| Real food for Real Folks - recipes, too! |
I've been interested in nutrition & health much of my life. When I was
about 5, I'd grind herbs in the back yard between two stones, then,
unsure of 'what came next,' I'd make small 'pills' & set them in the sun
to dry. Had I heard of mortar & pestle? Or drying herbs this way? It was
the 50s, folks!
In La Leche League we kept it simple "Eat a wide variety of food in
close to it's natural state."
"Eat from the rainbow" is a modern axiom. Over the years I have
gardened organically, bought only whole grains, cooked brown rice &
quinoa, drunk lots of herbal teas & infusions. Recently I've been
thinking about oils.
Remember - eat lots of fresh veggies & fruits - in season when possible.
Read labels, use whole grains & other whole ingredients.
Last summer my daughter's family & I went 'gluten free' after genetic
testing. Gluten sensitivity, celiac disease & wheat allergies are on the
rise - wheat alone contains about 2x as much gluten as it had in the
50s, triggering more sensitivity to this protein! Stay tuned for more on
this subject! All the recipes herein are Gluten Free.
about 5, I'd grind herbs in the back yard between two stones, then,
unsure of 'what came next,' I'd make small 'pills' & set them in the sun
to dry. Had I heard of mortar & pestle? Or drying herbs this way? It was
the 50s, folks!
In La Leche League we kept it simple "Eat a wide variety of food in
close to it's natural state."
"Eat from the rainbow" is a modern axiom. Over the years I have
gardened organically, bought only whole grains, cooked brown rice &
quinoa, drunk lots of herbal teas & infusions. Recently I've been
thinking about oils.
Remember - eat lots of fresh veggies & fruits - in season when possible.
Read labels, use whole grains & other whole ingredients.
Last summer my daughter's family & I went 'gluten free' after genetic
testing. Gluten sensitivity, celiac disease & wheat allergies are on the
rise - wheat alone contains about 2x as much gluten as it had in the
50s, triggering more sensitivity to this protein! Stay tuned for more on
this subject! All the recipes herein are Gluten Free.
For centuries, humans have used fats for cooking, usually animal fats or oils easily extracted
from oily seeds; sunflower seeds among the agricultural plains tribes, the Hidatsa & Mandan,
olives in the Mediterranean region or fruit: coconut & palm over most of the Southern
Hemisphere. (Coconut constitutes ~ 60% of the traditional diet for folks living in the tropics)
A few decades ago, a 'push' toward health began, & we abandoned these traditional fats & oils
for nicely refined & artificially hydrogenated oils - with an idea that these were somehow
better?? & during this time, waistlines have expanded, chronic diseases are out of hand, could
part of the answer be in the oils we're using? During the same time, use of commercial fertilizers
have depleted our food of life promoting minerals such as magnesium & trace minerals (perhaps
80% of Americans are now magnesium deficient. If you're a gardener, consider adding epsom
salts & kelp to your soil, esp for leafy crops!)
Why did we think Coconut & Palm kernel oil were 'bad oils?' Or perhaps - bad for US business?
(& here I am, trying to buy more 'locally,' sigh! Last spring I enrolled in a CSA - it's all about
balance, right? & while olives are being grown in the Willamette Valley, harvesting the oil is in
the early stages.
Researching the subject of optimum health & fats, I picked up Bruce Fife, ND's book The Coconut
Oil Miracle which is full of fascinating information. Like many of us, Dr Fife was at first stunned
when a colleague mentioned that coconut oil was a 'good fat!' Since when? . . . . (or more
accurately, when did we begin believing it was bad fat??)
. . . In the 30s & 40s, tropical oils were used widely in commercial baking, but WWII limited
access, then in 1987, a conscious 'smear campaign' by the ASA (American Soy Association), was
initiated, which attempted to block competition by trying to persuade lawmakers to introduce
legislation against 'cholesterol-raising saturated fats'. . . .
Now soy oil is present in most processed foods, soy is fed to most 'industrial' farm animals, &
TVP (dehydrated 'textured soy protein) is widely used. & the girth of many Americans has
increased at the same time - is there a correlation?
Meanwhile, the FDA kept coconut oil on it's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list!
