Coconut oil has been around for eons - as long as coconuts, unsurprisingly! But we're only now starting to make the most of coconut oil in the western world. If you've been staring at the jar in your pantry and wondering how on earth to use it, check out this handy guide.
What is Coconut Oil?
It was only a few years ago when we feared coconut oil would clog our arties and make us fat. The new nutrition wave has since discovered that coconut oil – which is 90% saturated fat – is a healthy fat.
The oil is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. With its high saturated fat content, coconut oil can be heated to a high temperature, making it ideal for cooking.
Coconut oil has also been found to help weight loss, boost immunity, ward off infections, improve tissues repair and even boost heart health.
Choosing Coconut Oil
When buying coconut oil, your best bet is to get virgin, raw and organic oil. Refined oils have been processed – so choose oil that's as close to natural as possible. Look for "virgin" or "extra virgin" varieties. And try to buy coconut oil in glass jars, to avoid chemical leakage from plastic containers.
Cooking with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil adds a lovely taste to many dishes – you can toss it through a stir-fry, use it in place of olive oil and even bake with it. There are many delicious recipes for cacao and coconut concoctions – so you can make healthier, calorie-free treats.
Coconut Body for the Body
You can rub coconut oil over the body for a natural, chemical-free moisture boost. It's also great for dry, lacklustre locks or stretch marks. Just use a small amount, as otherwise you'll end up with a slippery, greasy mess!
Oil Pulling with Coconut
Another traditional treatment that's being embraced by western wellness folk is oil pulling. Simply swish a little oil around the mouth in the morning to flush out bacteria and keep your teeth healthy.
Originally published on Aug 20, 2014
