut and purified water. Elana explains how: (http://www.elanaspantry.com/diy-coconut-milk/). Shredded coconut can be added to yogurt or cereal for healthy flavoring.
(6) Celiac and wheat belly sufferers rejoice! You can make your own tasty pastries and breads using coconut flour. Vegan chef Michele Forbes of NYC's Angelica Kitchen claims coconut flour gives amazing results, and it's healthy.
When using coconut flour for specific recipes, it's important to dip and scoop small amounts into the measuring cup instead of pouring directly from the bag. Coconut flour is so fine it won't measure properly if you just pour.
A quarter cup should weigh one ounce, for example. Then let Elana show you what you can make with several of her tasty recipes. (http://www.elanaspantry.com/tag/coconut-flour/)
(7) Avoid aluminum underarm deodorants and pricy, safe alternatives by making your own with coconut oil. Take a quarter cup of coconut oil, slowly melt it if solid; mix it with approximately two tablespoons each of baking soda and corn starch or arrowroot powder if organic (non-GMO) cornstarch is not available.
You can add one or two dozen drops of your favorite essential oil for scent. Place the mixture in a glass container. Occasionally, skin irritation can signal holding back a little on one of the powders or the oil. There seems to be fewer problems with arrowroot powder than corn starch.
(8) High quality coconut oil is excellent as a skin moisturizer or lotion. It can actually help heal psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema. It can also serve as a base for facial treatments or as a hair conditioner.
Coconut oil is loaded with antioxidants to help keep your skin from aging too rapidly.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.care2.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/2012/05/diy-deodorant.html
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