Coconut Oil: Is it Really Healthy?
What we know now
Long known as the Tree of Life, the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) produces fruit that is valuable for its meat, milk, juice and oil. Once thought to be harmful because of its saturated fat content, modern medical research is now making a U-Turn about the facts of coconut oil.
Medical researchers have found that coconut oil has many healing qualities. Some of these are antiseptic properties that kill viruses, bacteria and fungi. Coconut oil can also provide a healthy boost of energy. It’s antioxidant properties also give it a long shelf life. The coconut tree isn’t called the Tree of Life just because it has these few qualities listed here. For more information about the health benefits of coconut oil visit the Coconut Research Center, a not-for-profit website ran by volunteers to dispel the myths about coconut oil.
This is coconut oil? It looks Weird…
Coconut oil comes in a solid form, typically in a wide mouth glass jar and can be used for any type of cooking. Refined coconut oil is flavorless but still has the healing qualities of unrefined oil, it is a good alternative for a less expensive coconut oil. The best coconut oil to purchase is unrefined, virgin oil. This oil does have a mild coconut flavor and is more expensive than refined oil but it goes a long way. Less than a teaspoon of the solid oil is enough to make hashbrowns for two and the health benefits of unrefined, virgin coconut oil outweighs the cost. If you haven’t checked out the Coconut Research Center yet please visit it by clicking the link above. The information you’ll receive on the benefits of unrefined coconut oil is invaluable.
When using coconut oil for recipes that call for an amount of oil, usually a teaspoon, tablespoon or cup measurement, be sure to melt the oil before adding it to the contents of the recipe. Preferably melt the oil in a pot on the stove or if just a small measurement, place a small bowl inside of another bowl with hot water. If possible, don’t use a microwave since the electromagnetic waves are known to displace molecules in a unhealthy matter.
Where can I get coconut oil?
Unrefined coconut oil is available at most health food stores. You probably won’t find it in regular supermarkets. If you can, you’re fortunate. It is also available at online retailers. By purchasing through online retailers you have more control over the quality of the oil you purchase.
