Coconut oil has been creating quite the stir lately. This could be because it’s been classified as a “healthy saturated fat, ” which in the food world is like saying: ‘healthy deep-fried chicken.’ The words ‘healthy’ and ‘saturated’ usually don’t go together.
For the most part, saturated fats are considered ‘bad fats’ that raise bad LDL cholesterol, and include foods such as: butter, shortening or lard, cheese, meat fat & skin, cookies, cakes, pastries, etc. For the record, I think butter & cheese are health foods, but should be consumed in moderation.
Exception to the Rule
Coconut oil seems to be the exception to the rule when it comes to avoiding saturated fats. Coconut oil contains something called lauric acid, which is converted into monolaurin in the body – a fat that is otherwise only found in human breast milk. When consumed, it actually raises good HDL cholesterol levels.
It’s so Stable
Unlike other oils, coconut oil has a higher burning point, making it ideal for cooking & baking. Extra virgin olive oil*, or vegetable oils have a lower burning point, and can become unstable when heated. Unstable oils can create free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to our cells, increasing the risk of some types of cancer.
*EVOO is perfect for making salad dressings, hummus or pesto. It’s a monounsaturated fat, and has many health benefits (reduces total cholesterol, good for skin, hair, etc.).
It’s Made to Last
EVOO and vegetable oil can go rancid very easily, especially when exposed to light & heat (rancidity also creates free radicals). Coconut oil stays solid at room temperature, and because of its stability, can last up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dark place!
Very Versatile
If you’re like me, and concerned about all the crazy chemicals, toxins & parfums in body lotion than I have good news: coconut oil makes a fantastic moisturizer. Our skin naturally craves oil, so why not give it what it wants? It also smells so amazingly tropical. It can also be used as a conditioning treatment for your hair (helps hair retain its natural protein) and personal lubricant – totally natural & doesn’t contain crazy-hormone disrupting chemicals like most brands out there (ahem – KY).
Like a Virgin
Not all coconut oil is created equal. Make sure you buy organic, extra-virgin coconut oil to ensure you’re getting all the health benefits.
Buy it Now!
Purchase organic, extra virgin coconut oil now!
For the skin I use 100% organic shea oil because it isn’t solid, so its less of a pain in the butt to use as a moisturizer. Just dab on and rub in- and I use as an “anti-age” oil too around the corners of my eyes. It has done wonders for my skin since I started using it. However, the coconut oil smells SO much better. And people wonder why people native to places that have coconut growing have such great hair and skin! Aloha!
Shea oil – that sounds amazing too! What is the name of the brand of anti-age oil? Still trying to find a good replacement for my face!
Out of stock!!!! Too bad!!
Where else do you think I can buy?
You can try Home Sense or Winners – they might have it in their cooking section. I have another coconut oil in my store as well – it’s more expensive, but much larger quantity!