Coconuts are one of the treasures that my brother and I used to find on the beach while we were growing up. We had a lot of fun trying to open them with ice picks, hammers and various other dangerous tools. It’s a wonder neither of us were permanently injured by our opening endeavors! But it was always a sweet treat to eat the meat still warm from the sun. Little did I know that coconuts would make headlines, even controversy, in years to come!
Like omega 3 fatty acids and yogurt and other edibles that have made their debut as super healthy food products, coconut oil has become popular recently for a vast number of beneficial uses. Possibly entertaining the greatest number of uses of any food product on the market! Coconut oil even entered the mental health scene with the controversial story of the Newports, a doctor and her husband who swore by coconut oil as a “cure” for Alzheimer’s disease. Although it could not be proven as a cure, it did show benefits over long-term use by significantly increasing ketone bodies that improve cognitive functioning.
The Coconut Research Center describes coconut oil as “the healthiest oil on earth,” and lists over 75 reported beneficial uses. Pacific Islanders value the coconut palm so highly that they call it the “Tree of Life.” Coconut oil has been used in traditional folk medicine to cure illnesses for thousands of years, and modern medicine is following suit. For a full list of beneficial uses of coconut oil, protein and water, go to www.coconutresearchcenter.org. A partial list includes:
- weight loss aid
- anti-inflammatory
- improves cholesterol ratio
- prevents tooth decay
- supports immune system
- relieves diabetes symptoms
- helps control dandruff
- dissolves kidney stones
- improves digestive function
- reduces epileptic seizures
- supports thyroid function
- anti-aging effects on skin
- relieves chronic fatigue
- supports tissue healing
- helps prevent liver disease
- expels or kills parasites
- boosts energy/endurance
- kills viruses, bacteria, fungi
As a dietary supplement, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil a day to your coffee or yogurt, spread some on a sandwich, or add to recipes. I purchased some organic coconut oil last month to help my iguana shed her skin. Once I learned all of the wonderful healing properties of the product, I asked Emerald if we can share the jar!
