|
Post by Karen on Apr 21, 2012 9:31:31 GMT -5
I know coconut oil is supposed to be good for us - it's a good kind of fat - but I haven't had much luck with it so far. I can't STAND the smell of coconuts and the oils I've tried so far just reek like it and have made my foods taste like it, so I gave up. I even tried giving some to my cats since I've heard it's good for them, too, but they turned their nose up at it... However, the nutritionist that I saw last month really spoke highly of it and urged me to try some. It's supposed to help improve thyroid function and increase metabolism, among other things. Some people even lose weight when eating it daily. But, I told her I couldn't get past the smell. She gave me a sample of the brand she uses and OMG, it doesn't smell like anything! It had a much different consistency than the stuff I've used in the past, too. I finally ordered some and it arrived yesterday! Ladies, this stuff is awesome. It's a lot creamier than some of the other ones I've tried, and it's nice and silky. I even melted a bit on a spoon and both of my cats licked it clean. This will be my new cooking oil from here on out! www.tropicaltraditions.com/expeller-pressed_coconut_oil.htm (The expeller pressed is the kind that doesn't smell.) They also gave me a (poorly written) book about coconut oil with tons of testimonials and recipes. So, anyone use coconut oil on a regular basis and see results? Medical changes or weight loss? Improved digestion? Better skin or hair?
|
|
|
Post by 1234 on Apr 21, 2012 9:43:42 GMT -5
I LOVE coconut, so am in a different category than you, Karen! I use coconut oil a lot, and coconut milk in my cooking. Since really getting in charge of my health after being anorexic and realizing how much I was starving my body, I have paid a lot of attention to getting enough fat and protein. I can't really speak about the weight issue, as I have a really high metabolism--both naturally and with all of the running/cycling/etc. For me it's more of a question of trying to get enough fat/protein that I can keep running without losing weight, and coconut helps because it has lots of high quality fat.
Your post makes me think that all the fat I'm eating might actually make this problem worse, which is funny.
|
|
|
Post by hollymarie on Apr 21, 2012 10:01:22 GMT -5
I luv luv luv coconut oil too...the unrefined is my favorite as I like the taste, but have also used refined CO w/o any taste or odor. I use it all over my bod, everyday after my shower instead of lotion -- put in on my face too, but in small amounts. Most mornings I'll put it on my face for 20-30 mins while I'm getting ready for work, then wipe it off before I wipe my face with my apple cider vinegar tonic. (1 part filtered water, 1 part ACV). Also cook with it (when I cook, which is rare lately). It's yummy in gluten free brownies and other baked goods. Sadly, I haven't had any luck with it & weight loss, though I often eat a tablespoon of it in the a.m. Actually, I've been tucking a tablespoon inside my teeth & cheek most mornings - right when I leave my house, on the way to work. Put it next to two teeth where my gums are troubled. I've read that people have had success with healing their receding gums this way...I keep a jar in the fridge at all times and a dish in my bathroom. Yaay for CO!
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Apr 21, 2012 10:28:38 GMT -5
Rust - I hope it's not contributing to your higher metabolism! I have a feeling it's smart enough to work how your body needs it to. And Holly, I'll have to try that with my gums as well. I clench my teeth and it's affecting some of my molars and gums. Might have to give it a shot! I found this on pinterest: www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2012/02/homemade-whipped-coconut-oil-body.html It's a recipe for whipped coconut oil and is incredibly simple. Might make it easier to apply as a lotion! I've been using the strong smelling stuff on my hair - I'll use just a tiny amount to smooth it and moisturize it.
|
|
|
Post by loveshoes on Apr 21, 2012 12:36:09 GMT -5
Great topic Karen! I tried the coconut oil thing as well and same as you, I gave up. I tried the nutiva brand. They make a coconut oil and coconut manna. The manna is almost like an almond butter consistency when you put the jar in a warm water bath for about 20 min to soften it up. It's very pasty and thick. I was trying mixing it into my hot cereal but it was just so thick I lost interest. I tried the coconut oil all sorts of ways, in my hot cereal ( was like an oil slick ), in my coffee ( yuck, don't ask ). Every way I tried it I was so grossed out by the oil I gave it up. I'll try the brand you suggested, maybe I'll have better luck. How are you eating it? 3 tbsp per day is alot and I just didn't like that oil slick effect. I have to say when I was eating the manna daily I was much less hungry and did loose some weight as well.
