I hosted my parents over for dinner last week and while I was cooking I heard my mom rummaging through my cabinets and looking in my refrigerator door… “What is umeboshi paste?? What do you use this for?? What else do you have in here that I need to know about!” She found several items that she vowed to put on her next shopping list. I was thinking about this and how many of you must be in the same boat - not knowing what to buy or not knowing what is even out there! So I’m starting a little product segment that will highlight some of my favorite pantry and cooking staples. Maybe you will read about something new as well. ♥

Coconut oil is distinct and complex. You can use in cooking, baking, skincare, haircare, beverages and smoothies… it’s really a must-have item for your Medicine Kitchen. Here are some coconutty facts:

Coconut oil contains a very high quantity of lauric acid. This fatty acid has strong anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. It is thought that in tropical populations, coconut oil had originally protected people from bacterial, viral and fungal infections so common in those regions. Nature’s way of achieving balance!
Lauric acid is also found in high amounts in mother’s milk & coconut oil is often used in baby formulas because of this. These fatty acids are essential for brain health and development.
Highly saturated tropical oils like coconut oil do not contribute to heart disease. In fact, 50% of the fat in your diet needs to be saturated to optimally use calcium for bone health.
Coconut oil is a good fat - one that doesn’t turn into fat in our bodies easily. It also acts more like a carbohydrate in that it can be utilized quickly for energy.
The coconut is sometimes referred to as “nature’s perfect food” due to its combination of healthy fats, proteins, minerals and that all parts can be eaten or used for nourishment.

I personally use coconut oil when I make curry, eggs, or stir fry veggies. I use a teaspoon in my hot tea some mornings for flavor and fuel. I use it externally for dry skin and as a massage oil, and it makes a great carrier for essential aromatherapy oils. I encourage you to try it - the raw, organic coconut oil has a wonderful flavor and retains all the health benefits listed above. If you really want to understand the myriad wonders of this food, read The Coconut Oil Miracle!