I’m Coo Coo for Coconut Oil
by Rochelle Griffin
About a year ago, I was introduced to the wonderful world of coconut oil. For many years, I stayed from any oil in general because I grew up with the notion that oil was bad for you…for your heart, your cholesterol, and most definitely your weight. Turns out, I was wrong.
Coconut oil can be used in a multitude of ways, but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself. Let’s talk about the oil itself first.
Not all coconut oils are created the same, so do your homework. The more inexpensive brands are typically not made from fresh coconuts. They are made from copra, the dried meat of the coconut, which must then be refined, bleached, and deodorized. If you’ve tried coconut oil before and had a less than pleasurable experience, it was probably oil made from copra.
I prefer virgin coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconut meat (non-copra.) Chemicals and heat aren’t needed to refine this oil because it’s so pure and stable.
Coconut oil is extremely versatile. I love that you can safely cook with it. When it’s heated, it doesn’t become hydrogenated and toxic as other oils do. It remains stable even at higher temperatures needed for deep-frying. My child, who knows what he likes and doesn’t like, will vouch for the yummy flavor it produces in our foods.
There are many health advantages as well. Here is a short-list of researched benefits that may occur when using coconut oil:
- Kills candida (yeast)
- Kills fungus
- Kills parasites
- Improves insulin use in our body
- Increases digestion
- Helps fat-soluble vitamins absorb
- Improves skin diseases including acne, eczema, and psoriasis
- Promotes weight loss and preserves muscle mass
- May reverse some effects of Alzheimer’s disease
- Boosts metabolism
You may be thinking Ok, Rochelle, I want to add coconut oil into my life but HOW?
Honestly it’s much easier than you think.
With cooking or baking, use it just like any other oil. We use it for all of our cooking and baking. I use it to make homemade oil/vinegar salad dressing. I love to drizzle it on my veggies. I even like it in my morning coffee!
**Please know that at room temperature the oil is a solid. It totally freaked me out the first time because I wasn’t expecting that. Once it’s heated, it turns into a liquid.
There are plenty of other uses for coconut oil besides in the kitchen. It’s fantastic as a hair conditioner…and you get the health benefits of the oil because it absorbs in the scalp. You can also use it for things like:
- Skin moisturizer
- Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
- Eye makeup remover
- Chap stick
- Reducing insect bite or poison ivy itch
- Diaper cream
- Massage oil
- Soothing psoriasis
We use so much of it in our home that I buy it in gallon containers. I have a feeling we may graduate to 5-gallon containers very soon. I’m often asked where I buy it. Personally I don’t purchase from the local grocery store because it’s not the quality that I desire. I purchase the Virgin Coconut Oil from a company called Tropical Traditions (no I don’t get a kickback for mentioning them) and have it shipped to me.
In short, remember that you are your best advocate. Be pro-active and do your research with any of your food choices. Based on everything that I’ve read and researched, I’m very comfortable, confident, and happy to have coconut oil in my life and in my family’s.
To Living Your Best Life,
Rochelle Griffin, RN BSN FDN-P
Rochelle Griffin, The Wellness Detective™, is a Registered Nurse (with over 22 years experience) & a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition™ Practitioner who has transitioned her love for fitness, health, & freedom into a 7-figure International company that now helps others live Their Best Life.
She founded Your Best Life, Inc with her husband Keith after stepping onto the edge of physical ruin with her health & the health of their young son. Having experienced a complete turn-around, they now desire to give hope & support to those who are dissatisfied with their current situation.
PS. If you found this post to be of any value to you, please COMMENT below!
I use LouAna as I don’t like the smell or taste of coconut in my foods, particularly eggs. I know that brand is more refined, and maybe has less medicinal properties, but it tastes better. Unless you know of another brand?
I love Tropical Traditions brand and love it. You can find them online. The link is in the article. 🙂
I use c. Oil for my skin. I love it !
I had no idea coconut oil was so versatile. Thanks for the info, I’m going to check it out now
Yep, it’s awesome stuff!
How is it used for acne? I really want to try it on my daughter, the dermatologist is getting kinda expensive.
Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties, so a small dab on the skin can help. Do your due-diligence and research it. Especially since your daughter is being treated by a physician. 🙂
You might also look into using a probiotic for a while, especially if you have ever given her anti-biotics…our pediatrician recommended a probiotic for my teen’s mild “back-ne” and it is helping. Acne is sometimes related to candida overgrowth – and coconut oil is also good to limit candida, but a probiotic may be necessary for – maybe a month? We are on month two and I plan on stopping the probiotic when the back-ne is mostly clear to see what happens next…
Ive been looking into taking the oil but not sure how much to take daily. I really enjoy cooking with. Using it for my feet when dry, our dogs love it drizzle on there dog food.
Thank you
I typically do a couple Tbsps per day. It’s the most versatile stuff that’s good for you! Just don’t forget to still count the calories. 😉
I started using organic coconut oil on my face about a week ago but had to stop, my face was getting red.
Was I doing right, putting much or that my face is just to sensitive for it?
I’m just afraid to try it again, but heard so many good thing about it.
Hard to say why that happened, Annick. I would try a smaller amount on a small section of my skin and see if there’s a reaction.
What about on dry scalp?
Totally! 🙂
What about capsules?
I don’t see why not if it’s the same quality oil as you cook with, although because it’s so yummy on food, I wouldn’t go that route. Try drizzling it on your veggies or cooking with it. You won’t look back.
I just read an article on oil pulling where you swish 1Tbs. of oil for 20 minutes then spit it out. This method us great for teeth whitening and also reduces chronic bad breath.
that does work! I’ve tried it…good if you have sensitive teeth or gums, too…
Any books you can recommend?
For what specifically, Maria?
Cant wait to try some of these tips
Let me know! 🙂
Hi, can i use the coconut oil on my face or the one that is sold in the pharmacy, thanks.
Sure! 🙂
I am now not positive the place you are getting your info,
however great topic. I must spend some time finding
out more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to
be in search of this info for my mission.
I have been coconut oil missed with baking soda and lemon (essential oils) for tooth paste; and also just coconut oil and the lemon oil for moisturizer. I have been using is on my face and eyes as well; I am really enjoying it!!
For years I have heard about this, but never really got all the information, until now. I will be buying a gallon, will use it along with olive oil.
Rochelle,
You said you used in your coffee – I think I want to try that! Do you do that for flavor or sweetener or….what? I am thinking that will be a good way to remember to take a teaspoon of it. Also, how much do you use (I’ll use this info to find my starting place…)
I’ve been using c oil for hair and skin for awhile now. I would love to start using it in the kitchen. thanks for the information …
When using it for baking do you melt it and than measue?
Exactly! 🙂
how do I use this for weight loss? and I have been using it for really dry skin seems to be working I only started a few days ago so will see I’ve tried so many lotions nothing works
It’s a healthy fat that you incorporate into your diet. Of course it still has calories that you need to take into account. 😉
I use it as a exfoliate I melt a couple tablespoons and add sugar to it put it in the freezer let it harden a little . Love love this stuff !