Are you nuts about C O C O N U T?
I started cooking with coconut oil a few years ago. That is when I read first that cooking with olive oil is actually really bad, as it burns even on low heat. So I was hunting for alternatives and was recommended coconut oil. I will be honest, it was not love at first sight. I could taste, smell coconut in dishes that did not go well with the 'sweet' taste and I did not like it. But reading all the benefits of it, I kept using it mainly for curries and sweets and as time went by, I slowly introduced it to other types of meals as well. I am so used to it by now, that I use it in almost everything. (Err no, I still would not make a nice Hungarian goulash with coconut oil. It did not turn me completely nuts! :)
Here are a few benefits of it and if you would like to read about it more, I have added a few links.
1. It helps to speed up metabolism. Coconut oil consists almost entirely of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (These are a type of saturated fat that is actually good for you. Yes fat is good for you. Your body needs it.) and they are metabolised entirely differently than other oils. Meaning: it may promote healthy weight loss. More on it HERE and HERE.
2. It is safe to use for cooking. It is due to it's high smoke point.
3. It can fight infections. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that are also found in human breast milk, such as: lauric, capryllic and capric fatty acids. They fight bacterial and viral infections by deactivating viruses and preventing them from growing. More information HERE.
4. It is great as a hair treatment. I love applying coconut oil on my hair. I leave it on for a minimum of half an hour then wash my hair as usual. It makes it really smooth and soft. :)
5. Apparently it is great as a coffee creamer. Umm I don't think I could ever drink my coffee with coconut oil, but feel free to try! :)
6. Great as a moisturizer. I have tried and did not see much of the benefits. I might be one of the weird ones though.
7. Great eye-makeup remover. This is true, I have tried it and it works wonders.
You can read more about the miracle uses of coconut oil HERE.