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Apr 21, 2012 14:03:17 GMT -5
I mostly just plan to cook with it. I usually only eat whole foods and cook from scratch, so instead of olive oil, I'll use coconut oil. Just added some to my corn on the cob since I can't do butter and it did the trick.
|
|
|
Post by loveshoes on Apr 21, 2012 14:08:09 GMT -5
hmmmm.....I'm not much of a cook, my daily intake seems to be a fresh almond milk, banana smoothie with chia and spinach in the AM ( can't even taste the spinach ), lunch is a fresh salad with mushrooms, dinner varies, I have to do better at making salmon and chicken and stuff. I was trying to just eat the 3 tbsp but maybe I have to consider other options. I wish they made it in capsule form to get the daily intake......
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Apr 29, 2012 11:42:31 GMT -5
I've been using a tiny amount of CO in my hair every morning between blow-drying and using a straight iron. My hair is thin and fine and the CO sees to be thickening it (or at least it feels that way), smoothing it, and hydrating it. I'm never one to use product because I don't like how it feels and it usually just weighs down my hair, but this seems to be a good substitute! A tiny amount goes a long way - too much can become greasy (though it's great for an overnight treatment).
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Aug 11, 2012 9:13:33 GMT -5
I've been using coconut oil for a few months now and can't stop raving about it. It's my only cooking oil now, and from time to time, have even eaten a few chunks here and there. It's supposed to be good to help you sleep at night (if eaten right before bed), help you feel full, etc.
I've also been using it as my face lotion for the past month or two. I find my face dries out more as the day goes on, but my skin hasn't looked better. I think it took a little while to adjust, but once it did, I haven't had more than a small zit or two. My pores are smaller, my skin looks healthier and younger, and no zits! The true test will be when my period comes. If I can get by with minimal zits then, I'll be happy!
|
|
|
Post by MustangGtGirl on Aug 12, 2012 14:46:07 GMT -5
Wow that is so interesting. My skin has been horrible with all the stress from the surgery and I never had skin issues before. My hair has been falling out for the last 8 mos since this all started. It may be stress but nothing seems to work. I am going to give this a shot. Thanks for the tips Karen.
|
|
|
Post by 1234 on Aug 12, 2012 18:00:35 GMT -5
That's really interesting, Karen. I have struggled with acne for over a decade--I assume hormone imbalances. It got a bit better after I stopped the bcp, but still I have to use prescription topical treatments, and I STILL get some cystic acne, in addition to other smaller issues. It's so frustrating. I'm willign to try almost anything--what is the theory on coconut oil and acne?
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Aug 12, 2012 18:42:25 GMT -5
I feel for you, Kimmie - My skin and hair took a hit with stress and health issues...
To be honest, I haven't researched using it on my face much. But, from what little I read, it helps kill bacteria. I've read that coconut oil is good in general for any kinds of scrapes and bruises as well, though I have yet to try it. I was terrified to try it on my face - it's been ingrained in us that oils clog pores, which cause zits. But, I think I read somewhere out there that it actually helps break apart the crud that lands on our face and cause issues. If you think about it, our bodies produce facial oil every day, likely for the same reason? As I said, haven't researched much, but know it works! I've been a foundation & powder girl for the past 10 years to try to even out my skin tone. Now I just use a dash of powder to get the shine off and I'm good to go!
|
|
|
Post by semicolon on Aug 14, 2012 21:47:43 GMT -5
I have terrible skin with acne too- totally cyclical (I have a better two weeks and an uglier two weeks). Maybe I have to try this. Karen, where do you get your coconut oil? Any particular type?
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Aug 14, 2012 22:04:55 GMT -5
To update: My period just started today. I woke up yesterday with 2 very fat zits, but I was able to easily pop them and they've calmed down since. (Yes, I'm a popper, and yes, I know that's bad.) Typically, when I get my period, I get the zits that ooze and swell but never pop until several days later. So that's an improvement for me! In fact, typically my skin is its worst right before and during my period - zitty, dry, more wrinkly, you get the idea. But no, not this time! I tried a few kinds at the grocery stores. I'm sure if you like the smell of coconut, you'd be fine with them. But I can't STAND the smell/taste. I buy mine from Tropical Traditions. I went through 2 quarts in maybe 5 months and will be buying it by the gallon now! I use it for all cooking and have a small jar in my bathroom. www.tropicaltraditions.com/expeller-pressed_coconut_oil.htm Their website also has some moisturizers with added ingredients if you're curious.
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Aug 16, 2012 20:42:34 GMT -5
|
|