Prana Wellness
 
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The coconut is a vital source of food and well being, and its nutritional benefits have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. Coconuts and coconut oil have been a food staple of Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Pacific Islands for many years, comprising 30% to 60% of the local diet, yet the natives have normal cholesterol levels and no cardiovascular disease.

Yes. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but it is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA)- not a long chain fatty acid (LCFA) like many other fats. MCFAs are digested differently than LCFAs; they’re absorbed directly into the liver rather than into the bloodstream, so they’re used immediately as energy, not stored as fat.

Virgin coconut oil is a truly unrefined oil and its benefits are amazing:
*Has high Lauric acid content, (naturally found in human breast milk) which is antiviral and antimicrobial, and thus kills bad bacteria, yeast, and fungi in the body- thereby balancing the immune system. Lauric acid is also believed to ward off degenerative disorders.
*Supports healthy thyroid function by not inhibiting the body’s thyroid metabolism like other vegetable oils do. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and tooth decay, reduces hypoglycemic cravings, and may improve symptoms of digestive disorders.
*Does not raise blood cholesterol.
*Is not just for cooking; it's great as a moisturizer for skin! Coconut oil has anti-aging properties that restore damaged skin and protect against toxic free-radicals.

Coconut oil has a fantastic flavor, so it’s easy to use in place of any fats currently used in just about any recipe, and a great substitute for butters and oils. Coconut oil is your best choice when utilizing high-heat cooking methods since it’s stable enough to resist heat-induced oxidation and damage. Not to mention it's great in smoothies!

Did you see my post on Coconut water and its many benefits? Coconut water is the real sports drink: full of electrolytes, minerals and vitamins.


So. To recap: coconut is amazing. Drink the water, eat the meat (which also can be used to make milk and desserts), and use the oil to cook and moisturize your skin! If you buy the oil, make sure to buy it raw or the extra virgin kind. I like Nutiva, Spectrum, or Whole Food's 365 brand.
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Comments

07/15/2010 5:24pm

I love coconut oil for cooking!!! I also use it when i make my own chapstick! yum!

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