Coconut Oil: Fad or Fabulous?

This is the first post in my series covering just a handful of uses and benefits of coconut oil.

Lately, coconut oil has become increasingly popular, not just in the natural community, but nearly everywhere due to its thousands of uses. Just when you think you’ve discovered them all, there’s another one waiting for you right around the corner! So what’s so great about it anyway?

I’m glad you asked.

Coconut oil is derived from coconuts imagine that and has been used worldwide for cooking, its medicinal properties, and in beauty products for years. The first time I found this oil, I was surprised this oil is actually a solid at room temperature. It has a sort of butter-like consistency at room temperature and has a melting point of 76F. When I cook with it, stir-fry for instance, I just scrape a little off the top and spread it around the pan to melt it, like I would butter. When I want it to be liquid to start with, like when moisturizing my face, I use a tip my friend shared with me and warm it by holding the jar under hot water.

I enjoy cooking—actually I don’t enjoy cooking, but I’ve been known to stir-fry veggies every once in a while!—with coconut oil because it is heat stable, not reaching its smoking point until 350F. The smoke point of oils is important to pay attention to because once they begin to smoke, they release toxins and free radicals. While I was researching more about this oil, I came across some studies where eating coconut oil was even associated with lowering HDL and LDL levels. This stuff is chocked full of awesome natural healing properties we will dive into soon!

Speaking of cholesterol, there’s actually been a little controversy since coconut oil is high (91%) in saturated fat. The concern is that in general, saturated fat has been shown to cause a rise in LDL, the bad cholesterol, but it appears that not all saturated fats are created equal! The saturated fats in organic virgin coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids, and actually don’t appear to have the negative effects on cholesterol (and potentially lower overall levels) that long chain fatty acids can, such as causing plaque build up in arteries.

*Note, the structure is not the same in refined coconut oil. Make sure you get organic unrefined virgin coconut oil!

The fatty acids found in coconut oil are loaded with natural disinfecting, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-nearly-everything-nasty-we-usually-treat-with-medicine-or-clean-with-chemicals. It is packed with a potent immune-boosting, disease-fighting acid called lauric acid. More on this crazy amazing natural healing acid to come.

It is also phenomenal for your skin and hair, toting anti-aging benefits, acne fighting abilities, and intense hair repair just to name a few!

Safe to say, I think it is fabulous!

In the next post in this series, we’ll dive into the health and medicinal benefits of coconut oil. You don’t want to miss it!

Disclaimer: The views of The Gray Poppy Blog are based on my passion for natural health and information provided here is researched from multiple sources prior to publishing. The information provided, however, is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as, nor be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment regimen, supplement, exercise plan, or dietary change.

Sources:

http://www.scopemed.org/?mno=46271

http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/022313_fat_oil_coconut.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/026808_oil_coconut.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/033718_food_miracles.html