Food & recipes

My healthy secret: Jo Wood on coconut oil

Natural Health’s green guru can’t get enough coconut oil

Natural Health’s green guru can’t get enough coconut oil
Many years ago, I was on tour in America when I discovered a wonderful book all about coconut oil. It’s hailed in many health and holistic circles as the miracle oil, and since my discovery I’m definitely one of its biggest fans. I was cooking on the road at this time with my portable stove (stocking up on organic produce in every city), and I’ve used it ever since. Not only does it taste delicious, it really is a fantastic product and is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As you know from many of my previous columns, I’m a big fan of natural oil-based products, not only in cooking but as part of my daily beauty regime too, and coconut oil is a multi-tasking oil at its very best!

Healthy heart

Natural coconut oil is a saturated fat, but not the one that doctors warn you about, because it is actually very, very good for you. There are many different types of saturated fats, and all of them affect the body differently, but we are constantly being told to reduce our saturated fats as the term is synonymous with heart disease. Very rarely do we take the time to learn about what this actually means, and what we should be avoiding. On the subject of heart disease, many studies have shown how natives of the tropics, Asia, the South Pacific, South America, tropical Africa and India have very little heart disease in their culture, and this is largely credited to their diet, and in particular consumption of coconut and coconut oil. And of course in ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil has been used for wellbeing for thousands of years.

When used in cooking, as a supplement or in your beauty regime, coconut oil can also promote weight loss, help protect against cancer, diabetes, arthritis and many other degenerative diseases; strengthen the immune system and improve overall digestion. Many nutritionists and naturopaths use coconut oil to treat chronic psoriasis, dandruff and skin lesions and cure fatigue.

Skin radiance

The world’s population is growing, and so are our waistlines! Crash diets are advertised everywhere, weight loss pills, detoxing and fasting, but by making a simple decision to replace vegetable-based cooking oils with coconut oil, you will actually help yourself lose weight if you need to. Topically, coconut oil is great for the skin,keeping it smooth and ageless. Its rich, natural,creamy texture can be used in its most natural form without being adulterated or contaminated in some cases by harsh chemicals and additives. Just look at all the beautiful Polynesian women who are famed for their lovely shiny long hair and great skin! Coconut oil has a long shelf life and for me it’s essential in my kitchen and bathroom, so if you haven’t tried it yet, then please give it a go.

Jo loves