In the past several years, coconut oil has become a sort of rising star in the world of health food. More and more homes have a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil on their pantry shelf. But coconut oil is more than a healthy cooking alternative. There are endless ways to use coconut oil that extend far beyond the occasional cookie or stir-fry.
Here are twelve creative uses for a classic health food:
Colds and Sore Throats - Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help you recover from a cold. Mix it with warm tea and honey for a very soothing throat remedy.
Cuts and Scrapes - Coconut oil can be used as a topical cream for common cuts and scrapes, protecting against infection while conditioning the skin to heal faster. It may also prevent scarring.
Dandruff - Several times per week, coat your fingertips with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp for an easy dandruff cure. This is an effective yet gentle method, suitable for young children or babies with cradle cap, too.
Deodorant - You can use coconut oil by itself as a deodorant that leaves underarms feeling silky soft, or you can add baking soda and cornstarch for advanced odor protection.
Detoxification - There are many methods for detoxifying the body, but coconut oil is unique because it can provide energy while cleansing the body. One popular method is to take 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil seven times per day for one to seven days to cleanse the body from toxins, impurities and candida.
Fungal Infections - Coconut oil contains strong antifungal agents, and can be used to treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush and vaginal yeast infections. You can use it internally and topically for these conditions.
Hair Conditioner - Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Allow it to soak for several minutes and then wash as usual. There is no need to use other conditioners with this method, even after washing with shampoo.
Lip Balm - Lip moisturizers are filled with chemicals, and natural products are often pricey. If you need a moisturizer for your lips, try coconut oil in a commercial lip balm container.
Make-up Remover - Coconut oil is a very effective make-up remover, so you can toss out all the chemical-laden products from the drug store. It's also a natural moisturizer, so it won't cause dryness or irritation.
Skin Conditions - Since coconut oil is moisturizing, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it's a great natural remedy for all kinds of skin problems ranging from eczema to acne to diaper rash.
Sun screen - Coconut oil provides effective and natural sun protection without exposing your body to the toxic chemicals and metals in conventional sun block. Coconut oil protects against free radicals, which provides added protection against skin cancer.
Toothpaste - Mix an equal amount of coconut oil and baking soda for an all-natural, fluoride-free toothpaste. Add spearmint or peppermint oil with stevia for a fresh, sweet flavor.
As you can see, there is more to coconut oil that what meets the eye - or the frying pan!
(NaturalNews) Friday, June 12, 2009 by: Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist Email this author
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Coconuts: explanation and uses
The poor, confused coconut. Hailed as a health savior in some circles, derided as fat-laden canker in others, the coconut has seen every end of the nutritional spectrum.
In reality, coconut can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. It also has a plethora of uses--one little coconut can help hyperthermia, spice up a dish, and even outdo expensive moisturizers.
But first the skinny. Or in this case, the fat. The fat content of the coconut has sparked wars between diet gurus. According to NutritionData, the calories in coconut come 80% from fat, and most of the fat is saturated.
But hold your health horses. The saturated fat in coconuts is not the same saturated fat that drips off a grilled rib eye. The fat in a coconut is comprised largely of medium chain triglycerides, which also contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid (also found in mother's milk). Although still a topic for study, many scientists believe that this type of fat can help regulate cholesterol, improve triglyceride readings, and increase metabolism.
While these are very good benefits, coconut, like all nuts, should still be consumed in moderation, as it is quite calorically dense.
People can use coconut for a variety of purposes. Just a few include cooking oil, beauty products, and baking.
Coconut Oil in the Kitchen
The most useful product of the coconut, coconut oil can be used for many tasty foods. If one wants the coconut taste and smell, choose virgin coconut oil. For no taste, choose a high quality expeller-pressed oil.
In stove-top cooking, coconut oil is useful because of its high heat resistance and long shelf life. Use it in stir-fries or sautés.
Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies, much like flax oil.
Even more creative culinary uses for coconut oil include adding it to oatmeal, spreading it on toast, and using it as a salad dressing.
Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product
Many people also use coconut oil as a beauty product. The oil makes a very good moisturizer when applied topically. One can also use it on hair, pre-wash, for added shine and a healthy scalp.
Coconut Flour
For an interesting alternative to normal flour, consider using coconut. Coconut flour contains fewer carbohydrates than regular flour. More impressively, 100 grams of coconut flour contains almost 20 grams of protein and 40 grams of fiber. However, using coconut flour will increase the fat content of recipes, and it does not provide the iron that whole grain wheat flour would.
Coconut Flakes and Shreds
A filler for candies and macaroons for years, shredded or flaked coconut can be added to a variety of foods. Other great ways to use shredded coconut are on seafood, in oatmeal, or mixed with granola.
