Coconut Oil

Coconut oil in solid state. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I started on this path to find a better shortening for my cast iron griddle and learned a bunch along the way. This is not intended to replace medical advice from a doctor. I share information with my doctor and he will use it in addition to conventional medicine. It is not a cure-all. But may be used to help achieve better healthcare. I pitted LouAna bought at Walmart versus Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin received from them in the mail. I did prefer TT’s for non heating use and LouAna for heavy duty frying uses. May opinion was not bought or paid for in any way! I took a month of time to carefully use each. My teeth are whiter, skin is healthier, and in better overall health.  It is used sparingly so a long shelf life is necessary.

Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. I use it for EVERYTHING. So here is a little information to inspire you to check out this amazing oil!
Coconut Oil Is:

• Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections)

• Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection)

• Anti-inflammatory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)

• Anti-microbial/Infection Fighting (the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother’s milk, and they have extraordinary antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. About half of coconut oil consists of lauric acid. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.)

• An Antioxidant (protects against free-radical formation and damage)

• Anti-parasitic (fights to rid the body of tapeworms, lice and other parasites)

• Anti-protozoa (kills giardia, a common protozoan infection of the gut)

• Anti-retroviral (cold and flu)

• Anti-viral (kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, and other viruses)

• Infection fighting

• Has no harmful for discomforting side effects *some people can be allergic.

• Known to improve nutrient absorption (easily digestible; makes vitamins and minerals more available to the body)

• Nontoxic to humans and animals

Type of Coconut Oil to Use:

• Virgin (unrefined)coconut oil tastes and smells coconutty and is great for cooking and baking where you want that flavor. You can use it for anything but it will impart a coconut taste (mild) and odor (pleasant in my opinion)! Unrefined coconut oil retains the most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil. *Tropical Traditions is the brand I used, not over powering. Just a light scent and slight taste. I like the fact it is packaged in glass. This is much cheaper in large quantities.
• Expeller pressed (refined)coconut oil can be used for anything. It does not have a coconutty smell or taste. It is still outstanding to use but does lose some of it’s health properties during the refining process. LouAnn is the band I used for comparison. Useful around the house and high heat frying. Not digging the plastic packaging due to the solubility of chemicals into the oil. It is cheaper than butter and contained no hydrogenated oils.
• Food grade should always be used.

Related articles

• Virgin Coconut Oil – So Good For You! (jeseyesworld.wordpress.com)
• Mrs. Money: 5 Ways to Save with Coconut Oil (savings.com)
• Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil Review (angelfoodskitchen.wordpress.com)
• Simple Granola With Coconut Oil (seekingjoyfulsimplicity.wordpress.com)
• Coconut Oil – wonderful (biosil.wordpress.com)