Coconut Oil

[Matilda]

I have been told about the benefits of Coconut Oil for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (which I have), heart disease and high blood pressure (which are a worry as I get older), and also as a preventative against various forms of dementia (something I'm sure we all hope won't happen to us).

The downside is that although it can be taken internally, as well as used for cooking, I've been told it's horrible to take and makes some people retch.

Has anybody tried taking it, and do you know of anything it can be mixed with to lessen the awful taste?

[Warpy]

1. Just teach yourself Indian and Thai cooking

It's quite nice when balanced with the right foods and spices.

Just don't expect a miracle cure from it.

[hello larry]

13. Oy. Do you understand what the OP is talking about?

NOT heating to high temps, although it's a good oil to use for that because it's saturated and therefore can stand the heat.

It's about the therapeutic aspect of RAW, extra-virgin organic coconut oil. MCTs, etc.

[Warpy]

14. It's also been wildly oversold as a miracle cure

If you're going to use the stuff, use it in cooking. If you don't like it, don't use it.

It is not going to cure RA, heart disease, or anything else. There is nothing miraculous about fat in a jar. If you like the distinct flavor, use it in cooking. It goes well with Indian and Thai cooking.

So yes, I know all about the woo.

The main thing we used it for in the health food store was lubricating squeaky equipment.

[devilgrrl]

2. Make smoothies with it!!!

You can make yummy smoothies. Just add a few tablespoons of coconut oil.

Yes, eating it plain will make you wretch. Try a smoothie!!!

[KauaiK]

4. Drink it, Put in on your skin, cook with it....

You can drink coconut water. Coconut oil can put on and be absorbed through the skin. Use coconut milk to boil rice - coconut rice with BBQ shrimp! Use shredded coconut instead of breading for fish and meats. It's wonderful stuff!

[sense]

5. There are many websites with recipes

incorporating it in all sorts of dishes and baked goods. Just google. I've been eating and using it for a couple of years now. It can be difficult to just eat, especially the first few times. I melt it and eat if off a spoon, but sometimes that gives me a sore throat. Another way I get in quite a bit is to use it when I scramble eggs. I put a tablespoon or two in a pan, melt it and then put in the eggs, scrambling them together with the coconut oil. There is a slight coconut flavor to it, but each time you notice it less.

Here's a recipe for coconut bark:

Melt 2 3.5 oz bars of 85 or 90% chocolate (green and black brand has great flavor), 3-4 Tbs. of CO, a handful of chopped macadamias, 3Tbs. or more of desiccated coconut (no sugar) and a sprinkle of sea salt. Melt it all except the salt over a hot water bath, pour into tray, let it set in fridge. When mostly set sprinkle the salt on top. You could add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder for and added zing.

[mecherosegarden]

6. I use it.

Try to get the organic, cold pressed type. I add one teaspoon to my coffee ; I also use it on my toasts instead of butter .

[turntxblue]

7. I've used it.

I've used it for cooking, but I've not baked with it yet. I've used it when cooking both meat and vegetables, and we like it. I think it tastes okay by itself, as it doesn't seem to leave an oily residue in your mouth like most other oils do. Yes, it has a coconut flavor, but it is mild and very fresh tasting. I've also used it on my skin for moisturizing and treating scrapes and insect bites. It can also help a sunburn. If you mix a small amount with a bit of raw honey and powdered cocoa, it has a taste somewhat similar to a Mounds bar.

[Matilda]

8. Thank you all so much for your advice.

I was sure there had to be a good way to get it down.

I think it's certainly worth trying.

[Bluestar]

9. I put it in green tea n/t

[eShirl]

10. here's a tip if you use it to replace shortening in cookies or pie crust:

don't refrigerate the dough, unless you want it to become hard as cold candle wax!

[Warpy]

15. Good tip

Rest that dough at room temperature.

[no_hypocrisy]

11. While I've used it to pop popcorn (and it tastes good),

I'm sure the heat destroys whatever medicinal benefits it has.

[Matilda]

16. One of the good things about Coconut Oil in cooking

that I've read is that it doesn't give off free radicals, as even Extra Virgin oil does. The one drawback appears to be the taste, but I think it's worth trying anyway.

[drokhole]

12. I cook my eggs with it.

Usually over-easy, but scrambled, too.