Beatrice Trum Hunter writes: "Palm and coconut oils resist oxidation and are highly stable. They
do not require hydrogenation, and are trans fat-free. However, many of the domestic oils are
predominantly polyunsaturated, which makes them quite unstable and subject to oxidation. To
make them more stable, they need to be hydrogenated. A major portion of soybean oil, for
example, is hydrogenated."
(PLUS: a large percentage of SOY, canola & corn oils are also GM crops - genetically modified,
requiring use of chemicals such as Round-up for 'optimum' growth. If soy (& the others) in any
form is not marked Organic, it's probably GM. But even when it's not GM, there are questions
about soy's safety.)
I use olive oil for dressings, & have always loved 'real butter' & raw milk, having read of the
dangers in margarine years ago. When I was 9 & my dad got his 'Good' Post office job, he told
my mom "We can afford butter now - no more margarine!"
We got our milk from the dairy across the street, & grew many of our own vegetables. Mom
baked with Crisco, & cooked with Wesson oil (which she kept in the cupboard), & we used
hydrogenated peanut butter.
My dad woften complained if he noticed artificial coffee creamer & margarine on the table at our
Grange Hall - "We're supposed to be a farm organization - we need to use the real thing!" In
college, I was shocked that some of my friends preferred margarine - yuck!
When I began my research into the health benefits of coconut oil, I found a poignant article by
Dr. Mary Newport MD in Florida,. Mary is a Neonatalist, whose 58 year old accountant hubby
Steven was suffering from dementia & about 5 years into it. He used various pharmaceutical
controls, they ate salmon & took fish oil, etc. Mary's initial article is titled: "What if there was a
cure for Alzheimer Disease . . . ?"
Dr. Newport, & her husband were looking into a vaccine (Elan) for the dementia. He went for his
annual screening, & scored 14 one day, 18 the next, 4 1/2 hours after starting the coconut oil
(he needed to score at least 16 to be accepted for the vaccine.) That second day of testing, Dr
Newport picked up some coconut oil & stirred a couple of tablespoons into Steven's & her own
morning oatmeal, before taking him to the clinic.
This was a 'chance' finding for Mary, who was researching one of the possible Atzheimer's drugs
on-line, (on 'Doctor' sites, not info 'generally' available) & found it contained 'Medium Chain
Triglyceride' (MCT) - oil, with one mention that the source was coconut or palm kernel oil!
(Human milk is also high in MCTs.)
They picked up some coconut oil (60% MCT), sMary did some quick calculations, & began using
it, starting the AM of the second test. Steven began that day as 'forgetful' as ever. The
screening was ~ 4 1/2 hours after eating oatmeal with 2 T. coconut oil, & by the time of the test,
he remembered it was spring, it was Wed, & both the town & county they were in - (he could
only recall the town the day before!)
They continued using several tablespoons of coconut oil daily, in addition to his meds., & two
months later Steven behaved more like he had a year or so previously - was happy & chatty in
the morning, (he'd been depressed), he conversed more 'normally,' speaking in full sentences,
etc. He remembered names of family members when they went to visit (couldn't before) &
interacted socially with more finesse & animation.
In a newspaper article published five months later, Dr Newport reported that her husband's
condition continued to improve: "He would face the day bubbly, more like his old self," his wife
said. His tremors have subsided, the visual disturbances that prevented him from reading have
disappeared, and he has become more social and interested in those around him." Two years a
later,Steven continues to improve. He's reading & using the computer again, & volunteers at the
Hospital where Mary's on staff. Is he completely 'normal?' NO - but he continues to improve -
rare for someone with Alzheimer's!
Dr Newport writes: "Until very recently, I didn’t see anything regarding the potential use of
medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil), or ketone bodies (also called ketoacids,) the end product of
their metabolism, which may not only treat, but also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. . . Further,
this is a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis
and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), drug resistant epilepsy,
brittle type I diabetes, and diabetes type II, where there is insulin resistance.
"Ketone bodies may help the brain recover after a loss of oxygen in newborns through adults,
may help the heart recover after an acute attack, and may shrink cancerous tumors. Children
with drug resistant epilepsy sometimes respond to an extremely low carbohydrate ketogenic
diet. MCT oil appears to be useful as an aid in weight loss and body builders use it already to
improve their lean body mass.
