When I think of coconut, my grandma’s coconut cream pie quickly comes to mind.
Coconut was not a staple in our household growing up. Flaked coconut was used for a couple of cookie recipes, fruit salad and her famous pie. But, coconut oil? I had never heard of it.
Today, coconut oil is a staple in my kitchen and my bathroom. I literally use it daily in one way or another. I put a dab of the oil in my morning coffee. I also use a small amount of the oil for sautéing vegetables and baking. If anyone gets a mosquito bite in my household, the first reaction is to put coconut oil on it. I have also used the oil in my hair and on my skin. I even tried oil pulling — swishing the oil around in my mouth — but I found out that wasn’t for me.
The research still appears to be mixed as to whether or not we should be incorporating coconut oil into our diet on a regular basis. Most of the articles I read said we should definitely not be considering it a health food. This is mainly due to the high content of saturated fat in coconut oil.
According to Penn State Extension, including 200 calories of saturated fat per day is okay. This is based on normal LDL levels and the consumption of 2,000 calories daily. One tablespoon of coconut oil has 117 saturated fat calories. I would venture to guess I don’t eat anywhere near one tablespoon of coconut oil per day. I use it, and other oils, in moderation.
Dr. Josh Axe shares that according to the American Heart Association there is no need to avoid saturated fats entirely. They work to “enhance our immune function and protect the liver from toxins.” Dr. Axe also tells us that coconut oil reduces inflammation, supports cognitive and heart health, as well as boosts energy levels.
Whether you choose to consume coconut oil or not, there are a host of other uses for this creamy concoction. It can be used as a face cleanser and moisturizer. It contains certain fatty acids that have disinfectant and antimicrobial properties. It hydrates the skin and hair. Dr. Axe recommends dabbing coconut oil on cold sores. You can also use it in homemade deodorant recipes. And, coconut oil possesses a natural sunblock roughly equal to SPF 4. There are plenty of other uses as well.
Will I continue to use coconut oil regularly? Yes. For me, I make conscious choices about the type and amount of fat I include in my daily diet. I am an avid label reader and refuse to eat anything I cannot pronounce. As far as topical use, the only drawback I was able to find is that it can make your skin oily.
Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.
"oil" - Google News
July 19, 2020 at 06:11PM
https://ift.tt/30u6yMq
People & Plants: Coconut oil has become a staple - Broomfield Enterprise
"oil" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2PqPpxF
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "People & Plants: Coconut oil has become a staple - Broomfield Enterprise"
Post a Comment