Coconut is a wonderful, healing fruit.  The milk has a lot of protein in it and can be used for sustained energy.  Coconut oil can be used for weight loss, skin and hair moisturizing, increased kidney and thyroid function, and increased immune function.

Coconut oil has fewer calories than other oils due to its composition of caprylic an capric acids.  It also is a medium chain fatty acid, which is treated differently by our bodies than other fats, in that is is sent to the liver to be utilized as energy instead of being stored as fat.  It increases metabolism.

It is good for teeth and bone strength.  It is also a great antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, thus helping you stay healthy in cold and flu season.  It’s great for your skin, not only as a moisturizer, but also for healing of wounds and eczema.

Coconut oil can be used in cooking, because it will not be converted to a trans fat.  Coconut butter or coconut cream can be used as a delicious non-dairy creamer for your coffee.  Coconut butter can also be used as a pick-me-up if you need quick energy.  Coconut oil can also be used in baking, used in place of other oils.  It makes the baking very moist and flavorful.

You can purchase refined or unrefined coconut oil.  Unrefined coconut oil is not processed, and is, therefore, healthier for you.  It as a refreshing coconut flavor and can be used for cooking at lower temperatures.  Refined coconut oil has no scent or flavor, and can be used when you do not want your food to taste like coconut, or you want to heat it up higher.

For more information about coconut oil, click here.