"The Philippines has one of the lowest incidences of cardiovascular disease in the world.
Studies have shown that total cholesterol to HDL ratio improves with non-hydrogenated
coconut oil. The people in this part of the world also eat fish regularly, providing them with
omega-3 fatty acids, which probably contributes as well to the lack of cardiovascular disease.
My nurse friends from the Philippines tell me that many of their relatives back home cook
everything in coconut oil and have coconut in one form or another at nearly every meal."
Dr Newport continues, "Instead of storing all MCTs as fat, the liver converts them directly to
ketone bodies, which are then available for use as energy. Oral and intravenous administration
of MCT oil produces hyperketonemia, or circulating ketone bodies, which are then available to
the brain for energy, in the absence of glucose and even in the presence of glucose. In addition,
hyperketonemia results in a substantial (39%) increase in cerebral blood flow, and appears to
reduce cognitive dysfunction associated with systemic hypoglycemia in normal humans."
-- My former husband comments that his younger son, who has congenital liver problems, found
MCFAs from coconut the only oil he could tolerate before a liver transplant in 2007! Other oils
took too much work for his ailing liver to process.
-- Many people report weight loss - if needed, using coconut oil. Dr Bruce Fife, ND who wrote
The Coconut Oil Miracle lost 20# within the first few months of use. I've lost about 20# since
making the switch to coconut oil AND going gluten free last summer. Coconut oil balances the
thyroid, increases metabolism & boosts energy, it becomes easier to exercise, & burni stored
fats, without feeling hungry. I also avoid most soy (which depresses the thyroid, & is
'traditionally' consumed fermented - temphe, miso & tofu; I stick to these (always Organic!)
occasionally, plus occasional use of GF, Organic tamari or Braggs Liquid aminos!).
Dr Newport: "If you are using any type of hydrogenated vegetable oil or any oil with trans
fat, do not use any more and get rid of it! Extra virgin olive oil, butter and other natural, non-
hydrogenated oils are okay to use along with the coconut oil. It is possible to use coconut oil in
place of all other oils, however, since it contains no omega-3 fatty acids, it is very important to
eat salmon twice a week or get enough omega-3 fatty acid from other rich sources such as fish
oil capsules, flax meal, flax oil (not for cooking) or walnuts."
Another author writes: "Researchers have known for quite some time that the secret to
health and weight loss associated with coconut oil is related to the length of the fatty acid
chains contained in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains what are called medium chain fatty acids,
or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs for short). These medium chain fatty acids are different from
the common longer chain fatty acids found in other plant-based oils. Most vegetable oils are
composed of longer chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (LCTs). LCTs are typically stored in
the body as fat, while MCTs are burned for energy. MCTs burn up quickly in the body. They are
a lot like adding kindling to a fireplace, rather than a big damp log."
How can we use coconut oil & other coconut products?
-- As Dr Newport says, it's possible to use coconut oil in place of all other oils, being sure to
supplement with some Omega-3 oils (fish a couple of times weekly or fish oil, flax seed, . . . )
You can include some olive oil (mostly mono-saturates, & more neutral) - but that's best used
cold (salad dressings, dipping oil, etc) Olive can be blended with coconut oil for dressing, which
will be liquid at room temperature in the summer, or can be warmed in a bowl of water in the
winter.
-- I make my own flax meal by grinding lightly toasted flax & sesame seeds in a seed grinder,
then FREEZING it (I just fill the hopper, which makes a small ~ 1/4 C day batch), & sprinkle a
Tbsp. or so on my morning granola or in a smoothie! See my Recipe page for some ideas!
Look for OVC - Organic Virgin Coconut oil, & other OG coconut products!
- Stable at room temp for 2-5 years, because it's naturally hydrogenated, it's not likely to go
rancid.
- Great for medium heat cooking, baking, & straight from the spoon.
