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 fiancΓ©, 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 didnβt and said it wasnβt 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 Iβve 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 heβs got his wife doing it and it has a multitude of health qualities, particularly for women.
Iβve been quite stunned by the things Iβve read. The Weston A. Price Foundation has a great paper, called, βA New Look at Coconut Oilβ 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!
Green Diva meg
adendum! i just re-read that wikipedia page mentioned in the post, and made it to the bottom of the page. Coconut oil for biodiesel and jet fuel?!?!