Going Coconuts!

For this weeks Friday 'Feeding Your Heart, Soul and Stomach' I'd like to talk to you a bit about Coconut oil. Most people have misconceptions about it like the Egg. We were told in the 70's and 80's that eggs were bad for you. No mind that people had been eating them for thousands of years without problems like heart disease, hardening of the arteries, etc. the Egg went from being the incredible food to being avoided like the plague, especially the egg yolk where much nutrition is found. Of course Jerry Seinfeld helped immensely in pushing the false bad rep of the egg by always ordering an egg white omelet just about every time he was in Monk's Diner (Actually Tom's Restaurant).

To find more about the incredible egg which is now on the healthy foods list check out Incredible Edible Egg.

But why was the Egg so vilified? The Big Buzz word of the 80's in Health circles -- CHOLESTEROL.

And today it is the same with Coconut Oil. Why? Because Coconut Oil is very high in Cholesterol. So, why you say, are you telling me it is so great and healthy? Because cholesterol is a bit more complicated than most people understand or are told about in the advertising world (buy this product lower your cholesterol, sound familiar?). Yes, most people know about the HDL and the LDL and are told that one is 'good' and the other is 'bad', but it isn't as simple as that.

Here's a quick rundown on what is popularly known.

HDL = 'good'
LDL = 'bad'

Too much of the 'bad' can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease, and stroke. The NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) recommends having your cholesterol checked starting at age twenty. Doctors everyday try to help their patients lower their bad cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke. But how do they generally do this? By asking you what you eat? By evaluating your dietary intake? No, most don't even bother, they help you by giving you a piece of paper, not to eat but to take to your corner drugstore (aren't they practically on every corner nowadays, ever wonder why?) and take a pill that will probably give you more risks in those areas and others than not taking it will.

So you have learned to cut out fast food, good for you! and also to learn to cook and dress salads with healthier Oils such as Olive oil, which is good in itself, but there is another oil you can cook with, bake with as well as moisturize your face, hair and body with and that is Coconut Oil. Now this wonder is hard to find, even in health food stores, except in beauty products which most people are familiar with. But what other natural food do you know of that can do all these things? thus replacing many other products ( opps, could that be why it's so hard to find in a supermarket?).

1. hair care
2. skin care
3. stress relief
4. maintain cholesterol levels
5. weight loss
6. increase immunity
7. Aid in digestion
   
8. Regulate metabolism
9. Give relief from kidney problems
10. heart diseases
11. high blood pressure
12. diabetes HIV
13. AND cancer
14. Help in dental care
15. Maintain bone strength

Yes, the properly made Virgin Coconut Oil can do this for you and more! Many testimonials can be found at Weston Price where those who have been having trouble with problems that seem thyroid related but testing shows 'within normal range' have found relief after throwing out all the really bad oil and consuming only Coconut oil.

Why? one of the miracles in the make-up of Coconut oil is something called lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These are wonders in themselves and have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. These things helps in fighting many microscopic things that attacks the body including influenza of all strains.

But what about the cholesterol? Well Coconut oil contains 90% saturated fat. WHAT!? isn't that the dangerous kind? in theory, but not in practice because you aren't told fully what that means.

Want to know more? There are many sites that uplift the wonders of Coconut Oil, I have also come across those who discredit it and the ones that have told the truth about it and they all have one thing in common, medical/pharmaceutical.

I had read up on this wonder over a year ago but could not find it anywhere I shopped. Finally I got some online, then found a little jar in the market which was organic. Then recently over the holidays I discovered an offer of an organic oil that was Expeller Pressed which sounded so much healthier. I took advantage of the sale Tropical Traditions was having, buy one get one free and free shipping! This was a large box so it was a great deal. I can't wait to try it and I'll update you on my findings, but I will just leave you with this, I have had a cold bugging me for over a month. Sniffles, sometimes runny nose, sneezing on and off, just couldn't shake it, I upped my daily C intake, and tried to grate fresh garlic on everything I could think of and still it persisted. Then I started to incorporate some of the other Coconut (organic) oil into my diet to see if it made any difference and I am happy to report it has! So I can't wait to try this other more natural kind.


Take a look around their site, they have other organic things to offer and right now have a great deal on the coconut oil , check the side bar. They have free recipes which many other companies make you buy a recipe book, and also since I have Celiac I am happy to report to my fellow Silly Yaks, they have GF recipes too! That Pizza and Dutch Babies looks great!

So do a little investigation today on what those who have lived and survived greatly on this wonder nut, they call the Coconut palm the Tree of Life!

Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, nor do I play one on TV, but I am an avid researcher into the truth behind the advertising buck and what really is good for our bodies and what is not. Please always consult your Family Doctor before changing your diet.

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