Did you know coconut oil has such a wide array of health benefits that I can't possibly list them all here?

I know, I know – you've heard that coconut oil is actually really bad for you because it is a saturated fat.  But, did you know that your body needs saturated fat to survive and be healthy?  Of course, everything in moderation!  Don't discount coconut oil as part of your preventative health care.  It's the hydrongenated version of any oil that is bad for you.  Only buy organic unrefined coconut oil and you'll be heaping on all the benefits listed below!

Part of the healthy success extra virgin coconut oil enjoys comes from the essential fatty acids which make up this superfood.  In the body, essential fatty acids are primarily used to produce hormone-like substances that regulate a wide range of functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting, blood lipid levels, the immune response, and the inflammation response to injury infection. Miss out on those fatty acids and you miss out on all those health benefits!

Here are just a few of the fatty acids contained in coconut oil:

Lauric Acid – The human body changes this important acid into monolaurin which helps eliminate viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, influenza, and even HIV.  After the body changes the lauric acid, it exhibits antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria. It acts by disrupting the lipid membranes in organisms like fungus, bacteria and viruses, thus destroying them.

Caprylic Acid – antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, extremely effective in the treatment of candidiasis (yeast).

Oleic Acid – may hinder the progression of Adrenoleukodystrophy, a fatal disease that affects the brain and adrenal gland, may help boost memory, monounsaturated fatty acid levels in the membranes of red blood cells have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Oleic acid may be responsible for the hypotensive(blood pressure reducing) effects of olive oil.

Are you ready for the list of ailments you will be combating by taking in 3 to 5 Tablespoons of organic unrefined coconut oil each day?

Heart Disease – The high concentration of lauric acid within coconut oil helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful.  It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

Weight Loss – Since coconut oil is so easy to digest, it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzyme systems. It increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. People who eat coconut oil daily are normally not overweight.  I have personal experience with this benefit!  I took 2 to 3 Tablespoons of coconut oil while pregnant with baby #4 and gained only a small, healthy amount of weight.

Digestion – Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, bacteria or certain fungi are the cause of indigestion.  Since coconut oil is both antibacterial and antifungal, daily ingestion will help with this issue. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids. That's why it's perfect in a smoothie with calcium-rich yogurt for your bones and lots of fresh fruit for the rest of your body!

Immunity – It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Diabetes – Coconut oil helps regulate blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

HIV and Cancer – It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients.

Other – treats pancreatitis, promotes kidney and liver health, helps dissolve kidney stones, the acids in coconut oil combine to give you great healing power on body tissue (things like bruises) and will guard against infection.  We use coconut oil at the very first sign of diaper rash and as part of a chest rub during a cold or cough.  Coconut oil has also been used to help stop tooth decay.

That's definitely some food for thought!

Buy some coconut oil today and start incorporating the amazing health benefits of organic unrefined coconut oil into diet right away!

Chances are, you already know that you can cook with coconut oil.  Organic, extra virgin coconut oil adds a wonderful flavor to many dishes – my favorite snack is popcorn popped in coconut oil.

But, did you know that you can also use this extraordinary food in your beauty regimen?  You are about to find out!

Anti-Frizz Agent:  My hair cannot decide what it is – curly or straight so it freaks out somewhere in the middle! AND, I live in humid, subtropical Florida! Hair Nightmare Extraordinaire!! It WAS a nightmare until I started using a little coconut oil on my hair when it was wet. With just a few drops of coconut oil, I have tamed the frizzy hair beast. When I used the store-bought anti-frizz products, my hair would be better for a little while. By the end of the day, my hair was frizzy AND dry, thereby making the problem worse in the long run, not better.  Using organic, extra virgin coconut oil changed all that.

Dandruff Fighter:  Coconut oil will soothe irritated and itchy scalps, which are sometimes the cause of dandruff.  It will also help skin conditions like psoriasis on the scalp.  Right before bedtime, use a good amount of coconut oil and slather it all over your scalp while gently massaging it in.  You can cover your hair with a plastic bag to protect your bed linens and night clothes or cover your pillow with a few towels.  In the morning, use a gentle dandruff shampoo or all-natural shampoo to remove excess oil.  Report this procedure every week or so until you see some good results, then you might be able to cut back to once a month.

Skin Moisturizer:  Rub this luxurious oil over your skin after a shower and enjoy soft, supple skin.  This moisturizer won't clog your pores or introduce chemicals and preservatives into your body.  Just healthy and natural softness!  I really like that this oil soaks in so quickly.  I've used olive oil in the past as well and that takes quite a bit longer to absorb.  Coconut oil is still an oil, so just make sure it's all soaked in before you pull your clothing over your skin.

Hot Oil Treatment:  Every once in a while, your hair needs to be pampered and spoiled.  Extra virgin coconut oil is the perfect ingredient for the job!  Using the same steps as you did above to fight dandruff, apply a liberal amount of coconut oil to your scalp and hair all the way to the roots.  Really make sure all those split ends get covered.  Carefully tie a plastic bag over your hair – this will keep your body heat in and warm up the oil.  Shampoo in the morning and enjoy healthy hair!

Those are just a few of the uses for organic, unrefined coconut oil in your beauty regimen!  Start experimenting – there are many more ways to use this powerhouse oil in your everyday life!