June 22, 2018
COCO LOCO
We all know and love coconuts. What’s not to love? The word itself conjures up all sorts of thoughts and emotions, to lying on a tropical beach sipping on a fresh coconut, to Hawaiian coconut hula bras and balmy music whilst waves are lapping against the shores, and to the 1001 benefits of this wonder fruit that we all know and love.
To not have heard of these numerous benefits, you would have had to live in a very remote place. Coconut oil products are everywhere from supermarkets to health food shops, to cosmetics, beauty, skin and hair care products. It’s also rated as one of the four outstanding natural cleaning agents for your home. It’s natural healing, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are unrivalled.
However, the jury’s out when it comes to its health benefits these days. Health officials are arguing and have mostly considered it as unhealthy. Seems there is an ever growing negative perspective on the amount of saturated fat present in coconut oil.
I must admit, hearing about its whopping 84% saturated fat did leave me questioning it for a split second, however, with all our recent knowledge and scientific studies, we now know that these saturated fats consist of triglycerides.
However, the jury’s out when it comes to its health benefits these days. Health officials are arguing and have mostly considered it as unhealthy. Seems there is an ever growing negative perspective on the amount of saturated fat present in coconut oil.
I must admit, hearing about its whopping 84% saturated fat did leave me questioning it for a split second, however, with all our recent knowledge and scientific studies, we now know that these saturated fats consist of triglycerides.
Coconut oil is made from the white meat of the coconut by pressing its fat. While it has a high calorie content, coconut oil’s saturated fat is made up of triglycerides. The most commonly known named product is Medium Chain Triglycerides, also known as MCT Oil.
Bulletproof coffee made MCT oil famous, many claimed that instead of storing fats, MCT in coconut oil are burned by the body as fuel or energy. Our body handles MCT differently than other oils such as dairy, fatty meats and vegetable oils. It’s saturated fat is made up of mostly triglycerides which are used to give energy to your body.
BULLETPROOF COFFEE RECIPE
Prepare your favorite coffee as usual
In a blender add (per person):
a) 1 cup coffee
b) 1 tsp grass-fed non-salted butter
c) 1 tsp of MCT oil
After blending, the coffee will look light in colour and creamy.
Like any other thing, coconut oil consumption should be limited to one tablespoon per day (or equivalent to 13 grams of saturated fat). The American Heart Association has concluded that an intake more than this is deemed unhealthy for the heart and may attribute to heart disease or affect your cholesterol level.
There are 2 types of cholesterol: the good (HDL) and the bad (LDL). The good cholesterol helps form plaques that blocks your arteries and the bad cholesterol simple removes your HDL. The key is always a healthy balance of both.
Here are a few ways to use coconut oil in your daily life:
1. Food Preparation
Use for baking and stir fry recipes. Great dairy free substitute for butter.
2. Hair Health
It has been used as a nourishing oil for the hair for centuries. It stimulates hair growth and acts as anti-frizz treatment and natural conditioner. Massage into the scalp at least half an hour before washing your hair for optimal benefits.
4. Aids Digestion
5. Hormone Support
Coconut oil has fat properties that are helpful in supporting the body’s natural hormone production
Whilst the discussion and debate about coconut oils effectiveness will continue to be discussed by experts all around the globe, the ultimate decision is yours. While some disagree with the American Heart Association’s viewpoint, we should always remind ourselves that while coconut oil is a source of good fats, we should always take it in moderation. We’d love to hear from you, share with us your favorite coconut oil recipe!
Until next week - stay healthy - stay invigorated!