- Go slow - start with 1 tsp coconut oil the first week or so; since it's anti-viral, anti-fungal
& anti-bacterial; (if germ cells have a lipid [fatty] coat, it destroys them) coconut oil will begin to
cause yeast die off, & loose stools. Increase the amount you're using gradually, & drop back if you
experience problems! (capric acid, found in Coconut Oil, is used in Candida treatment)
Coconut flour is high in soluble fiber, & is another boon to those seeking relief from Candida, or
wanting to increase fiber in their diet. I use 1/3 C coconut flour in most of my Gluten Free scone
& bread recipes.
- Dr Fife & Dr Newport suggest working up to 2-4 Tbsp of oil a day, more (6-8 T) if you're
exposed to flu or other 'bugs.' I also rub it on my throat & chest when I'm exposed to 'bugs.'
One can of coconut milk, or 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut, or 1/2 a 'fresh' coconut (shake it &
find one that's heavy, no mold on the eyes, & still has water, which you can drink.) You'll find
recipes for coconut milk yogurt & kefir on that page.
- Offer a tsp to your small dog or cat, A Tbsp (or more) for larger dogs - my daughter's husky
waits for his in the morning! It helps rid animals of worms, & has the same disease preventative
qualities as for humans.
- Coconut is on the FDA 'GRAS' - 'generally recognized as safe' list - coconut products are food,
not a supplement@! Yes, you'll find high priced coconut oil capsules on Natural food store
shelves, pass those by & pick up some OVC oil, milk & flakes, & start adding them to your
recipes!!
- pregnant & nursing moms - including coconut oil in your diet "increases the fatty acids, lauric
acid and capric acid, which have potent antimicrobial properties. These fatty acids offer the
nursing infant protection from viruses such as herpes and HIV, protozoa such as giardia lamblia,
and bacteria such as chlamydia and heliocobater. Again, if you have problems with candida,
start slow!! (& your ingestion of coconut oil etc. will help stave off thrush & cradle cap in your
infant!)
"A study published in 1998 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that lactating
mothers who eat coconut oil and other coconut products, have significantly increased levels of
lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk. Thus, the milk supply has increased amounts of
the protective antimicrobials , which will give even greater protection to the nursing infant."
- Dr Fife suggests adding 1/2 can purified water to 1 can of coconut oil, & perhaps a bit of
vanilla if you want to drink it, or use it on cereal, etc. Some diabetics have found drinking 1/2
cup before bed keeps their blood sugar stable through the night. (or try coconut yogurt or kefir!)
- I use coconut milk to make yogurt, kefir, & in most recipes calling for milk.
Some brands to try:
Artisana makes delightful 'butters' using whole coconut - a bit more expensive, but 'eat from the
jar' good!
Tropical Traditions is mentioned by many as an eco-friendly brand. They also have recipes. I
picked up organic coconut flour from Bob's Red Mill last week, & am
Mountain Rose Herbs carries both OVC & a less expensive form for body care (it's great as a
skin moisturizer & for massage! I've been using it for sessions for about a month, with great
feedback)
Nutiva, Aunt Patties, & Spectrum are available in this area..
*Information on this site is intended to whet your interest. I encourage you to do your own
research on these topics! This info. is not intended to replace consultation with the medical
professional of your choice!
from oily seeds; sunflower seeds among the agricultural plains tribes, the Hidatsa & Mandan,
olives in the Mediterranean region or fruit: coconut & palm over most of the Southern
Hemisphere. (Coconut constitutes ~ 60% of the traditional diet for folks living in the tropics)
A few decades ago, a 'push' toward health began, & we abandoned these traditional fats & oils
for nicely refined & artificially hydrogenated oils - with an idea that these were somehow
better?? & during this time, waistlines have expanded, chronic diseases are out of hand, could
part of the answer be in the oils we're using? During the same time, use of commercial fertilizers
have depleted our food of life promoting minerals such as magnesium & trace minerals (perhaps
80% of Americans are now magnesium deficient. If you're a gardener, consider adding epsom
salts & kelp to your soil, esp for leafy crops!)
Why did we think Coconut & Palm kernel oil were 'bad oils?' Or perhaps - bad for US business?
(& here I am, trying to buy more 'locally,' sigh! Last spring I enrolled in a CSA - it's all about
balance, right? & while olives are being grown in the Willamette Valley, harvesting the oil is in
the early stages.
