Crazy For Coconut Oil

Today I’m sharing with you what I believe to be one of the world’s most perfect and essential foods: coconut oil. Although referred to as “oil”, coconut oil is actually a white solid at room temperature. You won’t find this in the grocery store aisle with olive and canola oils – look for it in the organic section. It’s sold in tubs (glass is best), not bottles.

This is miraculous stuff! Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a known antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. And don’t get confused with the fact that it’s a “saturated” fat. Coconut oil DOES NOT share the same concerns as butter or margarine. Rather, coconut oil can INCREASE the GOOD HDL cholesterol in the blood and will help improve the overall cholesterol ratio. It also has a positive effect on hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control.

So where do you use it? EVERYWHERE! Use it to cook instead of oil or butter: for frying, as a spread on toast, for baking (think Christmas cookies!), or for a treat added to your smoothies.

But you’re not limited to just eating it. Try coconut oil as a moisturizer – it’s loaded with vitamin E. Works as a lip moisturizer, for dry cuticles, on infants after a bath or as a scalp & hair mask. I know summer is coming but on those cold and snowy winter dog walks, try coconut oil as a protective balm for your furry friend’s paws to prevent snow clumping and keep pads from cracking.

**Originally posted on wholetherapyottawa.com by Carole Woodstock