The Hype about Coconut Oil: Practicum

Let's continue the chat about coconut oil! Today, I will be discussing practical measures such as how I use the oil, side effects, and flavor options.

For the most part, I just substitute coconut oil for any vegetable oil or butter. I use it in everyday cooking in recipes, sauteing...I even put it on an English muffin with jelly! It's super delicious! Add it to your scrambled egg before cooking or drizzle it over warm fish before baking. Last year when I made lip balm, I replaced olive oil with coconut oil. Be creative and find ways to incorporate it!

To start your journey, it is recommended to begin with small amounts and increase slowly, especially if you have digestive issues. If you are wanting to try it for a specific disease, talk to a nutritionist about recommended amounts.

With my journey, I found that lesser brands can cause nausea, even with small amounts. After reading blogs about others having the same response with lesser brands, I tried Nutiva from Whole Foods and had no issues with it. Yes, it is more expensive, but it lasts a long time and worth the health benefits :) I have also tried Tropical Green Organics and never experienced nausea.

Now, let's discuss the flavor options! Some people say...I don't like the taste of coconuts. I hear ya! I despised the coconut flavor until my 30's. Pina Coladas? Blech! Try it again. Your taste buds might have changed. Mine did. And, most brands offer a refined option that doesn't have the coconut taste, but I have read that the refined products undergo chemical bleaching. Nutiva states that no chemicals are used in their refining process. I still choose the Virgin Coconut Oil because I now LOVE the coconut flavor :)

P.S. I made a meal for my dad using coconut oil on potatoes (without him knowing). He raved how delicious it was and different. I told him that I used coconut oil and he said he couldn't taste the flavor; it just tasted great!

Are you ready now? Go try it! I would love to hear your responses!

*This is an informative blog only and shouldn't be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, and/or treatment, and that you should see a medical physician, chiropractic doctor, or other health care specialist to address concerns that are outside the massage therapist's scope of practice.