Coconut oil has been hailed as a miracle oil by Pacific Islanders for centuries. The healing properties are amazing and coconut oil is finally getting its well deserved recognition in Western medicine. Researchers and physicians are discovering that coconut oil:

• Is a potent antiviral that has been clinically shown to decrease T4 counts in patients with the AIDS virus.

• Kills the Influenza, herpes, hepatitis, measles viruses to name a few

• Reduces inflammation; which is key because almost every illness or disease is caused by an inflammatory response including Chron’s, atherlosclerosis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Aids healing process in tissue injuries

• Reduces cholesterol level

• Improves stamina and reduces fatigue. Found to be very beneficial when given to athletes prior to competition/physical exertion

• Is a medium chain fatty acid which provides the brain, tissue, and organs with precious energy without sugar or increasing insulin levels which lead to obesity

• Has been shown to kill cancer cells; again by the same principal of providing the body with energy to fight cancer while starving the cancer cells (no sugar=no cancer cell survival)

• Aids with weight loss through metabolism increase

• Fights fungal infections and rids the body of parasites

• Has been found to clear the skin of acnes, reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, cure psoriasis

• Lower in calories than other fats/oils

Coconut oil is made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA). MCFA are digested more quickly and completely broken down by the time they enter the intestinal tract. Because of their complete breakdown, pancreatic enzymes are not needed for digestion (reducing stress on the body). The MCFA are then absorbed into the liver and used immediately to supply the body with energy. Due to their rapid utilization, they do not circulate in the blood to the degree that Long Chain Fatty acids do (the ones found in other fats and oils) and do not accumulate in artery walls. Therefore they do not produce arterial wall plaque and do not cause accumulation of body fat.

Athletes and dieters are using coconut oil to increase metabolism and stamina, get an energy boost prior to work outs, and to decrease body fat. This amazing fat loss was noticed when farmers tried using coconut oil as an inexpensive way to fatten their livestock when crops were short. Much to their dismay, their livestock started to drop fat and have more defined musculature and more energy. Dr. Oz has promoted coconut oil on his show as an aide for weight loss and metabolism increase.

When used as the primary source of energy on a ketogenic diet (the diet that eliminates all sugars and starches), coconut oil has been shown to relieve many symptoms that occur with brain and neurologic disorders including epilepsy, ALS, Parkinson’s, and even Alzheimer’s. It is because of the way the coconut oil provides energy. When the MCFA become the main source of energy for the brain instead of glucose, the brain cells have time to heal. Ketones supply the brain with a more efficient form of energy then glucose.

Coconut oil can easily be incorporated into you daily routine and diet. The best source is cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil solidifies when the temperature drops below 76 degrees F but is easily scooped out of a jar or you can place the jar in warm water to liquefy the solid oil. 2 to 3 Tbsp are recommended daily for prevention of disease or illness while 5 Tbsp daily are recommended for treatment of active disease. These amounts can be spread out during the day by cooking with it (can be used in high heat), spreading it on toast, adding it to oatmeal, eating it by spoonful, or you can take it all at one time. The oil has a pleasant nutty tropical flavor and is used frequently in Thai dishes from curries to soups.

Coconut oil is a wonderful treatment for the hair and scalp. The oil supplies protein to the hair by penetrating the hair shaft, repairs and conditions the scalp, encourages healthy hair growth, and has even been found to kill lice. Apply to dry hair, massage scalp, shampoo and condition as normal. Coconut oil can also be used as an overnight treatment for very damaged hair.

Coconut oil has been used as an anti-aging treatment by other countries for centuries. It has also been used to help heal skin and reduce acne (due to its healing and antimicrobial properties). After cleansing skin, massage a small amount all over face, wait several minutes and blot off excess. You can then apply makeup as usual or if used at night, it can be left on for intensive moisturizing.

There are so many other healthy and creative ways that you can incorporate coconut oil into your daily routine; the list is endless. Go out and buy some today and start feeling and seeing the health benefits of what used to be probably the best kept health and beauty secret!