Researching the subject of optimum health & fats, I picked up Bruce Fife, ND's book The Coconut
Oil Miracle which is full of fascinating information. Like many of us, Dr Fife was at first stunned
when a colleague mentioned that coconut oil was a 'good fat!' Since when? . . . . (or more
accurately, when did we begin believing it was bad fat??)
. . . In the 30s & 40s, tropical oils were used widely in commercial baking, but WWII limited
access, then in 1987, a conscious 'smear campaign' by the ASA (American Soy Association), was
initiated, which attempted to block competition by trying to persuade lawmakers to introduce
legislation against 'cholesterol-raising saturated fats'. . . .
Now soy oil is present in most processed foods, soy is fed to most 'industrial' farm animals, &
TVP (dehydrated 'textured soy protein) is widely used. & the girth of many Americans has
increased at the same time - is there a correlation?
Meanwhile, the FDA kept coconut oil on it's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list!
Beatrice Trum Hunter writes: "Palm and coconut oils resist oxidation and are highly stable. They
do not require hydrogenation, and are trans fat-free. However, many of the domestic oils are
predominantly polyunsaturated, which makes them quite unstable and subject to oxidation. To
make them more stable, they need to be hydrogenated. A major portion of soybean oil, for
example, is hydrogenated."
(PLUS: a large percentage of SOY, canola & corn oils are also GM crops - genetically modified,
requiring use of chemicals such as Round-up for 'optimum' growth. If soy (& the others) in any
form is not marked Organic, it's probably GM. But even when it's not GM, there are questions
about soy's safety.)
I use olive oil for dressings, & have always loved 'real butter' & raw milk, having read of the
dangers in margarine years ago. When I was 9 & my dad got his 'Good' Post office job, he told
my mom "We can afford butter now - no more margarine!"
We got our milk from the dairy across the street, & grew many of our own vegetables. Mom
baked with Crisco, & cooked with Wesson oil (which she kept in the cupboard), & we used
hydrogenated peanut butter.
My dad woften complained if he noticed artificial coffee creamer & margarine on the table at our
Grange Hall - "We're supposed to be a farm organization - we need to use the real thing!" In
college, I was shocked that some of my friends preferred margarine - yuck!
When I began my research into the health benefits of coconut oil, I found a poignant article by
Dr. Mary Newport MD in Florida,. Mary is a Neonatalist, whose 58 year old accountant hubby
Steven was suffering from dementia & about 5 years into it. He used various pharmaceutical
controls, they ate salmon & took fish oil, etc. Mary's initial article is titled: "What if there was a
cure for Alzheimer Disease . . . ?"
Dr. Newport, & her husband were looking into a vaccine (Elan) for the dementia. He went for his
annual screening, & scored 14 one day, 18 the next, 4 1/2 hours after starting the coconut oil
(he needed to score at least 16 to be accepted for the vaccine.) That second day of testing, Dr
Newport picked up some coconut oil & stirred a couple of tablespoons into Steven's & her own
morning oatmeal, before taking him to the clinic.
This was a 'chance' finding for Mary, who was researching one of the possible Atzheimer's drugs
on-line, (on 'Doctor' sites, not info 'generally' available) & found it contained 'Medium Chain
Triglyceride' (MCT) - oil, with one mention that the source was coconut or palm kernel oil!
(Human milk is also high in MCTs.)
They picked up some coconut oil (60% MCT), sMary did some quick calculations, & began using
it, starting the AM of the second test. Steven began that day as 'forgetful' as ever. The
screening was ~ 4 1/2 hours after eating oatmeal with 2 T. coconut oil, & by the time of the test,
he remembered it was spring, it was Wed, & both the town & county they were in - (he could
only recall the town the day before!)
They continued using several tablespoons of coconut oil daily, in addition to his meds., & two
months later Steven behaved more like he had a year or so previously - was happy & chatty in
the morning, (he'd been depressed), he conversed more 'normally,' speaking in full sentences,
etc. He remembered names of family members when they went to visit (couldn't before) &
interacted socially with more finesse & animation.
