Lately, people have been asking me about the benefits of organic coconut oil. We covered olive oil last week, and now I’m going to tell you why you should add the coconut version to your list of pantry staples.

Heart Health

Organic coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

Weight Loss

Coconut oil contains short and medium-chain fatty acids (long-chained are the harmful sat fats) that help in taking off excessive pounds. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid (super important for optimal health) and enzymes systems.

Digestion

Using coconut oil to cook, bake or raw (in smoothies) will help improve your digestive system and aids in preventing various stomach/digestion related problems including IBS. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion.

Healing & Infections

Among other benefits are its natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. “According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, etc.” 
*Organic Facts 

Great Home Uses:

  • Use coconut oil in baking for delicious coconut flavour or in sautéeing your vegetables and proteins for added nutrients. I love throwing a teaspoon into my banana and raw cacao smoothies for a coconut treat!
  • Smother it on your skin for a delicious & moisturizing effect.
  • Leave on hair ends and scalp for a deep moisture lock and all day shine, but wash it out afterwards.  
  • It also works as a gentle make-up remover, shaving cream and all over moisturizer for those extra dry parts 

Bonus: Smells amazing!

Rachel A. Bies, CNP is the on-site nutritionist for McEwan Foods and Fit Factory Fitness Gym. She believes that food should always be delicious, fun, and healthy, and will be sharing her foodie nutritionist tips, recipes and lifestyle suggestions with SDTC readers! We love her approach to clean living and think you’ll find her easy tricks helpful and inspiring.