If you are interested in health and nutrients, you might have noticed the powerful claims and benefits assigned to coconut oil. Coconut oil is a medicinal food that has a positive effect on nearly all of our body functions. The list of benefits is long; I will just name a few:
- advantages related to the functioning of the heart
- helps resolve kidney stones
- helps balance blood sugar, thereby aiding in preventing, managing, and treating diabetes
- strengthens the immune system
- aids in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease
- boosts energy and increases metabolism
- aids in detoxifying the body
- and many more advantages for our health and well-being
Internal Use
After hearing and reading all these incredible claims, I had to find out for myself, especially as my body appeared to be bothered by the intake of olive and sunflower oil (both organic). Coconut oil has been proven to be very healthy for baking and frying, even healthier than any other organic oil, as it can endure extremely high temperatures without losing its nutritious value.
As I started to prepare my meals with coconut oil, I soon recognised the benefits. Not only did I feel better during and after eating a meal, but it also affected my digestion in a very positive way. Even though the ‘extra virgin’ kind is preferable to the non-virgin kind, I like to use both, depending on what I’m preparing. Virgin oil has a strong taste and smell, whereas non-virgin oil doesn’t.
At the same time, I started using it for baking cakes, muffins and pancakes. I replaced all the oil and butter with pure coconut oil. My goodness, what a result! My favourite pastry made with only wholesome foods and with such divine taste!! I used the virgin kind once and to my surprise it worked very well and my cake did not taste like coconut. Does this get any better?! Yes, try frying your home-made french fries or sliced vegetables as a healthy snack, or my favourite Indonesian treat ‘Pisang Goreng’, fried banana in dough!
Different brands and kinds of Coconut oil
External Use
Meanwhile, part of the coconut supply had been extended to the bathroom. Both the virgin and the non-virgin kind. They’re both excellent as a facial cream and body lotion, and I personally don’t mind the scent of coconut, as it evaporates after some time. During winter time, I keep the oil near the heater, to keep it fluid, which makes it easier to apply. You don’t need much to keep your skin smooth and supple.
You can also apply it to your hair, especially when dry and frizzy. After washing, gently massage the liquid coconut oil through your hair. Your hairstyle will look perfect for the day, but you will need to repeat daily. Multiple usages have a tendency to make your hair look greasy, as it attracts dust from the air. More washing is required. For this reason, I prefer to use it as a hair mask and leave it in for about 30 to 60 minutes (in foil or plastic) before washing.
Go for Organic
Experimenting with the different uses of coconut oil is fun. Organic coconut oil can be costly, but as I’ve said before, you don’t need much. Personally, I feel good to spend money on my well-being and stimulate my personal health care at the same time.
For all who practise oil-pulling, a way to remove toxins and bacteria from your body, I highly recommend coconut oil. It’s much preferred over (organic) sunflower or olive oil. I have written in more depth about this subject in my blog post Oil pulling for better health and a brighter smile.
Coconut oil is available in most organic and natural health food stores. Look out for special offers, which are a perfect opportunity to build up your stock. Just recently I’ve noticed the increased offerings of coconut oil in regular supermarkets. Do look for the organic ones!
Enjoy experimenting!!
If you are interested to read more about the great benefits and many uses of coconut oil, I can suggest: http://wakeup-world.com/2012/03/02/160-uses-for-coconut-oil/
I can also recommend the book: “Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut” by Bruce Fife.
Book preview: http://bit.ly/1LfnM5j
Vertaald in het Nederlands: “Het Kokosolie Wonder.”
Preview boek: http://bit.ly/1CuyRLu
Thanks for sharing your own experience with the use of coconut oil , Monique …i’ve been meaning to get some and try in spite of the fact that i really don’t like the taste or smell of coconut in general … now i think i’ll go ahead and do it ! 🙂
Yes, well worth trying Gabriela. Take the non-vergin kinds that don’t taste and smell like coconut!!! I’m positive you will love it!! ♡
Such an amazing oil this is! I, too, have experienced the benefits of coconut, coconut cream and coconut oil, Monique . . .
Many years ago (when the media was still bombarding us with all the negativity about coconut oil being ‘saturated’), I discovered for myself that full-fat coconut CREAM (in this instance), taken internally, was very beneficial for my health. It helped my skin (I had terrible acne at the time), AND helped me to feel more emotionally balanced (I was at that point struggling with extreme ‘depression’).
Others thought I must have been imagining it, yet I KNOW/knew that coconut had some AMAZING, magical properties, despite not knowing WHAT those properties were . . .
These days I, too, use coconut oil (I use only organic, extra virgin), both internally and externally. I LOVE that it can be used so widely, and think it’s TERRIFIC that it has such a high smoke point, so doesn’t get damaged as other oils do when heated . . .
Frying french fries and other veges as a snack? Hadn’t thought of that! Sounds GOOD, and I’m keen to give it a go! 🙂
Wow, what an amazing share Frances! Thank You for sharing your personal experiences with us and how Coconut improved your life. I’m convinced, and have experienced myself how eating habits affects the entire energy system. After all food vibrates energy, and so do we as human beings. Many diseases, perhaps most, can be cured by the quality of our food intake, that often goes hand in hand with the arising of our awareness.
Thank You Frances for sharing of yourself and adding value to the topic!!
Blessings to your Health and the real meaning of Health Care!! ♡
I have been using coconut oil since childhood …in fact we have grown up using it,,,it was mandatory to apply coconut oil on hair as I have seen it from my grandmother to mother and now me and my children as well . we are following the same practice and I love the smell too …I even use it after a shower ..it makes the skin supple all day long and the slight essence that stays the whole day I love it .. one of the best effect I have seen of this oil is that it helps to reduce burn or bruise marks well …even post pregnancy it helped reduce my stretch marks to minimum and you would be surprised to know that my Gynecologist only suggested this instead of any Bio-oil or expensive cream. I even massage on my children’s body regularly, it protects them from dryness in the air but we don’t use it in food . though in Southern region its the staple diet and the main oil to be used for cooking . I personally love coconut oil and every month a big bottle is a must in our grocery items 🙂
Wonderful Monalisa, you sound like a real coconut oil expert!! Your culture appears to be living much closer to nature when it comes to the usage of wholesome and pure health care products. So good to hear that the ancient wisdom is still being sustained.
Thank You for sharing your insightful information with us Mona, it’s really appreciated!
Blessings ♡
Dank je , Monique , vooral je advies om het te gebruiken als haarmasker, doet goed denk ik!
Ook als lichaamscreme in de zomer denk ik , ” geweldig natuurlijk”. Mijn jongste dochter gebruikt het veel bij haar lichaamsverzorging, maar dan als product in maskers en zo, niet zuiver! Zal het haar eens laten lezen! Dank je… veel liefs en geniet van je dag!!!! xxx
Hi Monique,
I like your article its awesome read, especially with your own experience.
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you Riz!! _()_