HC's "Top 10" -- Coconut Oil

There are so many reasons to incorporate coconut oil into a healthy eating plan. Coconut oil is one that can safely be used when cooking because of its tolerance to high heat, unlike most oils which change structure and become unhealthy after reaching higher temperatures.1 The healthiest coconut oils are those that are cold-pressed and virgin or extra virgin.1

Coconut oil is high in fat, but most of it is of a healthy kind referred to as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's) and does not raise cholesterol.1 One of these MCT's is lauric acid which has been shown to provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial support.1

Some health conditions caused by bacteria that are killed by the MCT's in coconut oil include strep throat, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Helicobacter pylori, candida, and others.1 Coconut oil strengthens the immune system and, according to Johnny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, including coconut oil into an infant’s diet increases the absorption of amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.1  Interestingly, osteoporosis is rarely found in populations of people who regularly consume (unsweetened) coconut and coconut oil.1

Coconut oil is a solid oil with a melting temperature of 76 degrees.2  Therefore, it is in liquid form when inside the body.  Coconut oil can be used in place of margarine, butter, or any other oil in cooking and in baking.3 Coconut oil is a very safe and healthy food to incorporate into the diet, as long as it is high quality, organic, cold-pressed, and virgin.1 I eat it right off the spoon! 

1Bowden, J. (2007). The 150 healthiest foods on earth: the surprising, unbiased truth about what you should eat and why. Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press.
2Coconutoil.com. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.coconutoil.com/ on November 29, 2010.
3Tropicaltraditions.com. (2010). Frequently asked questions.  Retrieved from http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#1 on November 29, 2010.