“Coconuts may make you think of rich desserts-and calories-but the truth is far more slimming!”  Cherie Calbom

If there was an oil you could use for your daily cooking needs that helped protect you from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, and strengthened your immune system, and helped you lose weight, would you want to know about it?

The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree — All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.  (Joel 1:12; NKJ)

If you’re read some of the recipes on our website, you’ve no doubt seen my recommendation for using coconut oil.  I know many heads cock and eyebrows rise when I mention coconut oil.  “Isn’t that bad for us?”  Or, “Isn’t that fattening?” are two questions often raised when I mention using coconut oil.  In reality, coconut oil is one of the healthiest, most versatile dietary oils in the world.

Coconut oil is a stable, healthy saturated fat that is naturally free from the harmful, trans-fatty acids. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, which supports the immune system and helps to cleanse the body of toxins and other pathogens.  Coconut oil is different from other oils commonly used in America.  Most American oils are made from seeds such as soybeans, canola (rapeseeds), safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, and cottonseeds. These seed oils are predominately made of triglycerides containing long chain fatty acids.  This difference affects how the body utilizes the oil.  Because of the ease in how medium chain fatty acids are digested and metabolized, coconut oil can be used even when people have compromised digestive systems.

Because of the structure of the oil, coconut oil is burned for energy rather than being stored. This tends to increase the bodies metabolism. People with under-active thyroid glands often discover their basal temperature becomes normal from the use of coconut oil, especially when combined with a healthy diet and life-style.  According to Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic doctor and author of several books about coconut oil, this oil is the healthiest oil on earth.  Modern research actually validates this bold statement.  Clinical studies have shown that coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, and is now even being used in treating AIDS patients. Studies conducted in the Philippines last year showed that coconut oil does indeed reduce the viral load in AIDS patients.

Today’s link features Dr. Joseph Mercola teaching about the benefits and value of coconut oil.  While he offers coconut oil on his site, I usually buy coconut oil from Wilderness Family Naturals.  Tropical Traditions also offers coconut oil.  You may find some in health food stores.  Look for organic, or extra virgin, cold pressed oil.  The oil will be solid and white at temperatures below about 75 degrees.  When the weather is hot as it’s been here the past several weeks, the oil will become a clear liquid.  I use coconut oil for anything requiring a heated oil such as sautéing vegetables, scrambling eggs, or making a stir-fry.

Next time I’ll chat a little about how and why coconut oil got such a bad name.  In the meantime, begin exploring your local health food store or internet for organic or extra virgin coconut oil.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You for providing healthful and beneficial fats for our bodies.  I pray that our readers will do their due-diligence and learn about the benefits of using coconut oil in their diets.

Link of the Day
Here’s the Smarter Oil Alternative

Blessings on you as you begin to explore using coconut oil.