In a newspaper article published five months later, Dr Newport reported that her husband's
condition continued to improve: "He would face the day bubbly, more like his old self," his wife
said. His tremors have subsided, the visual disturbances that prevented him from reading have
disappeared, and he has become more social and interested in those around him." Two years a
later,Steven continues to improve. He's reading & using the computer again, & volunteers at the
Hospital where Mary's on staff. Is he completely 'normal?' NO - but he continues to improve -
rare for someone with Alzheimer's!
Dr Newport writes: "Until very recently, I didn’t see anything regarding the potential use of
medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil), or ketone bodies (also called ketoacids,) the end product of
their metabolism, which may not only treat, but also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. . . Further,
this is a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis
and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), drug resistant epilepsy,
brittle type I diabetes, and diabetes type II, where there is insulin resistance.
"Ketone bodies may help the brain recover after a loss of oxygen in newborns through adults,
may help the heart recover after an acute attack, and may shrink cancerous tumors. Children
with drug resistant epilepsy sometimes respond to an extremely low carbohydrate ketogenic
diet. MCT oil appears to be useful as an aid in weight loss and body builders use it already to
improve their lean body mass.
"The Philippines has one of the lowest incidences of cardiovascular disease in the world.
Studies have shown that total cholesterol to HDL ratio improves with non-hydrogenated
coconut oil. The people in this part of the world also eat fish regularly, providing them with
omega-3 fatty acids, which probably contributes as well to the lack of cardiovascular disease.
My nurse friends from the Philippines tell me that many of their relatives back home cook
everything in coconut oil and have coconut in one form or another at nearly every meal."
Dr Newport continues, "Instead of storing all MCTs as fat, the liver converts them directly to
ketone bodies, which are then available for use as energy. Oral and intravenous administration
of MCT oil produces hyperketonemia, or circulating ketone bodies, which are then available to
the brain for energy, in the absence of glucose and even in the presence of glucose. In addition,
hyperketonemia results in a substantial (39%) increase in cerebral blood flow, and appears to
reduce cognitive dysfunction associated with systemic hypoglycemia in normal humans."
-- My former husband comments that his younger son, who has congenital liver problems, found
MCFAs from coconut the only oil he could tolerate before a liver transplant in 2007! Other oils
took too much work for his ailing liver to process.
-- Many people report weight loss - if needed, using coconut oil. Dr Bruce Fife, ND who wrote
The Coconut Oil Miracle lost 20# within the first few months of use. I've lost about 20# since
making the switch to coconut oil AND going gluten free last summer. Coconut oil balances the
thyroid, increases metabolism & boosts energy, it becomes easier to exercise, & burni stored
fats, without feeling hungry. I also avoid most soy (which depresses the thyroid, & is
'traditionally' consumed fermented - temphe, miso & tofu; I stick to these (always Organic!)
occasionally, plus occasional use of GF, Organic tamari or Braggs Liquid aminos!).
Dr Newport: "If you are using any type of hydrogenated vegetable oil or any oil with trans
fat, do not use any more and get rid of it! Extra virgin olive oil, butter and other natural, non-
hydrogenated oils are okay to use along with the coconut oil. It is possible to use coconut oil in
place of all other oils, however, since it contains no omega-3 fatty acids, it is very important to
eat salmon twice a week or get enough omega-3 fatty acid from other rich sources such as fish
oil capsules, flax meal, flax oil (not for cooking) or walnuts."
Another author writes: "Researchers have known for quite some time that the secret to
health and weight loss associated with coconut oil is related to the length of the fatty acid
chains contained in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains what are called medium chain fatty acids,
or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs for short). These medium chain fatty acids are different from
the common longer chain fatty acids found in other plant-based oils. Most vegetable oils are
composed of longer chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (LCTs). LCTs are typically stored in
the body as fat, while MCTs are burned for energy. MCTs burn up quickly in the body. They are
a lot like adding kindling to a fireplace, rather than a big damp log."
How can we use coconut oil & other coconut products?
