The Amazing Coconut!

So I have known about the benefits of coconut oil, coconut meat (high in fiber), and last, but certainly not least, coconut water for quite some time now. One of my dearest friends, plastic surgeon extraordinaire, Dr. Alex De Souza even wrote the book on coconut water. He was one of the first importers of coconut water into the USA. I was surprised to find out from him that it was even used for blood transfusions during WWII in the South Pacific. My body does not handle alcohol well, so there has been the occasional morning when I wished he was around to hook me up and give me a coconut water infusion, lol.  My hang-overs are not pretty!!! As many of you probably know, coconut water can lessen the pain of a hangover. It is the best natural hydrator, high in potassium and electrolytes. I think the key is to drink it before or during cocktails to possibly avoid the hangover in the first place. I will try that! I have and it works, lol. All kidding aside, because it is such a good hydrator, it is a wonderful thing to start including into your anti-aging regimen. Some of the benefits noted are that it helps to keep skin smooth, soft, blemish free, and helps to prevent premature wrinkling. Bring it on!!!

In addition to the water being so good for us, the oil is of tremendous benefit too. After spending some time on Pub-Med to investigate the truth of touted benefits, I'm left amazed. Truly amazed. Ok, so here goes- the components of coconut oil can lower the viral load of AIDS, and inactivate CMV, herpes simplex 1, influenza, and others. It is anti-bacterial against many pathogenic bacteria, including heliobacter pylori. (The bacteria known to be one of the causes of chronic indigestion.) It's also been shown to be effective against fungus (candida), think yeast infection, and  protozoa. Pretty impressive. And even though it can clearly kill a lot of the bad stuff, it appears the good bacteria are not harmed. Shouldn't hurt though to take a good probiotic if taking the oil for good measure.

Many people claim so many different health benefits from using and/or consuming the oil. Weight loss, better thyroid function, increase in energy levels, helping with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, Crohn's, irritable bowel syndrome, and skin disorders resolving are just some of the reports.

I have personally noticed improved energy levels, seemingly better thyroid function & better immune function. I've started to give my dog coconut oil now for several days, so sorry I did not keep up with it before, as the change in his skin problem is remarkable! In a few days of giving him the oil, a 6 year allergic skin issue seems dramatically better. As soon as I get the oil out he sits patiently waiting to get his, he loves it! I think he knows it's helping him. I will keep you posted!