Coconut Oil: Good on Everything, Good for Everything

One of my favorite fats is coconut oil. 

Like butter, it adds flavor and texture to just about anything. 

Before going into how I use it, let’s talk about the health benefits of this tropical wonder.

Because it is mainly a medium-chain fatty acid, it largely bypasses the gallbladder. This is good news if you have had your gallbladder removed. This oil requires minimal digestion. It is immediately available as an energy source and is burned rather than stored. 

Consuming coconut oil does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It tends to lower cholesterol.

An adaptogen, it helps you manage stress and regulate hormone function — for example, cortisol and thyroid hormones. It has anti-depressant effects to lift you out of the doldrums. 

If you are overweight, it helps you to lose weight; if you are underweight, it will help you to gain weight. 

It curbs sugar cravings and enhances immunity. It is anticarcinogenic. It improves cognition in Alzheimer’s disease. 

It promotes healthy joints and aids digestion. 

Even though it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antiparasitic, it doesn’t harm beneficial bacteria. Rather, it encourages the growth of probiotics for a healthy microbiome. 

It helps the absorption of minerals & fat-soluble vitamins.

Here are ways I use it to enhance the flavor and texture of meats and vegetables:

I add it to roasted chicken along with a squeeze of lemon, some thyme, and salt. 

I spread it on roasted beef with a sprinkle of liquid aminos. 

It’s also delicious on pork with a splash of vinegar. For fish, I melt it in combination with butter or olive oil, add a little crushed garlic, and dribble it on top of the fish.

I pair it with butter on steamed vegetables with some salt (it’s especially good on greens). 

I add it to chicken stock, beef stock, and soups to enhance flavor and absorption of nutrients. Some people even add it to their daily coffee. 

On average, I probably consume a couple of tablespoons a day. 

How many ways do you use coconut oil?