Because of its stability, coconut oil is very slow to oxidize (go rancid), even at room temperatures in the tropics!

It is also associated with myriad health benefits. Coconut oil is about 50% lauric acid, a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother’s milk that supports a healthy metabolism and is now being studied for its anti-fungal (kills yeasts such as candida), anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Overall, coconut oil contains 92% saturated fats, and only 1% Omega-6, the fat Americans get way too much of.

Following is an excerpt from an article, Coconut Oil, on the Wellness Directory of Minnesota website:

• Coconut oil is called the ‘low fat’ fat. It actually acts like a carbohydrate in that it is quickly broken down in the liver and used as quick energy. It is NOT stored like other fats. It boosts one’s energy and endurance.
• Coconut oil improves digestion and absorption of fat soluble vitamins, minerals (especially calcium), and amino acids. It improves the body’s use of blood glucose and improves insulin secretion and absorption (great for Type II diabetes).
• Coconut oil helps the body to heal and repair faster. It aids and supports immune function, protecting us from a variety of cancers.
• Coconut oil . . . is good for your heart. It keeps our blood platelets from sticking together (and causing dangerous clots). Regular users of coconut oils have a much lower chance of atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and strokes. Coconut oil can lower your blood pressure.
• Coconut oil is a natural antioxidant.
• Finally, coconut oil is the best massage oil on the planet. It forms a barrier against infections, softens and moisturizes your skin, and prevents wrinkling, sagging and age spots. It promotes healthy hair and complexion, protects from any damaging UV rays.

View the entire article here.

Keep in mind that different brands of organic coconut oil, while (purportedly) all maintaining excellent nutritional value, vary in taste. Some have a luscious coconut flavor, while others are practically neutral. Try a variety and choose one you like. (I find that the more ‘virgin’ any oil is, the more taste you’ll get.)

TIP: To acclimate your family to the taste of coconut oil, cream together equal parts of butter and coconut oil. Add a dash of salt if you wish. Serve the same way you would whole butter.

Dr. Bruce Fife, a certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician, as well as director of the Coconut Research Center and editor of the Healthy Ways newsletter, has written several excellent books. The Coconut Oil Miracle includes exciting facts on weight loss and disease prevention/cures, as well as a collection of fabulous recipes. To learn more about this book, click here.

Now that you know far more than you expected you would about what you’re serving your loved ones, let’s get to why you visited Coconut Recipe Island in the first place. . . . for Recipes.

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