Benefits of Coconut Oil

At one time, coconut oil used to be thought of as the bad oil, the unhealthy choice. But research has proven that in fact, coconut oil is indeed a heart healthy food, and the bonus is it tastes so good too!

Here are some reasons you should be adding coconut oil to your diet:

Coconut oil contains the healthy saturated fat which means our body metabolises these fats in liver and immediately converts it to energy where it is used for fuel for the brain and muscle function.

There is a weight-loss link to consuming coconut oil. It is easy to digest and protects the body from insulin resistance. It also helps stimulate your metabolism, which in turn helps you build more calories each day, thus helping you accelerate weight loss.

Coconut oil is so easy to digest. It has been found to help in some digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. The bacteria that causes poor digestion is soothed with coconut oil’s microbial properties thus easing digestion.

It can help with aging. The most well-known benefit, it’s great for your skin! The oils found in the coconut keep the skin’s connective tissues strong which prevent sagging and wrinkles.

Some other benefits are:

Coconut oil allows you to cook at a higher temperature. This is great for recipes that require high temperatures.

Coconut oil helps in stopping the sugar cravings. The good quality fat is more satiating than carbs

Coconut oil has a long shelf life and does not have to be refrigerated but should be out of direct sunlight.

Now you ask, HOW do you incorporate it in your current plans? Very simple, you can use to fry, stir-fry, or sautee your food, add to your shakes or smoothies, use on your salads, bake with it (see the delicious Coco for Protein Coconut Balls recipe below!), or eat it right off a spoon!

Coco for Protein Coconut Balls
Ingredients:
3 scoops Chocolate whey protein powder
120 gms Oatmeal
30 gms hazel nuts
2 tsp cocoa powder
Sprinkle cinnamon
80 ml milk (any kind)
2 tbsps natural peanut butter
1/3 cup Coconut shavings

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients except the coconut shavings together in a bowl and roll into 1 ½” balls
Roll the balls into the coconut shavings
Place the balls in the fridge for approx. 10 minutes to set
Enjoy!!!

Makes about 12 balls.
Nutritional Facts per ball: 120 Calories, 8g Protein, 7g Carbs, 5g Fat

Now you can see why I love Coconut Oil! It is so beneficial, tastes great, and is easily available in your health food stores. I honestly believe you are going to love it too, so go grab some and get creative!

Would love to hear how you make out!
Nichelle Laus
ww.nichellelaus.com