Green Diva’s Guide to Delicious Living – Coconut Oil, Healthy Fat?

A couple of years ago, I made a rare excursion to the doctor. A friend had recommended a holistically minded MD. I was skeptical, but was impressed as he seemed to have a healthy balance in his diagnostic abilities and his analysis of the best course of action, which may or may not include surgery, pharmaceuticals, acupuncture, or homeopathy. He is uncharacteristically knowledgeable about nutrition.

I was particularly impressed when my fiancé, who had seen a medical doctor about an abdominal hernia, went to Dr. Parvalescu for a second opinion. We expected the first doctor to push for surgery. He didn’t and said it wasn’t a big deal. When he went to Dr. Parvalescu, Dr. P insisted he take it seriously and go for surgery ASAP. He turned out to be right and I’ve trusted his judgment and knowledge of various aspects of medicine and health since then.

So, when he said I should start taking 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day and insisted I get my daughters to do the same, I paid attention. He said he’s got his wife doing it and it has a multitude of health qualities, particularly for women.

I’ve been quite stunned by the things I’ve read. The Weston A. Price Foundation has a great paper, called, ‘A New Look at Coconut Oil’ on it that references a mess of studies. I highly recommend it.

Coconut oil is touted to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, it has antimacrobial qualities, and it may reduce the risk of some cancers, among other claims.

Virgin v. Refined

The virgin variety is pretty much like it sounds – closest to its original, natural form. I use an organic version of the virgin coconut oil. It comes in a jar and is solid mostly. It melts quickly and happens to be delicious, but not generally used for high-heat cooking. The refined kind is more processed, but is best used for frying or high-heat cooking. Check wikipedia’s descriptions of the various types of coconut oil

I also stumbled upon a great page that has a experiential discussion about the use and benefits of coconut oil.

I love to have some of my coconut oil on toast with peanut butter. Yum.

I want to hear coconut oil stories and see yummy virgin coconut oil recipes, so please comment!