Why I Buy Coconut Oil

When my family began our real food journey one of the first nutritious foods that we incorporated into our diet was coconut oil.  As many Americans do, I once mistakenly thought that saturated fat was unhealthy.  Of course, now we know that saturated fat is not the bad guy it was made out to be.  In fact, saturated fat is an important part of the human diet. (source)

Benefits of Coconut Oil

The benefits of coconut oil are numerous.  As I’ve already mentioned, coconut oil is a good source of saturated fat.  In fact, the saturated fats found in coconut oil are medium-chain fatty acids.  They are great for quick energy and for supporting brain function.  For those following a vegetarian diet, coconut oil is essential for ensuring that enough saturated fat is consumed to maintain wellness.

Coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid.  Other than human breastmilk, there is no natural food that contains as much lauric acid as coconut oil.  Lauric acid is important because of it’s ability to raise good cholesterol levels and to fight germs.  (source)

There is some evidence that coconut oil may help to support brain function.  Studies are being done to find links between coconut oil and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.(source)

According to the book Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Mary Enig, coconut oil is an important part of weight loss as it helps to reduce cravings and increase metabolism.  

How I Use Coconut Oil

Here are ten ways that I use coconut oil both in the kitchen and around the house.

1.  I use coconut oil to cook eggs.  I love over-easy or even scrambled eggs.  I have coconut oil and eggs at least three times per week, usually more.

2.  I eat coconut oil by the teaspoon.  When I need an extra boost of energy, I add a teaspoon of coconut oil to my coffee or simply eat it off of the spoon.

3.  I make yummy maple chocolate fudge with coconut oil.  This treat is great when a sugar craving hits!

4.  I use coconut oil as a massage oil.  I add a few drops of my favorite essential oils.  Coconut oil makes a great massage oil.

5.  I shave with coconut oil.  I add coconut oil to my bathwater or apply it to the areas I want to shave before getting the shower.  The razor burn that was once a terrible problem for me no longer exists.  I haven’t had razor burn in years.

6.  I use coconut oil for oil pulling.  

7.  I use coconut oil in my homemade toothpaste.

8.  I use coconut oil to clear up fungal rashes.

9.  I mix coconut oil with raw honey to soothe sore throats and coughing.

10.  I eat an extra tablespoon of coconut oil to help increase alertness and focus on days when I know work will be taxing.

Purchase quality coconut oil here.

What are your favorite uses for coconut oil?