The Top 4 Reasons We All Should Be Enjoying Coconut Oil
Coconut has become quite a popular superfood over the last couple of years. Between coconut oil, to MCT oil, and shredded unsweetened coconut, there are many ways to get this healthy fat into your diet.
Let’s take a look at the top four reasons we all should be enjoying more of this superfood, and particularly coconut oil.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
#1 Great For Immune Health: Adding some coconut oil to your diet during cold and flu season is a great way to help ward off germs. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which can help fight off pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus. So, consider adding some to your morning cup of coffee, or blend it into your daily smoothie for an added immune boost.
#2 May Help Burn Fat: Another well-known potential health benefit of coconut oil is its medium-chain triglyceride content, which is thought to help increase fat burning by boosting how many calories you burn. Try adding some coconut oil to your post-workout shake for an added fat burning boost.
#3 Promotes Satiety: Healthy fats are a key part of a balanced diet, and they can help promote satiety. Try drizzling some coconut oil over steamed veggies to help promote satiety and help keep you full longer.
#4 Promotes the Absorption of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, so a healthy fat like coconut oil can help promote the absorption of these essential vitamins. Try adding coconut oil to your stir fry’s or add a slab to things like sweet potato to boost vitamin A absorption.
How to Enjoy More Coconut Oil
Ready to add more coconut oil to your diet to boost overall health? Here are some tips to help get more of this healthy fat into your diet.
- Use as your primary cooking oil.
- Add to your morning cup of coffee.
- Blend into a smoothie.
- Drizzle over vegetables.
- Use in place of butter in your favorite recipes.
Here’s an easy smoothie recipe to help you easily add some coconut oil to your diet. This smoothie works as a great post-workout shake.
Chocolate Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp. raw unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop of collagen protein
- 1 Tbsp. flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp. raw honey
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
Tips on Purchasing Coconut Oil
When purchasing coconut oil, you will want to make sure you stick to unrefined and organic whenever possible. Refined coconut oil goes through a process of baking and bleaching, which can strip the oil of many of the wonderful health benefits it has to offer. In order to maximize the benefits, and enjoy coconut oil that still retains many of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, be sure to choose unrefined.
Plus, unrefined coconut oil is naturally delicious, adding subtle coconut hints to the foods you enjoy it with. Try adding coconut oil into your diet using the tips above to help support health and feel your best.
