The Amazing Properties of Coconut Oil

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Not only is coconut oil so healthy to add to your diet, it is one of nature's healing foods that nourishes the skin.  So, what is it in coconut oil that is so good for us and what type of coconut oil is best?

Virgin Coconut Oil - made from "fresh" coconut and not dried coconut called copra.  Since there is no worldwide certification process to determine if it is actually "virgin" or not, anyone can slap a label on a jar and call it Virgin Coconut Oil.  Your best bet would be to check with the store manager to find out the name of the vendor who should be able to ask the supplier for this information.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - According to Health Impact News, there is no difference between virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil.  It is simply a marketing term.

Refined Coconut Oil - While some of the nutrients are stripped away in the refining process, the medium chain fatty acids are kept in tact which is a good thing.  Refined coconut oil has less of a coconut taste and smell, making it an good choice for cooking with since it does not alter the flavor of the dish.  Some of the refined oils are Expreller Pressed which are "physically" refined instead of chemically refined using a solvent called hexane.  Another refined oil may be labeled Coconut Oil with no added description.  These are usually cheaper oils and are most likely mass-produced using solvents.  Hydrogenated Coconut Oil is the one refined oil you do not want to eat.  Any oil that is hydrogenated contains trans fats making them solid at room temperature.  Do not consume any oil that is hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated.  Liquid Coconut Oil also known as "fractionated coconut oil" is a high refined oil that is best used in some skin care products.  It is missing coconut oil's prized component - lauric acid.  

For too many years, saturated fats have been demonized.  Thank goodness that research in recent years has shown that virgin coconut oil (a saturated fat) affects cholesterol levels positively and is shown to be a good source of fat for heart health.  

BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL:

  • Promotes weight loss
  • Improves or reverses Alzheimer's Disease (coconutoil.com)
  • Helps with hypothyroidism
  • Anti-microbial
  • Kills candida fungus
  • Improves many skin diseases
  • Kills many bacteria and viruses
  • Provides energy/increases metabolism

Now that you know the health benefits of adding coconut oil to your diet, try using this oil on your body -- as a facial moisturizer, a body lotion, or anywhere you want to add in a wonderful ingredient that actually protects the skin in ways that are mind-blowing.