Go Coconuts
After hearing all the rage about coconut oil, a reader asked me if I could help her to discern its real health benefits. Like any new and interesting product that claims to have healing properties—I was intrigued.
What I found from reading several articles and watching a clip from “The Doctors” was that coconut oil has been proven to correct cholesterol numbers, remove toxins from the body, clear up acne and whiten teeth.
Some dietitians claim coconut oil can improve cholesterol numbers. Research shows that the fat in coconut oil might raise “good” HDL cholesterol and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol while also burning body fat rather than storing it.
‘This reduction of “bad” cholesterol production leads to less oxidation (hardening) of LDL cholesterol and helps to break up blood clots,’ says Laura Brieser-Smith, a dietitian and owner of Healthy Designs nutrition counseling in Denver.
Just remember—coconut oil is still a saturated fat and should be used in moderation. It may not be necessary to add coconut oil to your regular cooking regime—but rather substitute it. It is especially ideal for a vegan diet and can replace butter as a spread on breads.
I have used coconut oil a few times so far and like the taste. It is vegetable based and can be used to sauté meats or vegetables and used to replace oil or butter in baked goods. It has a slightly sweet flavor but won’t alter the taste of savory foods.
In addition to cooking with coconut oil, an ancient Ayurvedic practice featured on “The Doctors” revealed that using it as a mouthwash, called “oil pulling”, offered additional health benefits.
Dermatologist and author Dr. Debra Jaliman claims that “oil pulling is probably most helpful for the gums, as it stops the growth of strep bacteria”. Others agree it can relieve some symptoms of tooth sensitivity. In addition, nutritionist and naturopathic doctor Bruce Fife believes ‘there are three other beauty benefits to oil gargling.’
Not only does oil pulling improve the health of your gums, experts agree it may also whiten teeth. According to Fife, “coconut oil possesses natural antibiotic and anti-viral properties that brighten dull or yellowed teeth and eliminate bad breath.”
The detoxifying effect this has on the body can also reduce the appearance of skin rashes and other blemishes. “Removing bacteria and toxins from the body eliminates a great deal of stress that results in improved energy levels,” said Dr. Fife.
Because stress can lead to embarrassing acne and other skin problems this practice proves to work. It helps to pull germs and toxins from the mouth that often leak into the bloodstream improving skin health and appearance. This cleansing action combined with the other health benefits of coconut oil will lead to a healthy, glowing complexion.
I have been using coconut oil as a mouth wash weekly for about a month and have noticed some changes in my skin and really like its detoxifying properties. I also suffer from gum sensitivity and believe the symptoms have become more tolerable as a result. I will continue this practice to further test researchers findings.
Coconut oil is available in most grocery stores shelved with other oils. Don’t let the “crisco like” appearance scare you; it melts easily when heated. Be adventurous and go coconuts for coconut oil. Incorporate its use into your regular cooking regime or use as a mouthwash to enjoy other health benefits.
For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com