Coconut Oil
Replies
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Agree with @elaineamj - best lotion ever, and seems like it would be greasy.
We also use it to cook, but that's just because we like the taste. Sometimes we use olive oil (we have about 10 infused kinds as well), sometimes coconut oil, sometimes butter, etc.0 -
juggernaut1974 wrote: »Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »I've tried "oil pulling". DH and I swished coconut milk for 20 mins daily for 2 weeks. Our teeth felt amazingly clean - but we quit after that. Too much hassle plus it was annoying only being able to grunt for 20 mins every day.
FYI, if you swish just about any oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, they will feel clean. Considering that they've been bathed for 20 minutes and covered in oil.
Nothing wrong with plain old brushing your teeth, flossing, and mouthwash.
You're so 'old-fashioned'...
I need to get with the times. Laying in bed to swish oil in my mouth for 20 minutes is so much more convenient!
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Current view seems to be that coconut oil is better for us/less bad for us than was once thought, and has some positive effects on cholesterol that ameliorate the negative effects some experience from sat fat.
IMO, it's not a great source of lots of calories (although it's a fine source of some, like with cooking with it), since it doesn't provide much beyond calories (and taste if you are into it -- I can't imagine any oil tastes that good on its own, although I have done an olive oil tasting at a fancy olive oil store, heh).
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-fats/Are coconut oil and palm oil healthy?
Willett: Coconut oil and palm oil are higher in saturated fat than other plant oils. They are less harmful than partially hydrogenated oil, which is high in trans fats. But they are less beneficial for the heart than plant oils that are rich in unsaturated fats — olive, canola, sunflower, and other oils. Coconut oil increases good cholesterol, which may make it a good choice when cooking a dish that needs a little hard fat.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/coconut-oil-supervillain-or-superfoodNot so long ago, we were warned off coconut oil as a sneaky vegetable food hiding a high percentage of saturated fat. Now, the same product has re-emerged as a sexy new superfood.
To set the record straight, nothing has changed about coconut oil’s fat composition. It still contains about 90% saturated fat—a much higher proportion than butter or even lard. However, unlike fats from animal sources, coconut oil is composed largely of medium-chain fatty acids. The liver converts these smaller molecules into energy more easily, so they are less likely to form artery-clogging LDL.
But Dr. Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, cautions against too much excitement. “There are not as many long-term studies on coconut oil as there are for soybean oil or olive oil,” he says. Based on the research, coconut oil has about the same effect on lipids as butter. “Compared with a diet high in refined carbohydrates, it is a better source of calories than white flour, but that is not a very good reference point,” he adds.
Also:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/ask-well-is-coconut-oil-a-healthy-fat/
And this is a fun and even-handed article (with baking tips) about the trend: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=allMarisa Moore, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, a nonprofit association of nutritionists, said, “Different types of saturated fats behave differently.”
The main saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid increases levels of good HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, and bad LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, in the blood, but is not thought to negatively affect the overall ratio of the two.
She went on to say that while it is still uncertain whether coconut oil is actively beneficial the way olive oil is, small amounts probably are not harmful. The new federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that no more than 10 percent of total dietary calories a day come from saturated fat. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 20 grams.
Any number of health claims have been made for lauric acid. According to proponents, it’s a wonder substance with possible antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties that could also, in theory, combat H.I.V., clear up acne and speed up your metabolism. Researchers are skeptical.
“There are a lot of claims that coconut oil may have health benefits, but there is no concrete scientific data yet to support this,” said Dr. Daniel Hwang, a research molecular biologist specializing in lauric acid at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis.
But, he added, “Coconut is good food, in moderation.”
It seems safe to say that if I eat it just once in a while, coconut oil probably isn’t going to give me a heart attack, make me thinner or ward off the flu. What I really wanted to know was, how can I cook with it?
I don't have coconut oil much in my diet and I'm not sure the health benefits but I know the lauric acid reallly makes this oil a great ingredient in shaving soap! No, I'm not eating it.
Coconut oil makes the best soap. I use a blend of coconut, castor, and olive oil to make my soap.0 -
Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »I've tried "oil pulling". DH and I swished coconut milk for 20 mins daily for 2 weeks. Our teeth felt amazingly clean - but we quit after that. Too much hassle plus it was annoying only being able to grunt for 20 mins every day.
FYI, if you swish just about any oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, they will feel clean. Considering that they've been bathed for 20 minutes and covered in oil.
