Health & Fitness
Healthy Body, Happy Mind: The Wonders of Coconut Oil
Is coconut oil in your kitchen cabinet yet? If not, it should be. Here are a few reasons why from hometown nutritional therapist Tara Gidaly.
I am a big advocate of coconut oil and am always recommending it to my friends, family and clients. The health benefits are just too amazing not to. Some benefits include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dental care (just to name a few). All of the benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and healing properties and is generally soothing.
Hair Care: Natural nutrition for hair. It helps to promote healthy hair growth and while giving it a shiny complexion. If you regularly massage your head with a little coconut oil, you can be sure that your scalp will be dandruff and lice free.
Skin Care: You can’t ask for a better massage oil. It is a great moisturizer on all types of skin types (I personally use it as part of my regular skin care routine). Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
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Digestion: Most internal use of coconut oil is primarily as a delicious and stable cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and prevents various stomach and digestion related issues. Coconut oil also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Since it is Autumn, I figured I would share a Harvest Smoothie recipe with you courtesy of Anna in Franklin, WV. It is a good mild way to transition some coconut oil into your diet.
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Harvest Smoothie
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 3-5 minutes
- ¼ cup organic pumpkin puree
- 1 banana, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup coconut milk
- A dash of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon raw organic honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
Combine pumpkin puree, banana, coconut milk, cinnamon, and honey in a blender. Blend on high until well mixed and smooth. While blender is running, slowly pour in coconut oil.
Pour in a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
My coconut oil of choice is Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil.
To learn more about Coconut oil and it’s many benefits, check out "The Coconut Oil Miracle" by Jon J. Kabara.
Until next time…
Tara Gidaly, NTP, CHFS, CGP
Gidaly Nutritional Therapy, Northport
