The coconut. A nut, a fruit, a flower?!? To be honest the only thing I used to know about the coconut is that it looked pretty (when attached to a palm tree on a beach) and it tasted good (when filled with vodka and a mini umbrella).
However, since becoming Paleo I have learned that the coconut is actually a very versatile fruit. A coconut can produce coconut water, coconut milk, coconut flakes, coconut flour and, of course, coconut oil.
According to research (believe me I actually looked this stuff up) coconut oil is a proven anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial,– let me catch my breath– antioxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-protozoa, anti-retroviral, anti-viral… the list goes on.
Coconut oil has also shown to improve nutrient absorption, has no harmful side effects and is nontoxic to humans and animals. Basically, the coconut is a “super fruit” and coconut oil has “super powers”– see below for a super accurate photo of what I’m talking about!
These “super powers” include both health benefits and external uses including:
Health Benefits:
- Aids digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Stimulates metabolism
- Improves thyroid function
- Increases energy levels
- Helps weight loss
- Helps keep blood sugar levels stable
- Kills viruses, bacteria and yeast
- Eliminates parasites
- Improves cholesterol levels
- Strengthens imune system
- Improves circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent osteoporosis
- Decrease or eliminate stress on the pancreas
- Improve insulin levels by regulating blood glucose
- Reduce or eliminate migraines
- Helps with heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion
- Eases aches and pains
External Uses:
- Hair conditioning treatment
- Anti frizz agent
- Chapstick
- All over moisturizer
- Eye makeup remover
- Massage oil
- Cuticle oil
- The base of a homemade body scrub
- Acne treatment
- Shave gel/ aftershave
- Helps fight age spots
- Helps heal bruises, cuts and scrapes
- Soothes itchy skin
- Helps with athlete’s foot
- Helps with canker sores
- Diaper cream
- Sunburn relief
- Reduce or prevent stretch marks
- Helps prevent wrinkles
This list could go on and on, see here, here and here. No matter which way you slice it, you could benefit from a little more coconut oil in your life so why not replace some of your other cooking oils with this healthy alternative. You can find a jar of coconut oil at your local grocer– we use Spectrum Naturals Organic Coconut Oil.
Go buy a jar of coconut oil and start reaping the benefits today– yes I realize this is an incredibly cheesy infomercial line!
And, for your enjoyment, a little coconut joke.