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12/31/2013

Coconut Oil Natural Detox



     Coconut oil is an amazing way to detox your body inside and out.  At one time thought of as the villain, it's now known to be beneficial in many ways for the human body. Internally, it collects toxins and wastes and expels them from the body.  Externally it softens and moisturizes hair and skin.  It is largely comprised of medium-chain fatty acids, including the healthy fats, lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid.  So even though it is considered a saturated fat, it is the fats with long-chain fatty acids that present many health problems when ingested.  Who would have thought one food could do so many good things?  It's important to know the different ways coconut oils are processed when selecting one for your own use.  Not all types of coconut oils are good for you.   


    The best coconut oil is certified organic virgin that is cold-pressed.  Certified organic virgin expeller pressed is nearly the same, but slightly more heat is produced from the pressure and friction during extraction. One process commonly used for expeller pressed coconut oil is similar to that of a masticating juicer.  The coconut oil is pressed out of fresh raw coconuts by a spinning auger that separates the oil from the coconut meat.  Another way of producing expeller pressed oil is with the use of a centrifuge which generates varying amounts of heat but uses no external heat. Cold-pressed coconut oil processing uses a pressing unit similar to a vice to squeeze the coconut oil out of the coconut meat.  All are considered high quality coconut oils and retain much of their nutrient value.  Don't be fooled by companies claiming to sell extra virgin coconut oil.  That term only applies to oils such as olive which go through two pressings, the first being the extra virgin and the second being virgin.  Extra virgin does not apply to coconut oil as it does not go through the same type of dual processing.

     Refined coconut oil has lost many of its health benefits.  This type of oil is produced from copra, coconut meat dried by smoke, sun, or kiln drying.  Sometimes the drying process takes place under unsanitary conditions unfit for human consumption and the coconut meat must then be purified.  It must go through a filtering process to remove impurities and particles.  It is common during this filtration process to add bleaching agents or other solvents such as hexane which produce a tasteless, colorless, and odorless product. Unfortunately, traces of these chemicals are left behind in the final product.  Food coloring such as yellow is then often added for more appeal to give it the look of butter.  It then is sometimes subjected to high heat temperatures to hydrogenate or partially hydrogenate the final product for longer shelf life and higher cooking temperatures thus creating trans fatty acids.

     The high quality virgin coconut oils have a slight coconut taste to them because they still retain most the original properties of a fresh raw coconut.  If you can't tolerate the taste of coconut, refined coconut oil is available, but you sacrifice the positive health benefits for negative ones.  Unrefined quality coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees.  Refined coconut oil is sometimes used for higher temperature cooking such as deep frying.

HEALTH BENEFITS
 OF HIGH QUALITY COCONUT OIL

Heart-cleanses the cardiovascular system

Cholesterol-raises cholesterol, but only the good (HDL) and stabilizes the bad (LDL)

Liver-medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) sent directly to the liver for efficient burning of energy

Metabolism-boosts metabolic rates for weight loss and targets body fat, especially abdomen

Blood sugar-helps to stabilize blood sugar levels

Immune system-helps to resist bacteria and viruses and produces antioxidants to battle free radicals 
      
Digestion-helps to maintain proper gut flora by killing bad bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites

Thyroid-helps to maintain proper thyroid function which helps to maintain lower cholesterol levels

Cellulite-MCFAs help in the breakdown of cellulite

Hair-outperforms many salon conditioners when used as a hair conditioner

Skin-Moisturizes and nourishes the skin and helps prevent stretch marks by improving elasticity

Candida-fights against yeast, fungus and candida infections

Shaving lotion-gives a close shave and moisturizes at the same time

Bath-put a small amount in warm bath water for an all over moisturizer

Scrub-add some sea salt or sugar for an invigorating scrub 





     So pop up some organic popcorn and pour some melted coconut oil over it with a sprinkle of sea salt. (Heat it slowly on the stove or place the container in hot water.  Never microwave it or you will lose the healthful nutrients.)  It is so delicious!  Did you know that theaters used it on their popcorn years ago until the saturated fats scare came about.  It was thought for many years that all saturated fats were the same.  Try dipping some fish in egg whites and panko bead crumbs and fry it in coconut oil.  This works well with chicken for healthy homemade chicken nuggets.  Stir some in your oatmeal for a creamier oatmeal with a slightly coconut taste.  Use it in baked goods and as a spread on anything you would normally use butter for. Some people enjoy it plain right out of the jar.  Enjoy!  It's good for you!


   As little as one to two tablespoons daily can provide many of the health benefits described above.  Like everything else we ingest coconut oil should be consumed in moderation.  Three tablespoons daily is an acceptable amount, but you may want to discuss it with your medical practitioner before you begin, especially if you are taking prescription drugs or have health issues. Those who go on strictly coconut oil diets, fasts, cleanses, and detoxes, and consume large amounts of coconut oil do so at their own risk.