The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Everyone's talking about Coconut Oil and if your not on the band wagon you need to jump on!  Like now!  I've been doing some research because those who know me know this is just what I do.. Research, Research, and then Research again. I love nothing more than to pass along the knowledge I gain and whether you use it or not is up to you. But I feel like I've at least done my job if I pass it along. So here it is.
Coconut Oil is one of few foods that can be classified as a "superfood" which is a nutrient rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well being.  Coconut Oil is an antioxidant (fights cancer), anti fungal and antibacterial.   It contains a unique combination of fatty acids and is one of the richest sources of saturated fat with almost 90% if it's fatty acids being saturated. New research is proving that the "artery clogging" saturated fat idea was a myth. Because the fatty acids in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT's) they are metabolized differently, they go straight to the liver from the digestive tract where they are then used as a quick source energy.  Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is Lauric Acid. When coconut oil is digested it also forms a monoglyceride called monolaurin. Both Lauric Acid and Monolaurin can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. These substances have been shown to kill Staphlycoccus Aureus and Yeast Candida Albicans a common source of yeast infections found in the human body.  Because coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats consuming it can actually improve blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats raise the HDL (the good) cholesterol and change the LDL (bad type).  And research is proving that populations who consume a vast majority of their calories from coconuts are in excellent health with no traces of heart disease.  That's enough right there for me to stop and take a look into coconut oil!  Coconut oil has topical benefits too!  Studies show that individuals with dry skin who use coconut oil showed improved moisture in the skin. It can also be very protective against hair damage and can be used as a sunscreen blocking about 20% of the suns ultraviolet rays.   So how do you use Coconut Oil?  You can cook with it, replacing it with your other oils especially since it has a high melting point. This means it's in a solid state at room temperature. Use it in your stir fry's, or baked goods. If you are using it topically you can bring it to a liquid form by immersing it in warm water or just take a small amount in your hands and rub your hands together to emulsify it. You can add Essential Oils to it to give it whatever fragrance you love and use it as your daily lotion.  I myself try to consume it daily and found it hard to cook with it everyday so I started melting a tablespoon of it in my morning hot green tea. It tastes good and studies show starting your morning with saturated fats get your brain working and also helps jump start your metabolism. In the research I have done "Tropical Traditions" Organic Virgin Coconut Oil seems to be the highest quality. It is made from coconuts in rural areas of the Phillipines.  For more information on coconut oil and to purchase you can visit TropicalTraditions.com. Whichever you use just make sure to use Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and NOT the refined stuff!  So what are you waiting for??  What could it hurt??  It's such a small thing to do everyday that has more health benefits than we can count. So take control of your health. Research coconut oil and join me and tons of others who are already experiencing the goodness of Coconut Oil!  Also for those of you like me with Thyroid issues please check out this article about coconut oil and it's benefits for thyroid health!
http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-benefits-for-thyroid-health/

Enjoy!
-Jessica