Coconut Oil

  • Kingdom
    Plantae
  • Genus
    Cocos
  • Species
    C. nucifera
  • Scientific Name
    Cocos nucifera

History

  • While the origins of the coconut are subject to controversy, including areas of south Asia, northwestern South America, New Zealand, and India, it has spread generously across the tropics, thriving on sandy soils.
  • Coconut has about 2,600 species in the palm family Arecaceae and it is the only extant species in the genus Cocos.
  • Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means “monkey face” because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means “nut-bearing.”

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Uses

  • Medicine
  • Cosmetic
  • Culinary

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Benefits

  • Prevents heart disease and high blood pressure
  • Treats UTI and kidney infection and protects the liver
  • Reduces inflammation and arthritis
  • Cancer prevention and treatment
  • Immune system boost (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral)
  • Improves memory and brain function
  • Improves energy and endurance
  • Improves digestion, reduces stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis
  • Reduces symptoms of gallbladder disease and pancreatitis
  • Improves skin issues (burns, eczema, dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis)
  • Prevents osteoporosis
  • Prevents gum disease and tooth decay
  • Improves type ii diabetes
  • Coconut oil for anti-aging
  • Candida and yeast infections
  • Improves hair condition
  • Coconut oil for hormone balance

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Interesting Facts

  • Coconut palms are intolerant of freezing weather. They will show leaf injury below 34ºF (1ºC), defoliate at 30ºF (-1ºC), and die at 27ºF (-3ºC).
  • Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a “functional food” because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content.
  • Coconut is also extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations.
  • Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called “The Tree of Life.”

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Additional Tips

  • Cooking at High Heat (Sauteing and Frying): Coconut oil is great for cooking at a high heat because of its high smoke point. Many other oils like olive oil can oxidize when heated but because coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated fats it remains stable under high temperatures.
  • Prolong the Freshness of Eggs: You can use coconut oil to seal the pores in an egg shell and prolong the life of the eggs in your refrigerator. Try swiping a small amount of oil over the shells of the eggs and leaving it to penetrate, which will help prevent exposure to oxygen. This method should extend the life of your eggs for 1-2 weeks.
  • Wrinkle Reducer: For areas of concern around eyes, dab just a touch around the eyes to help fight pre-maturing aging. Leave the oil on overnight to soak in, and wake up looking refreshed. Combine with frankincense oil for additional anti-aging benefits.

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Caution

  • All high-fat foods and oils are high in calories. Adding in more calorie-dense food to a diet that already has plenty of calories will not result in weight loss.

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Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is for informational purposes only. Those with a medical condition or concern are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner. Consult with your doctor before taking nutritional supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any health conditions.