Lauren's Corner

Coconut Oil - The Elixir of Health & Beauty

For years I have been shopping in health food stores and using natural products. Somehow, I have managed to overlook one of the most important staples to a health diet and beauty regime - Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.

This amazing natural oil has actually been around for centuries. The use of this oil in tropical regions [South and Central America, Africa, Polynesia and most of Asia] is prolific. The uses are so respected that they have been documented as far back as 1500 BC. You'll always find Organic Virgin Coconut Oil listed under food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical categories; so vast is the use of this elixir of health and beauty.

The numerous health benefits are finally reaching the mainstream market and I feel it's extremely important to bring these benefits to your attention:

- Promote heart health.
- Support the immune system.
- Quick energy source.
- Promote weight loss.
- Support proper function of your thyroid gland.
- Keep your skin healthy and youthful looking.

Coconut Oil = Weight Loss

Research has repeatedly shown that although Virgin Coconut Oil is very high in fat content, it contains no trans-fat. It is nature’s richest source of fat called MCFA's. [Short for medium chain triglycerides]. MCFA's are immediately sent to your liver and converted into energy rather than being stored as fat in your body. Some other great advantages of Virgin Coconut Oil besides boosting metabolic rate are;

- Your healing process is accelerated.
- Your immune system will function better.
- and Your cell regeneration rate will increase.

However the real miracle of Coconut Oil is "Lauric Acid." Just as breast milk is jam packed with disease fighting nutrients that give us our start in life, incredibly the same compound [Lauric Acid] is found in Coconut Oil. In fact, a great amount of studies have been conducted that prove the ability of Lauric Acid to enhance immunity.

Beware, not all Coconut Oils are alike....

It is very important to make sure you only purchase a pure form of this oil. It must NOT be refined or purified in any way. This type of inferior oil is called RBD. [Refined, Bleached & Deodorized]. When the oil is over produced the manufacturer uses nutrient destroying heat, chemical solvents and bleaching agents. If they subject the oil to a hydrogenating process they can even create trans-fats, which we generally try to avoid putting into our bodies!

After doing extensive research for both myself [and you], I use the following product; Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Garden of Life. This brand is extremely well known for using only the freshest [organically grown] coconuts. They are shredded and cold-pressed to extract the oil. I also feel that this brand of Coconut oil is extremely well priced for the high quality that is provided.

So you ask: "How do I incorporate that much oil into my daily diet?"

Here are a few good ways - but just about any way is acceptable as long as you enjoy it!

- Use a teaspoon in your next smoothie
- Mix into your salad dressing to replace other conventional oils
- Coconut Oil has a wonderful light flavor and is also the healthiest oil to cook with. So sauté your veggies, eggs, fish, and pasta with a few tablespoons of it.

Healing Wonders of Coconut Oil

The list is endless. Before writing this article I sat down to do my usual research on my subject. This was not too hard considering I have been using Coconut Oil for both health and beauty for quite some time. I actually keep 2 jars readily available...One in my pantry, and one on my dresser. I even keep one for traveling!
I found myself on various blogs reading the endless testaments to this amazing oil. Below is a list of some of the uses of this oil and the cures that have been found.

- Use as a daily moisturizer for face & body.
- Great 'leave-in' conditioner for hair.
- Use on dry nails & cuticles.
- Bring this Coconut Oil along when having a massage.
- Documented for lowering blood pressure naturally.
- Documented for balancing good & bad cholesterol levels, along with triglyceride levels.
- Boost metabolic rate and aids in weight loss.
- Increase energy levels.
- Great for your pets; promotes a healthy, shiny coat. [Just toss some in their food].
- Appetite suppressant.
- Great when used as a sun product to get a healthy tan. [PLEASE also use your sunscreen].
- Has been known to cure sinus, allergies & asthma issues.

I do believe in the wonders of this natural oil that has been used by many cultures for centuries. However, I keep it in a healthy balance with my other supplements, vitamins and skin care products. They all work in harmony to promote a healthy lifestyle!

Have a Healthy Day!