Surprise, surprise! Coconut oil is now being recognised as a “superfood.” Because of its unique combination of fatty acids, coconut oil has a profound positive effect on health, including fat loss, better brain function and various other benefits.

Here are the top health benefits of coconut oil that have been confirmed experimentally.

1. Unique combination of fatty acids and its powerful medicinal properties
Coconut oil has been put down in the past because it contains saturated fat. In fact, coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat known to man, with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated. However, new data shows that saturated fats are harmless. These studies also are a myth buster for the whole “artery-clogging” idea.

2. People who eat coconut-based diets are among the healthiest people on the planet

Even though coconut may be considered exotic by the western world and eaten mainly by health conscious people, the fact remains that populations such as Tokelauans or Kitavans who eat coconut as staple diets are amongst the healthiest in the world with no evidence of heart disease. 

3. Coconut oil increases your energy expenditure
This basically helps you burn more fat. Obesity is currently one of the biggest health issues facing the world, including New Zealand.

The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase 24 hour energy expenditure by as much as five per cent, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term.

4. Coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi
Coconut oil contains lauric acid that can help ward off infections. Also, when coconut oil is enzymatically digested, it forms a monoglyceride called monolaurin, which is also known to kill pathogens.

5. Coconut oil kills hunger
The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, making you eat less without even trying, which may positively affect body weight over the long term.

6. Coconut oil lowers your risk of heart disease
Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats, which do not harm the blood lipid profile like previously thought. Studies in both humans and rats show that coconut oil improves important risk factors such as Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, which may translate to a reduced risk of heart disease.

7. Coconut oil can protect hair and skin
Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture and lipid content of the skin. Coconut oil can be applied topically and is effective as a skin moisturizer and to protect against hair damage. It can also be used as a mild form of sunscreen and as a mouthwash.

8. The fatty acids in coconut oil boost brain function in Alzheimer’s patients
Coconut oil can increase the ketone body levels in the blood, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.

Here are some simple and quick recipes that can help include coconut in your diets. We are rather fortunate living in a Pacific country such as New Zealand where we get fresh coconut easily. Also widely available now is coconut oil. Incidentally, coconut oil also handles heat very well without breaking down and, therefore, can be used for frying foodstuffs.

No cook—berry cream pie

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
For the crust

3/4 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut

For the filling

2 cups fresh strawberries/ blueberries/Raspberries
1 cup raw cashews
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup raw honey
1 pinch salt
1 cup coconut oil, melted

Method:
Grind crust ingredients in food processor and press into bottom of a nine-inch pie plate, building up the sides slightly.

Place all filling ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Carefully pour on top of crust and refrigerate for three hours.

Coconut flour lemon Waffles

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
6 eggs, separated
3/4 cup applesauce
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Method:
Preheat waffle iron to low heat.

Separate eggs, placing the yolks in a bowl and the whites in another.

Use a hand blender to whip egg whites until soft peaks begin to form. Set aside.

Combine applesauce, lemon zest, juice, vanilla and melted butter, mixing together with the egg yolks.

Sift in coconut flour and baking soda.

Fold in egg whites with the rest of the waffle batter being careful to not completely flatten the egg whites.

Generously grease waffle iron with coconut oil or butter and drop a large spoonful of batter into the centre. Do not fill iron completely with batter. Carefully remove waffles when they are done and repeat with remaining batter. (These waffles are very light so I suggest removing them carefully with a flat spatula).

Serve with a scoop of whipped cream or drizzle with maple syrup and your favourite fruit.

Peaches and cream smoothie

Preparation time: Under 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 whole peach, large
1 cup coconut milk* or other dairy free milk
1/4 cup frozen fruit of your choice
1 tablespoon coconut cream concentrate
2 tbsp. fresh ground nuts
1 tbsp. dried coconut flakes
1 tbsp. honey
4 ice cubes

Method:

Wash and peel a peach, cut into quarters. Place peach and all remaining ingredients in the blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy!