Coconut oil is a versatile oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts that can be used for cooking, body care, and maintaining overall health. Coconut oil has three fatty acids, caprylic, capric, and lauric acid that have antifungal properties and are often recommended for anti-candida diets.
Coconut oil has a variety of health benefits including:
- Increases good HDL cholesterol
- Leads to efficient burning of energy due to the break down of MCTs (medium chain triglycerides)
- Antioxidant properties
Coconut oil can be eaten by itself or used in a variety of dishes. If taking coconut on a daily basis, two tablespoons are recommended. Coconut oil is naturally saturated which allows it to have a greater heat capacity than most other oils. It is an excellent choice for cooking, however no oil should be used with a high flame. It has a mild coconut flavor that is delicious with most dishes. Coconut oil can also be applied to the skin as a moisturizer or the hair as a hair mask.
One great way to incorporate coconut oil into your diet is to add it to smoothies. Here is one great recipe to get started:
Banana Coconut Smoothie Recipe
- 1 cup kale
- 1/2 Banana
- 1/3 cup Goji Berries
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
Add water or coconut water until almost all the ingredients are submerged and blend!