Does anyone use coconut oil

I've been using it as a replacement for cooking oils (cooking eggs, sauteing veggies, etc.) Also have been using it in the shower as a moisterizer, and for the ends of my hair as a conditioner.

I like a lot of the other suggestions for it also...will have to try those.

A couple of years ago I took a one night class on increasing your metabolism. The nutritionist that taught the class presented many products that you can buy in the grocery that are better for you than some of the traditional that we use for cooking/eating. Coconut oil was on the good list because it is a healthy fat. The main point of the class was that our society has caused weight gain by eating low or nonfat products which are not good for the body. When the fat is removed manufacturer's have added sugar or other additives to improve the flavor. Our bodies are designed to ingest fats for healthy digestion and metabolism. That is the premise behind VCO. It is a healthy fat that gets metabolized/used for digestion and will get your metabolism working properly and allow your body to shed fat storage. So research how much healthy fats you should eat per day and see what happens. She also talked about avocadoes, a certain type of mayo found in health food section, etc. as being part of healthy diet. Anything with additives, fructose corn syrup, diet sodas, high sodium, etc. were really bad! She talked about the additives in diet sodas and said they can cause weight gain amongst other issues. My friend cleaned the inside of her toilet tank with a can of diet coke. She poured it in, let it sit for awhile, and then flushed. It looked like new, ugh! I guess it makes for a good drain cleaner too.

Just sharing what I learned but didn't quite get at the time...Now I'm using it!

86% saturated fat. Why would anyone want to eat that....

Multiple studies have shown that saturated fat has no relationship to serum cholesterol. Additionally, saturated fat is resistant to oxidation that causes arterial plaque. Saturated fats also help raise HDL cholesterol, the good kind. They help maintain the integrity of cell membrane tissue, help rid the body of microrganisms like harmful bacteria and viruses, help prevent osteoporosis, contains important vitamins like A and D, contians Omega 3 fatty acids which are crucial for heart health and are hypo allergenic. Additionally Cocnut Oil contains Medium Chain fatty acids which are a readily available energy source and resitant to being stored as adipose tissue.

The "saturated fat is bad for you" myth is an old one that has been disproven. It is quite the opposite and many of the fats like Canola Oil and Safflower Oil that were thought to be more heathful have actually been proven not to be. But don't take my word for it. The research is readily avaiable. Find out for yourself.

That's why anybody would want to eat that!

I just bought some after reading another thread last week regarding coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.... I think someone else
posted the link for that thread. Since that OP said it helped with her low thyroid I figured I would give it a try (I was just diagnosed with a low thyroid). regardless if it helps with my thyroid I am looking forward to the other benefits.

bump

Do other coconut oils have a scent? I've seen a few of you post "it smells great." I have this stuff, and it doesn't smell like anything... http://www.louana.com/product-detail.aspx?productID=75&catID=44&pcatID=37

That's the stuff you want to avoid, it is refined. You want something that specifically says "Virgin" oil. The virgin has the texture of vegetable shortening when cool but when heated goes liquid. It smells and tastes like coconut.

This is the brand of the virgin type I picked up at Whole Foods (on sale this week for $7.99):

http://www.amazon.com/Bronners-Magic-All-One-Fresh-Pressed-Unrefined/dp/B0052AHU38

Louana does go solid. It says on it- Coconut Oil is solid below 76
degrees and liquid above 77 degrees.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/510464-homemade-coconut-butter-by-chocolate-covered-katie

52 Uses for Coconut Oil


Eat a spoonful when you need an energy boost.
Use it as the base for a homemade body scrub.
Use to condition your wooden cutting boards.
Use as a super conditioner on your hair (apply to dry hair, leave in as long as possible and then shampoo as normal).
Use as a styling agent if you have really dry hair. Just rub a tiny bit on your palms and apply to your hair and style as normal.
Keep a little container in your purse for lip moisturizer.
Add a spoonful to your dog or cat’s food. CO is great for our furry friends!
Replace nasty, unhealthy vegetable oils in your cooking and baking with CO.
Make healthy ice cream topping.
Use it for oil pulling.
Use a tiny dab on your underarms for a natural deodorant.
Use coconut oil instead of shaving cream.
Add to your bath tub for a moisturizing soak (a drop of peppermint oil is wonderful!).
Use as a makeup remover.
Use it to help sooth chicken pox, shingles, or other rashes or skin irritations.
Use it to treat athlete’s food, ringworm, or other fungal or yeast infections.
Take a spoonful with your vitamins to help improve absorption.
Spread a thin layer on cuts or burns to speed up healing.
Take up to 5 spoonfuls per day for improved thyroid function.
Add a spoonful to your smoothies for extra nutrition and flavor.
Use on the delicate tissue around your eyes to help prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Use as the base for homemade toothpaste or lotion.
Use in place of massage oil.
Use in place of KY Jelly
Use on your baby’s diaper rash or cradle cap.
Use to help reduce visibility of stretch marks or to prevent stretch marks.
For nursing mothers, use coconut oil on your nipples to prevent cracking and irritation.
For nursing mothers, consuming coconut oil will help increase your milk flow.
Apply to bee stings or bug bites to soothe and heal the wound.
Women can use in the nether regions to relieve yeast infections, dryness, and/or discomfort.
Eat a spoonful with each meal to improve digestion.
If you’re prone to nosebleeds, coat the inside of your nostrils with coconut oil regularly.
Helps soothe and heal hemorrhoids.
Take to helps reduce or eliminate migraines.
Use as the base for a vapor rub.
Mixed with peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, or tea tree oil makes an excellent insect repellant.
Mix with baking soda for a non-toxic “Goo Gone”.
Use to help detox the body during a cleanse or fast.
Use as a metal polish, but always test a small area first.
Use as a leather moisturizer.
Season your cast iron pans.
Use to oil your pans and baking dishes instead of pan spray.
Got gum stuck in your hair? Try using coconut oil to remove without cutting your hair.
Use instead of WD-40.
Use as a personal lubricant (not safe with latex).
Take a spoonful to help with heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion.
Use as a natural sunscreen.
Mix with a tiny bit of fresh lemon juice and use as a furniture polish (always test a small area first!).
Mix with butter and toss your popcorn in it.
Use on cracked or rough heals to help smooth them out.
Massage into your nails and cuticles to help strengthen them.
Use as the base for homemade chocolate candy.
Take a couple spoonfuls every day to help overall immune function.

How expensive is it? where do you buy it?

I bought online Gold Label Virgin
Coconut Oil in Tropical Traditions http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#12

I paid 29.50. I looks good for being pure, virgin, handmade and Certified Organic / FL 32. oz

I bought my VCO at Trader Joe's. A 16 oz. jar for $5.99.
I put it on my Triple Health 100 calorie English Muffin and sprinkle cinnamon spice on it at breakfast. Very good!

I too took the great Trader Joe's price for my purchase... 2@$10 the other day. Love theirs, tastes great with stir-fry, on toast with NB's and for baking, skin, oh the ideas are endless!

I like it as a body moisturizer.

So it's almost a year later since the original post, what are your thoughts? Did this in fact help with weight loss, energy, etc when combined with healhty eating and exercise?

I don't use it in food because it doesn't sit well with me, but I use it for everything else! Moisturizer and hair conditioner, mostly. If you take a couple of tablespoons and coat your hair in it, and leave it in for 2-3 hours before showering, your hair comes out brilliantly shiny and soft. I love it.