Coconut Oil has been a more recent addition to my diet. About a year ago, I began reading about it’s health benefits and decided to give it a try. While I didn’t fall in love with it immediately, I have been enjoying it more and more as I experiment with it’s many uses.
Benefits (source)
- Improves your heart health
- Boosts your thyroid
- Increases your metabolism
- Promotes a lean body and weight loss if needed
- Supports your immune system
- Benefits your skin when applied topically; has anti-aging, regenerative effects.
Source: care2design.com via Michelle on Pinterest
Some recipes I’ve posted that use coconut oil include:
Popcorn (with coconut oil!) ←My very favorite way to enjoy coconut oil!
Sneaky Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
And I’ve been cooking with it more and more . . .
When purchasing coconut oil, I’ve sometimes felt overwhelmed with the options. Some brands don’t state enough information on their label for my comfort (I’m looking at you Trader Joe’s!), while other brands do. For some guidelines to consider, I found this handy list by Dr. Mercola:
I gave a seminar a few months ago, and was asked for additional resources to read more about coconut oil. Here is a sampling of what I found, in case you’d like to research further:
I do believe that, just like most things, coconut oil should be part of a balanced diet, and included in moderation. Stay tuned . . . tomorrow I have a coconut oil product review!
Do you use coconut oil on a regular basis? How do you like coconut oil best? I usually keep coconut oil and EVOO at home, and depending upon what I’m making, decide which of these two would be best.
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I bought coconut oil a year ago when I was doing paleo, then quickly forgot about it. But when I made my Chicago Mix popcorn for Christmas gifts this past year, I used coconut oil to make the popcorn and it was so good! Thanks for all the other tips.
About the wonton wrappers – 12 are a serving for 170 calories – not bad! They are firm to touch when used as a breakfast wonton, but break if you transport them anywhere, which is why I put them in a plastic container – no breakage!
I just started using coconut oil this summer! I’ve been loving it…. I’ve totally been using it as lotion too… Miracle product, I’m tellin ya!
I have never used coconut oil, but I need to look into it! Does it have a coconut-y flavor? I’m not a big coconut fan usually.
I love coconut oil! We buy a huge jar a few times a month. We use it for everything
You had me at weight loss
but really this year I am striving not just to lose weight, but to really be healthy. I’ll pick up some coconut oil for cooking next time I’m out! (I already use it in my hair and it is friggin awesome!!!)
I hope you’re doing well!!!!
I want to use it on my face but I am frightened that it will break me out! Do you use it like a moisturizer? Rub it in and leave it on?
Lately, I have been using it to cook my eggs and I like the flavor fluffiness that it provides. Yum!!
These are awesome ideas! I usually drizzle evoo on popcorn, I need to try it with coconut oil. We’ve been using it more and more for cooking too, I love the flavor, but I can definitely taste it when sauteeing something. It’s much more hidden when baking with it.
Btw, health coach website question for you- are you linking up your INN site to this blog? Or did you set up a different one? I’m trying to determine what I’m going to do…
I had no idea about most of those coconut oil benefits – I just use it because it’s good. Now I am motivated to use it more often.
I have never tried coconut oil but I do love coconuts. It’s simply not affordable for my family.
I do use EVOO and have gotten into avocados now.
tastes like butter to me. ahh yes, so delicious and nutritious. Now i want popcorn!
Great info! I have only been using coconut oil for the last 2 months or so and I love it. I use it for sauteing veggies, making pancakes, eggs, cookies or other baked goods, as well as Asian dishes. I haven’t tried it on popcorn, but after seeing your recipe, I’m definitely going to try it!
I’ve only actually used coconut oil a couple times, and have to admit, I kind of forgot all about it in my pantry. Do you know how long a jar lasts for?
I’m just finishing up my first jar of coconut oil and I’m hooked! I’ve been cooking everything in it and I love it as a moisturizer or in my hair.
I’ve actually never used coconut oil before, but I’m now intrigued! That’s a shame about TJ’s labeling – my first thought wa to check there. Do you have a go-to brand?
I wanted to let you know – we picked up our first jar of coconut oil! So far, we have only used it for sauteeing veggies, but it gives such a wonderful flavor! I want to bake your cookie bars soon
Very interesting! I had no idea about the difference between medium- and long-chain fatty acids, but it’s certainly something worth pondering. I’d love to see some studies comparing coconut oil vs. EVOO.
Thanks for sharing this, Michelle. I have a jar of coconut oil I bought for a recipe, but haven’t been using it. Helping my thyroid and boosting my metabolism? SOLD.
Also, I love that this graphic uses a great dane and a doxie to illustration medium and long-chain fatty acids. haha. I love my LCFA doggie.
I buy the stuff and never know how to use it. Great post! I think I will douse my hands in it though because it is great for dry skin : )