The coconut is a beautiful gift to the peoples of the world. The Sanskrit language calls the coconut palm ‘kalpa vriksah,’ meaning that it is a plant which gives everything one needs to survive. The coconut is an old tree and a distant relative of grasses, and its meat, water and oil have been used for nutrition and health by many cultures. In India in particular, the coconut has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, a system which has inspired aromatherapists, nutritionists and naturopaths the world over.
Taking approximately nine months to filter each liter of water in its shell, the coconut makes an amazing natural water filter. The water is drawn up through micro-fibers which purify it before it ends in the actual nut of the coconut. This clear life-giving coconut water isone of the highest sources of electrolytes found in all of nature. Coconut water is a wonderful re-hydrator and makes an excellent sports drink. When we consume a drink consisting of 55% fresh coconut water and 45% fresh green-leaf juice, or blue-green algaes, we give ourselves an instantaneous infusion of life energy.
A completely saturated medium-chain fatty acid (remember: not all saturated fats are bad!), coconut oil contains no cholesterol and does not form dangerous trans-fatty acids. The medium-chain fatty acids (MCT’s) in coconut oil possess incredible health giving benefits requiring less energy and fewer enzymes to digest, allowing the body to quickly convert the MCT’s into usable energy. Even better than olive oil for lowering overall cholesterol levels, coconut oil is stable at high temperatures (up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an excellent choice for use in cooking.
In terms of its nutritive and cosmetic applications, coconut oil is one of the most important oils in the spectrum of fats. It is useful to the thyroid, helping the production of anti-aging steroids, DHEA, pregnenolone and progesterone. Heart disease, cancer, obesity, senility and other common diseases related to aging are abated by these steroids. Capryllic and lauric acid are also found in coconut, which both help control bacteria, funguses and viruses in the body. In fact, caprilyc acid is the most effective combatant for yeast invasions, making coconut a good oil to work with regulating systemic and localized flare-ups. If these qualities aren’t enough, using coconut oil as your oil of choice in cooking can help regulate blood sugar, aiding harmony in all body systems. When using coconut oil medicinally, adults should use at least two or three tablespoons daily.
Cooking with coconut oil is a delightful way to introduce this supplement into your life. Try using it instead of margarine, butter or other vegetable oils. Also, consider using fresh coconuts that are not too old (i.e., forgo the coconut shavings and buy a whole coconut instead).The flesh is primarily fat, and it can be chopped and eaten with fruit for a delectable treat. Coconut oil is also great as an oil for veggies, tossed into your morning smoothie or slathered on bread with spices or preserves. If you’re looking for a way to enhance oats or rice, coconut oil adds a special note to a normally humble dish.
Coconut’s reputation as a skin nutrient is well-documented, and people with many skin types can benefit from its moisture-giving qualities. In aromatherapy, both virgin and fractionated coconut oils are used. A way to see the difference is to remember that virgin coconut oil looks more like coconut flesh. It is a solid fat that is used in both cooking and body care, and it can be mixed with aromatic oils. While it is certainly a dense oil, virgin coconut oil doesn’t leave the skin feeling too oily, as it is absorbed rapidly. Fractionated coconut has similar qualities, but it is made by physically reducing the size of the fat molecule, removing the section of the molecule that makes it a solid. This creates a liquid oil that has no odor, lasts a long time (its molecular structure makes it “fully saturated,” meaning it has no atomic space for oxygen to attach, thereby deteriorating the oil) and is quickly consumed by the skin. Sometimes coconut is mixed with other oils, like jojoba, resulting in a nutrient-rich cream. With so many coconut oils to choose from, mixing coconut with aromatic oils is a simple way to add to your health and beauty regimen.
One more thing about the fabulous coconut: this oil is great for use in sexual play. Both the taste and smell of coconut add to the delights of intercourse. A great way to experience coconut is by mixing it with vanilla and cacao oils. Smooth this concoction over your lover’s skin and enjoy.
If you’re searching for a multi-use, healthy oil, search no further than the coconut. Whether you use it in skin blends, salads or massage creams, the coconut is an all-around excellent choice as both a carrier and edible oil. It takes essential oils beautifully and will not leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Use it in its many forms and see how this unique plant continues to benefit us in our day to day lives.
See more on specific healthful oils such as Egyptian geranium essential oil and other therapeutic aromatics.
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