I have been using coconut oil in cooking now for awhile. A couple years ago I changed how and what kinds of oil I use in the kitchen, I switched from using vegetable oils (except olive oil) to using traditional oils and fats, mostly butter, olive oil and coconut oil in all my cooking and baking. Coconut oil makes baked goods absolutely delicious! About that same time I started using extra virgin coconut oil for my face as a moisturizer, I have really loved the results, the acne that I have struggled with for most of my twenties and early thirties is gone. YAY! In the last month I have branched out even further in using my beloved coconut oil.
1.Oil pulling
2.Toothpaste
Oil pulling is a fascinating method for cleaning teeth and mouth. The method is simple, place a couple teaspoons of either virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil in your mouth and swish for up to 10 minuets, then spit and rinse. It sounds really weird. The biggest benefit I have seen is the loosening of plaque and tarter from my teeth. I have always had a hard time keeping tarter off the back of my front teeth (sorry if this grosses anyone out) , but after I pull coconut oil, it comes right off with a regular brushing. My older girls pull oil too, they have problems with brown spots on their teeth that they can’t brush off, after pulling, the brown spots go away. For a more detailed article, including all the benefits of oil pulling go HERE.
Homemade tooth paste is something I have been wanting to try for a while, so the other day when we ran out of regular toothpaste I finally made some of my own. Toothpaste is very simple, there are only two main ingredients: virgin coconut oil and baking soda, I also add some peppermint oil and some recipes call for a little stevia powder for sweetness. It took some time for the kids to get use to the taste and feel of the new toothpaste, it doesn’t bubble, there aren’t any chemicals to make suds, that is a little strange and first, and since I didn’t add stevia, it isn’t sweet, however they got use to it and it is no big deal. I have been loving it, after I brush my teeth feel like I have been to the dentist for a cleaning, my teeth and smooth and super clean. I plan on posting a tutorial soon.
So there you go, Coconut oil is my new love!
Love coconut oil! I have appetite problems, and even the smell of it just helps hugely! I use it in my wheat bread and it gives it a lighter texture and feel, but at the same time the bread is more satisfying. Can’t say enough good things about it!
What do you think about the amount of saturated fat in it though? It worries me!
Saturated fat doesn’t scare me, Americans are eating less saturated fats than they were 50 years ago, and yet more of us are dieing of heart disease than ever before, saturated fat isn’t the problem. Vegtable oils that are extracted by chemical processes, hydroginated oil and such are far, far worse.
http://www.westonaprice.org/know-your-fats/skinny-on-fats
Oh, I just recently found coconut oil and I absolutely love it!!
it’s good as a natural sunscreen too. . .Where do you prefer to buy your coconut oil?
http://coconutoil.com/the-diet-myth-that-is-destroying-the-health-of-the-world/
I get my coconut oil from: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/ They use old methods of extracting the oil without chemical or high heat
I’ve found it for a good price at Good Earth, too and it was a brand I had researched and was planning to buy online anyway. I also think the good vs. bad fats debate is getting a little bonkers. The info changes so frequently. I think it is good to look back to traditional, ancient foods that brought people health before we started messing with the food supply. Yes, coconut or olive oil contain large amounts of saturated fat, but our cells actually NEED healthy sources of saturated fat to maintain their strength. And I feel a lot better about healthily obtained saturated fats than rancid, deodorized vegetable oils. We simply practice moderation in all things. It’s not like you’re going to eat spoonfuls of coconut oil or deep fry in it. 🙂
And like you said, Aimee, we consider the source – whole, unprocessed coconut oil, olive oil, real butter vs. shortening…
I pretty much ignore the “establishment” when it comes to dietary reccomendations, it changes way, way too oftten. I look to traditional foods, our ancestors, who were able to survive infectious disease, lived long, healthy lives, pretty much free of the degenerative diseases that plague almost everyone today. There are so many different ways our food supply has changed over the last 100 years, that it is almost impossible to avoid them all, so I just do what I can 😉
Thanks for the post Aimee! I learned new things today. You are an amazing woman to say the least. It was good to see you at the reception.
You said it helps with appetite issues. What kinds are you referring to?
Laura, I have a hard time eating. Lots of people are stress eaters or comfort eaters but I am the opposite. I dont feel usually feel hungry, so I have to really pay attention to the clock and just eat when i should be hungry. And then portions can be hard because its hard to tell when I’m full. The coconut oil helps me with my hungry button, so it helps me feel hungry and then helps me feel full.
Aimee I am really excited to try this! Thanks for sharing:)
Blessings, Aimee