Of course, the healthiest shredded coconut is unsweetened.
Coconut Milk
If you've ever had Thai, chances are you have tasted coconut milk. Coconut milk is not the liquid inside of a coconut. Rather, it is the liquefied meat.
Coconut milk is used in many curries, desserts, and soups, adding a rich and creamy flavor. Other cuisines that feature coconut milk are Indian, Malaysian, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Brazilian.
For those not wanting the heaviness of pure coconut milk, most stores now carry lightened versions.
Coconut Juice/Water
The actual liquid inside a coconut, coconut juice has many interesting qualities. It is a natural isotonic liquid, meaning its electrolytic balance is the same as human blood. Also containing sugar, coconut juice makes a very good sport drink.
In 3rd world countries, doctors have even used coconut juice to help severly dehydrated or hyperthermic patients.
For domestic use, coconut water tastes delicious in smoothies or by itself.
Mimi Honeycutt Houston Healthy Living Examiner June 14, 2:58 PM
In reality, coconut can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. It also has a plethora of uses--one little coconut can help hyperthermia, spice up a dish, and even outdo expensive moisturizers.
But first the skinny. Or in this case, the fat. The fat content of the coconut has sparked wars between diet gurus. According to NutritionData, the calories in coconut come 80% from fat, and most of the fat is saturated.
But hold your health horses. The saturated fat in coconuts is not the same saturated fat that drips off a grilled rib eye. The fat in a coconut is comprised largely of medium chain triglycerides, which also contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid (also found in mother's milk). Although still a topic for study, many scientists believe that this type of fat can help regulate cholesterol, improve triglyceride readings, and increase metabolism.
While these are very good benefits, coconut, like all nuts, should still be consumed in moderation, as it is quite calorically dense.
People can use coconut for a variety of purposes. Just a few include cooking oil, beauty products, and baking.
Coconut Oil in the Kitchen
The most useful product of the coconut, coconut oil can be used for many tasty foods. If one wants the coconut taste and smell, choose virgin coconut oil. For no taste, choose a high quality expeller-pressed oil.
In stove-top cooking, coconut oil is useful because of its high heat resistance and long shelf life. Use it in stir-fries or sautés.
Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies, much like flax oil.
Even more creative culinary uses for coconut oil include adding it to oatmeal, spreading it on toast, and using it as a salad dressing.
Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product
Many people also use coconut oil as a beauty product. The oil makes a very good moisturizer when applied topically. One can also use it on hair, pre-wash, for added shine and a healthy scalp.
Coconut Flour
For an interesting alternative to normal flour, consider using coconut. Coconut flour contains fewer carbohydrates than regular flour. More impressively, 100 grams of coconut flour contains almost 20 grams of protein and 40 grams of fiber. However, using coconut flour will increase the fat content of recipes, and it does not provide the iron that whole grain wheat flour would.
Coconut Flakes and Shreds
A filler for candies and macaroons for years, shredded or flaked coconut can be added to a variety of foods. Other great ways to use shredded coconut are on seafood, in oatmeal, or mixed with granola.
Of course, the healthiest shredded coconut is unsweetened.
Coconut Milk
If you've ever had Thai, chances are you have tasted coconut milk. Coconut milk is not the liquid inside of a coconut. Rather, it is the liquefied meat.
Coconut milk is used in many curries, desserts, and soups, adding a rich and creamy flavor. Other cuisines that feature coconut milk are Indian, Malaysian, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Brazilian.
For those not wanting the heaviness of pure coconut milk, most stores now carry lightened versions.
Coconut Juice/Water
The actual liquid inside a coconut, coconut juice has many interesting qualities. It is a natural isotonic liquid, meaning its electrolytic balance is the same as human blood. Also containing sugar, coconut juice makes a very good sport drink.
In 3rd world countries, doctors have even used coconut juice to help severly dehydrated or hyperthermic patients.
For domestic use, coconut water tastes delicious in smoothies or by itself.
Mimi Honeycutt Houston Healthy Living Examiner June 14, 2:58 PM
Friday 5 June 2009
Tumeric and Virgin Coconut Oil to treat acne
Turmeric kills bacteria and fights infection. It's considered a blood purifier and detoxification agent, an advantage in treating acne inflammation. It only takes a few days for turmeric to show results in acne treatment. Mix turmeric powder with unrefined, virgin coconut oil and apply the paste directly over acne inflammations. Leave the dried paste on your acne inflammation overnight. Do this for two or three days and find considerable improvement in the condition of your skin.
Ancient Breaking News: South Side Times By Wendell Fowler 4 June 2009
Ancient Breaking News: South Side Times By Wendell Fowler 4 June 2009
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