Coconut oil

I'm not sure about all the neutracutical claims of the stuff, but it is pretty tasty to cook shrimp in.

Helpful for what? Weight loss? Nutrition? It's not a miracle food for weight loss since it's pretty high in calories and should be used sparingly. I do hear though that it is good for hair and skin and I have experienced better hair and skin but that could also be the copious amount of avocados and leafy greens I've been eating lately. I do recommend for cooking though because it tastes awesome!

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IMO this is a fad thing, just a trend. The so-called paleo folk seem to think it's God's gift, but I challenge anyone to find a caveman who made coffee with coconut oil and whatever that other processed oil is that they use. Anyway, if you're just trying to lose weight, look better, feel better, I'd probably follow the advice of veteran MFP people, eat under your caloric intake, be reasonable and take it slow. Nothing is going to make the fat going away instantly, not even coconut oil.

salembambi wrote: »

no it tastes horrible but it works well to gently remove eye make up

I keep a jar in my bathroom for makeup removal, and as a mixer for my homemade skin moisturizer. for the kitchen, I mostly stick to butter and/or olive oil, depending on what I'm cooking up.

It works great on dry skin as a moisturizer and it also has antibacterial properties so it's great for a baby's diaper rash.

It's also tasty to sauté onions in.

I like it, but I'd never put it in my coffee....

Here's some ways to use it: http://everydayroots.com/coconut-oil-uses

I've used it as makeup remover. There are better options in terms of what oils to use for cooking. Coconut oil is a saturated fat and should be limited in one's diet.

melissamarie2196 wrote: »

Does anyone use Coconut oil?I have read so much about the benefits and people even useing it in there coffees, Iam looking into cooking with this and also maybe melting this in my coffee...Has anyone found coconut oil helpful???

I like to cook with it, although I also cook with olive oil and butter. I can't see the appeal of putting it in my coffee--not to my taste and I am not having trouble coming up with more standard ways to get in sufficient fats (cooking veggies is always one way).

I'm skeptical about the claims that it has any positive nutritional effects beyond being a good fat to have in your diet, no better than olive oil, really. Adds a pleasant taste in the right dish, though.

There are a lot of MYTHS about coconut oil.

Myth #1 - Coconut Oil contains a lot of fat so it must be fattening.

Truth - Not all fat makes you fat. Certain fats do cause weight gain, but other good fats will actually burn unwanted fat off your body and accelerate your metabolism.

Myth #2 - Coconut Oil contains almost all saturated fat so it must be bad for you.

Truth - Saturated Fat is not the cause of heart disease, weight gain and high cholesterol. Saturated Fat has been falsely accused and it is SUGAR that is Enemy Numero Uno

Myth #3 - Coconut Oil should be avoided by those who are at risk for heart disease .

Truth - The fat in coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can consume (yes, even for those with heart disease). It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties and contains no trans fat. The saturated fat in coconut oil is different than many other oils in that it is of the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) variety. The body digests MCFAs more easily and sends these fats directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. A fat that is used to make energy instead of storing it on our bodies.

I use unrefined, organic coconut oil for all of my cooking needs. 1 - 2 tsps for most cooking is more than enough. You can even use it raw if you like, I don't think it has much of a taste but it doesnt taste bad. I usually have about 2-3 total Tbsp per day which is a perfect amount for a fat burning eating plan. While it's really good for you, there's no need to go overboard

Not sure why people put it in coffee....maybe as a cream substitute. Not sure if i would do that but i would try anything once!

Angelina3894 wrote: »

Truth - Not all fat makes you fat. Certain fats do cause weight gain, but other good fats will actually burn unwanted fat off your body and accelerate your metabolism.

Fat "causes" weight gain only in that it has more calories per gram compared with the other macros, so foods that are mostly fat tend to have a high number of calories per gram. For example, oils, including coconut, are about 100 calories/tbsp.

It is not true that eating some fats independent of the calories in the fat or in the rest of your diet somehow can "make you fat," nor is it true that we are somehow immune from the effect of the calories in "good fats" on our weight, should we eat more calories than we burn.

It would be nice, but sadly no.

nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Pretty decent article on coconut oil.

Coconut oil is not some magic oil. It is just oil. It is 120 calories per 14 grams (1 tablespoon), which you have to account for in your food diary.

I use it to cook everyday (when I don't use butter instead). Have I seen some dramatic miracle weight loss? No. Have I seen my skin go from dull and drab to glowing and radiant? No. Have I seen my dental health dramatically improve as of late? No. It's a good way to get in some fats, but it's not a miracle in a container.

I use it on my elbows, lips, hair, and to remove makeup I intend to cook with it, but just haven't yet.

Sorry don't know how to do hyperlinks.


http://themindunleashed.org/2014/12/50-latest-coconut-oil-benefits-backed-science.html

I use it to cook, I use it on my skin after the shower, I put it on my lips as a moisturizer, I use it as a make up remover and I put it in my hair. I'm coconut oil obsessed! Love it!