Nothing wrong with plain old brushing your teeth, flossing, and mouthwash.
ROFL! Great point
We've switched to brushing our teeth with tooth powder made with baking soda&salt. They feel amazingly clean and is ridiculously cheap.
Well good. Congrats on finding something affordable and effective.
HOWEVER (and this is OT, I'm sorry), I'd worry a bit about not exposing my teeth to enough fluoride with this method. Just make sure you are going to the dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Fluoride is important!0 -
Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »I've tried "oil pulling". DH and I swished coconut milk for 20 mins daily for 2 weeks. Our teeth felt amazingly clean - but we quit after that. Too much hassle plus it was annoying only being able to grunt for 20 mins every day.
FYI, if you swish just about any oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, they will feel clean. Considering that they've been bathed for 20 minutes and covered in oil.
Nothing wrong with plain old brushing your teeth, flossing, and mouthwash.
ROFL! Great point
We've switched to brushing our teeth with tooth powder made with baking soda&salt. They feel amazingly clean and is ridiculously cheap.
Well good. Congrats on finding something affordable and effective.
HOWEVER (and this is OT, I'm sorry), I'd worry a bit about not exposing my teeth to enough fluoride with this method. Just make sure you are going to the dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Fluoride is important!
Flouride you say?
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Current view seems to be that coconut oil is better for us/less bad for us than was once thought, and has some positive effects on cholesterol that ameliorate the negative effects some experience from sat fat.
IMO, it's not a great source of lots of calories (although it's a fine source of some, like with cooking with it), since it doesn't provide much beyond calories (and taste if you are into it -- I can't imagine any oil tastes that good on its own, although I have done an olive oil tasting at a fancy olive oil store, heh).
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-fats/Are coconut oil and palm oil healthy?
Willett: Coconut oil and palm oil are higher in saturated fat than other plant oils. They are less harmful than partially hydrogenated oil, which is high in trans fats. But they are less beneficial for the heart than plant oils that are rich in unsaturated fats — olive, canola, sunflower, and other oils. Coconut oil increases good cholesterol, which may make it a good choice when cooking a dish that needs a little hard fat.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/coconut-oil-supervillain-or-superfoodNot so long ago, we were warned off coconut oil as a sneaky vegetable food hiding a high percentage of saturated fat. Now, the same product has re-emerged as a sexy new superfood.
To set the record straight, nothing has changed about coconut oil’s fat composition. It still contains about 90% saturated fat—a much higher proportion than butter or even lard. However, unlike fats from animal sources, coconut oil is composed largely of medium-chain fatty acids. The liver converts these smaller molecules into energy more easily, so they are less likely to form artery-clogging LDL.
But Dr. Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, cautions against too much excitement. “There are not as many long-term studies on coconut oil as there are for soybean oil or olive oil,” he says. Based on the research, coconut oil has about the same effect on lipids as butter. “Compared with a diet high in refined carbohydrates, it is a better source of calories than white flour, but that is not a very good reference point,” he adds.
Also:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/ask-well-is-coconut-oil-a-healthy-fat/
And this is a fun and even-handed article (with baking tips) about the trend: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=allMarisa Moore, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, a nonprofit association of nutritionists, said, “Different types of saturated fats behave differently.”
The main saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid increases levels of good HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, and bad LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, in the blood, but is not thought to negatively affect the overall ratio of the two.
She went on to say that while it is still uncertain whether coconut oil is actively beneficial the way olive oil is, small amounts probably are not harmful. The new federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that no more than 10 percent of total dietary calories a day come from saturated fat. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 20 grams.
Any number of health claims have been made for lauric acid. According to proponents, it’s a wonder substance with possible antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties that could also, in theory, combat H.I.V., clear up acne and speed up your metabolism. Researchers are skeptical.
“There are a lot of claims that coconut oil may have health benefits, but there is no concrete scientific data yet to support this,” said Dr. Daniel Hwang, a research molecular biologist specializing in lauric acid at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis.
But, he added, “Coconut is good food, in moderation.”
It seems safe to say that if I eat it just once in a while, coconut oil probably isn’t going to give me a heart attack, make me thinner or ward off the flu. What I really wanted to know was, how can I cook with it?
I don't have coconut oil much in my diet and I'm not sure the health benefits but I know the lauric acid reallly makes this oil a great ingredient in shaving soap! No, I'm not eating it.
