By Nadia Arévalo
Wellness Food Consultant

Coconut Oil

      You may have heard of the amazing health benefits of coconut oil—or that it’s high saturated fat content means to stay away from this oil. After years of research from doctors, scientists and nutritionist, they have found that medium chain fatty acids, the type of saturated fat coconut oil is mostly comprised of, is healthier for us than we thought just a few years ago. The key is the medium chain fatty acids which are quickly assimilated in our bodies for energy. The fats go directly to the liver, by-passing the need for our digestive system to formally digest this fat, as would vegetable oils. The fact that coconut oil is easily burned and used by our bodies makes it a metabolism and thyroid booster. In addition, coconut oil is also an immune system booster, as the lauric acid (the primary medium chain fatty acid) kills certain viruses, fungi and bad bacteria. New research has even come out about coconut oil helping with tooth decay, hair lice and benefiting Alzheimer’s. This very stable oil is one I use every day- I use it to sauté vegetables, spread on toast, melt on top of my oatmeal or mashed potatoes, and blend in my smoothies. But it doesn’t stop here with food—it works great as a skin cleanser, body moisturizer, massage oil, and hair serum for dry ends. Look into coconut oil! Go for organic, extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil in your grocery store.

Nadia holds a BS in Nutritional Sciences and a Certificate in Alternative Nutrition, and Beginning Culinary Arts. For more information, email food.consultant@yahoo.com