-- As Dr Newport says, it's possible to use coconut oil in place of all other oils, being sure to
supplement with some Omega-3 oils (fish a couple of times weekly or fish oil, flax seed, . . . )
You can include some olive oil (mostly mono-saturates, & more neutral) - but that's best used
cold (salad dressings, dipping oil, etc) Olive can be blended with coconut oil for dressing, which
will be liquid at room temperature in the summer, or can be warmed in a bowl of water in the
winter.
-- I make my own flax meal by grinding lightly toasted flax & sesame seeds in a seed grinder,
then FREEZING it (I just fill the hopper, which makes a small ~ 1/4 C day batch), & sprinkle a
Tbsp. or so on my morning granola or in a smoothie! See my Recipe page for some ideas!
Look for OVC - Organic Virgin Coconut oil, & other OG coconut products!
- Stable at room temp for 2-5 years, because it's naturally hydrogenated, it's not likely to go
rancid.
- Great for medium heat cooking, baking, & straight from the spoon.
- Go slow - start with 1 tsp coconut oil the first week or so; since it's anti-viral, anti-fungal
& anti-bacterial; (if germ cells have a lipid [fatty] coat, it destroys them) coconut oil will begin to
cause yeast die off, & loose stools. Increase the amount you're using gradually, & drop back if you
experience problems! (capric acid, found in Coconut Oil, is used in Candida treatment)
Coconut flour is high in soluble fiber, & is another boon to those seeking relief from Candida, or
wanting to increase fiber in their diet. I use 1/3 C coconut flour in most of my Gluten Free scone
& bread recipes.
- Dr Fife & Dr Newport suggest working up to 2-4 Tbsp of oil a day, more (6-8 T) if you're
exposed to flu or other 'bugs.' I also rub it on my throat & chest when I'm exposed to 'bugs.'
One can of coconut milk, or 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut, or 1/2 a 'fresh' coconut (shake it &
find one that's heavy, no mold on the eyes, & still has water, which you can drink.) You'll find
recipes for coconut milk yogurt & kefir on that page.
- Offer a tsp to your small dog or cat, A Tbsp (or more) for larger dogs - my daughter's husky
waits for his in the morning! It helps rid animals of worms, & has the same disease preventative
qualities as for humans.
- Coconut is on the FDA 'GRAS' - 'generally recognized as safe' list - coconut products are food,
not a supplement@! Yes, you'll find high priced coconut oil capsules on Natural food store
shelves, pass those by & pick up some OVC oil, milk & flakes, & start adding them to your
recipes!!
- pregnant & nursing moms - including coconut oil in your diet "increases the fatty acids, lauric
acid and capric acid, which have potent antimicrobial properties. These fatty acids offer the
nursing infant protection from viruses such as herpes and HIV, protozoa such as giardia lamblia,
and bacteria such as chlamydia and heliocobater. Again, if you have problems with candida,
start slow!! (& your ingestion of coconut oil etc. will help stave off thrush & cradle cap in your
infant!)
"A study published in 1998 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that lactating
mothers who eat coconut oil and other coconut products, have significantly increased levels of
lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk. Thus, the milk supply has increased amounts of
the protective antimicrobials , which will give even greater protection to the nursing infant."
- Dr Fife suggests adding 1/2 can purified water to 1 can of coconut oil, & perhaps a bit of
vanilla if you want to drink it, or use it on cereal, etc. Some diabetics have found drinking 1/2
cup before bed keeps their blood sugar stable through the night. (or try coconut yogurt or kefir!)
- I use coconut milk to make yogurt, kefir, & in most recipes calling for milk.
Some brands to try:
Artisana makes delightful 'butters' using whole coconut - a bit more expensive, but 'eat from the
jar' good!
Tropical Traditions is mentioned by many as an eco-friendly brand. They also have recipes. I
picked up organic coconut flour from Bob's Red Mill last week, & am
Mountain Rose Herbs carries both OVC & a less expensive form for body care (it's great as a
skin moisturizer & for massage! I've been using it for sessions for about a month, with great
feedback)
Nutiva, Aunt Patties, & Spectrum are available in this area..
*Information on this site is intended to whet your interest. I encourage you to do your own
research on these topics! This info. is not intended to replace consultation with the medical
professional of your choice!
| Updated 01/20/11 |
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| * Coconut * Tree of Life throughout the Southern Hemisphere! |