Taking it Further: with Coconut Oil

In the beginning of this crazy journey of mine, I was determine to make this blog solely about doTERRA and how essential oils are changing our lives for the better....but lately I keep finding myself wanting to write about other things that are affecting my family in positive ways. And I thought, hey its my blog, why not!

I've already talked about my love of fermented pico de gallo, and how I'm obsessed with doTERRA, so today I am going to write about coconut oil. Oh coconut oil, I could write a poem called Ode to Coconut Oil I love it so much...but I wont because that would be silly...and you might stop reading my blog ;)

Jumping into it, there are so many reasons to love coconut oil. If we are talking nutrition labels here, coconut oil has a lot of saturated fat. Now don't get scared off, because there are so many wonderful reasons for these particular saturated fats! According to Nutrition and You:

• Despite its high saturated fats composition, coconut oil characteristically has its own set of health benefits. MCTs absorbs passively and enter the blood system inside the gut without the mediation of transport channels. Several research studies suggest that these fats help reach early satiety and increase blood HDL/total cholesterol levels.
  
• Lauric acid and other MCTs absorb passively into the blood stream and thus save energy and bring early sense of satiety. These characteristics of coconut oil strongly commended by some nutrition scientists like Mary Gertrude Enig who is among the strong advocators of saturated fat benefits. When consumed in moderation over the period of time, saturated fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides may help control body weight and a reduction in risk of atherosclerosis.
  
• Cold-pressed oil contains a small amount of vitamin E and other tocopherols. 100 g fresh oil composes of 0.19 mcg of vitamin E.
  

As for moving past all that mumbo jumbo, coconut oil has saved me from going insane. Seriously. Not only do I use it on my babies bums for diaper rashes, I also use it to remove eye make up, and moisturize my face after a good wash. But my favorite is still cooking. Without coconut oil there are so many things I wouldn't have been able to eat when I was obligated to be dairy free. And now that its looking like our littlest one is going to continue to be lactose sensitive, coconut oil is an answer to a prayer. How? Let me tell you :)

Coconut oil can be used to replace any recipe calling for butter. Any. Recipe. At first I noticed the coconut taste and I wasn't terribly sure I was going to love it on everything, but I was proven wrong. I use it in baking like making brownies from scratch (or hey, if you use a box you can use it to substitute the oil!) and in cooking like frying corn tortillas or as a non stick agent instead of butter for grilled cheeses, quesadillas (dairy free cheese options) or anything going in a pan on the stove. Frying hashbrowns? Throw coconut oil down first. Need melted butter for cupcakes? Coconut oil. Whipped butter for icing? Coconut oil. Caramelizing onions for dinner? Coconut oil. I. love. coconut oil!

Here's a recipe I brought to a function last night and they were raved about....I love brownies!

Jenn

www.mydoterra.com/doterrabyjennifer

**I am not a doctor. Consult with your doctor before trying any essential oils or doTERRA products, especially if you have a medical condition**