Coconut oil makes the best soap. I use a blend of coconut, castor, and olive oil to make my soap.
Ahh, a soap maker? I imagine you are on B&B too.0 -
It in my coffee was a stretch. I like it in my oatmeal and when I cook. I'll eat it outright at times0
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Those of you who use it for lotion...like, the cooking kind? Or are we using something different?
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Current view seems to be that coconut oil is better for us/less bad for us than was once thought, and has some positive effects on cholesterol that ameliorate the negative effects some experience from sat fat.
IMO, it's not a great source of lots of calories (although it's a fine source of some, like with cooking with it), since it doesn't provide much beyond calories (and taste if you are into it -- I can't imagine any oil tastes that good on its own, although I have done an olive oil tasting at a fancy olive oil store, heh).
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-fats/Are coconut oil and palm oil healthy?
Willett: Coconut oil and palm oil are higher in saturated fat than other plant oils. They are less harmful than partially hydrogenated oil, which is high in trans fats. But they are less beneficial for the heart than plant oils that are rich in unsaturated fats — olive, canola, sunflower, and other oils. Coconut oil increases good cholesterol, which may make it a good choice when cooking a dish that needs a little hard fat.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/coconut-oil-supervillain-or-superfoodNot so long ago, we were warned off coconut oil as a sneaky vegetable food hiding a high percentage of saturated fat. Now, the same product has re-emerged as a sexy new superfood.
To set the record straight, nothing has changed about coconut oil’s fat composition. It still contains about 90% saturated fat—a much higher proportion than butter or even lard. However, unlike fats from animal sources, coconut oil is composed largely of medium-chain fatty acids. The liver converts these smaller molecules into energy more easily, so they are less likely to form artery-clogging LDL.
But Dr. Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, cautions against too much excitement. “There are not as many long-term studies on coconut oil as there are for soybean oil or olive oil,” he says. Based on the research, coconut oil has about the same effect on lipids as butter. “Compared with a diet high in refined carbohydrates, it is a better source of calories than white flour, but that is not a very good reference point,” he adds.
Also:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/ask-well-is-coconut-oil-a-healthy-fat/
And this is a fun and even-handed article (with baking tips) about the trend: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?pagewanted=allMarisa Moore, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, a nonprofit association of nutritionists, said, “Different types of saturated fats behave differently.”
The main saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid increases levels of good HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, and bad LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, in the blood, but is not thought to negatively affect the overall ratio of the two.
She went on to say that while it is still uncertain whether coconut oil is actively beneficial the way olive oil is, small amounts probably are not harmful. The new federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that no more than 10 percent of total dietary calories a day come from saturated fat. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s about 20 grams.
Any number of health claims have been made for lauric acid. According to proponents, it’s a wonder substance with possible antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral properties that could also, in theory, combat H.I.V., clear up acne and speed up your metabolism. Researchers are skeptical.
“There are a lot of claims that coconut oil may have health benefits, but there is no concrete scientific data yet to support this,” said Dr. Daniel Hwang, a research molecular biologist specializing in lauric acid at the Western Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis.
But, he added, “Coconut is good food, in moderation.”
It seems safe to say that if I eat it just once in a while, coconut oil probably isn’t going to give me a heart attack, make me thinner or ward off the flu. What I really wanted to know was, how can I cook with it?
I don't have coconut oil much in my diet and I'm not sure the health benefits but I know the lauric acid reallly makes this oil a great ingredient in shaving soap! No, I'm not eating it.
Coconut oil makes the best soap. I use a blend of coconut, castor, and olive oil to make my soap.
Ahh, a soap maker? I imagine you are on B&B too.
What is B&B?
i make soap and my own personal care products (lotions, conditioner, balms, cold cream, etc). I have been doing this for a while and there was a time pre-internet where it was really hard to get coconut oil. It was considered very unhealthy at that time (1980's-90's) and so nobody sold it. My only source was the popcorn aisle at one grocery store. I am so happy it is readily available again.0 -
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Those of you who use it for lotion...like, the cooking kind? Or are we using something different?
Yes. I made a sugar scrub with coconut oil and sugar and I really like it.
It is comedogenic (pore-clogging) for many people, though, so patch test if you're planning to use it to moisturize your face.0 -
Those of you who use it for lotion...like, the cooking kind? Or are we using something different?
There are three kinds of coconut oil: refined, unrefined, and fractionated. The main difference between the refined and unrefined is that the refined does not smell like coconuts, which some people prefer. Fractionated has had some of the fatty acids removed and is liquid at any temperature. It does absorb nicely into the skin and is frequently used as a massage oil because it is not as greasy as the regular stuff.0 -
Its not the oil it self that is "magical".. There is nothing magical. It does contain MCT's which is processed in liver and readily available for energy (thus the mentions of folks saying they have more energy). Basically is acts more as a carbohydrate than a fat and thus keto'ers use this daily in their diet (hence bullet proof coffee)..
I KETTLE COOK MY POPCORN ... yummilious.. not interested in butter or oil in my coffee, but my popcorn.. now that's da bom...0 -
I like it on my lips, my hair, my legs, my feet, in my coffee, on my dry hands and my occasionally my face. Heck Id eat it out of the jar in solid form. All things coconut.0
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I eat coconut oil everyday, but cant use it on my face as it make me break out
If you really want a burst of energy, give MCT oil a try. 0 -
Never really got a boost of energy from coconut oil but then I wasn't consuming 1/3 to 1/2 of my calories using BPC or whey products. I wonder when people figure out their low carb, MCT, Coconut oil, whey, effect their insulin response do they suddenly switch to the next great energy boosting product? IDK, seems like something to have in moderation like most food items.0
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Lovely hair and skin moisturizer and I will second the popcorn thing too! But it has calories just like every other oil, so count them. Nothing magical about eating it, unless you're talking about what it does for popcorn and stir-fry.
I always have a big jar in my house but I rarely use it for food, outside of a vegetable oil substitute for cooking or baking. Great for pancakes too.0 -
_Terrapin_ wrote: »Never really got a boost of energy from coconut oil but then I wasn't consuming 1/3 to 1/2 of my calories using BPC or whey products. I wonder when people figure out their low carb, MCT, Coconut oil, whey, effect their insulin response do they suddenly switch to the next great energy boosting product? IDK, seems like something to have in moderation like most food items.
Yep.. Next year there will be a new fad out and they will be adding it to their coffee !
Coconut oil is nothing magical op. If you like it then have at it! But if you are expecting to see magical results like curing and preventing disease and illness , don't believe the hype.0 -
_Terrapin_ wrote: »Never really got a boost of energy from coconut oil but then I wasn't consuming 1/3 to 1/2 of my calories using BPC or whey products. I wonder when people figure out their low carb, MCT, Coconut oil, whey, effect their insulin response do they suddenly switch to the next great energy boosting product? IDK, seems like something to have in moderation like most food items.
This is why it is called Low Carb HIGH Fat...0 -
mattyc772014 wrote: »Excellent lube.
I prefer grapeseed oil for those purposes.
But coconut oil is an excellent base for mixing other oils and making a good beard balm. Wonder how many calories I absorb through muh beard though?
Coconut smells better than grape. Your bread must smell nice! Depends on how long you leave the coconuts on your bread to be able to absorb most of the cals.0 -
_Terrapin_ wrote: »Never really got a boost of energy from coconut oil but then I wasn't consuming 1/3 to 1/2 of my calories using BPC or whey products. I wonder when people figure out their low carb, MCT, Coconut oil, whey, effect their insulin response do they suddenly switch to the next great energy boosting product? IDK, seems like something to have in moderation like most food items.
This is why it is called Low Carb HIGH Fat...
I know what it is called; the mistake by some is they aren't understanding the insulin to whey and/or MCT connection and continually misdiagnosis a condition like IR. Ask someone which brings a greater response to insulin: white bread or whey. Most people get it wrong.
*edit...why is MFP quadruple posting?!? Oh, I can fix it.
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I like to toss it my salad. Great nutty taste.0
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::cough cough:: Placebo Effect ::cough cough::0
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Coconut oil is hydrogenated. Just sayin'.0
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FYI......its copha that is the coconut oil that was always used as the 'bad' coconut oil not the extra virgin......some smart people are using the bad press on copha to say extra virgin is awesome and the press was wrong.....guess what so many are buying into the hype!!0
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beemerphile1 wrote: »
Copha is what hydrogenated coconut oil is called and is the bad stuff with all the bad research on it......its a shame they are using this information to sell the extra virgin oil!! They are different!! They also say coconut oil has a very high smoke point UNTURE!!!! Copha has the high smoke point! Unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point than olive oil but now we have a heap of people using unrefined coconut oil to fry in silly silly!!! Because they listen to all the woo0
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