Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a saturated fat called lauric acid, a type of MCT. It has been shown that lauric acid increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels.  Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies need. Coconut can help restore normal thyroid function. When the thyroid does not function optimally, it can contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol.

Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. One 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.

The oils found in the coconut have a positive antioxidant action in the body. This means they help our body stop the damage to other healthy fats and tissues in our body. Oxidation is considered a major contributor to cardiovascular problems and skin aging. Coconut oil can actually help our bodies reduce the need for antioxidant intake.

We tell our patients that from the time of infancy through the senior years,  coconut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for skin and hair. It has good amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is very protective. If you are using on the skin regularly, it is best to try to find an organic coconut oil, to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.

Coconut oil works in both baked goods like zucchini and banana bread and with vegetables. It is especially tasteful when paired with bitter greens like kale. You can use it as part of the onion and garlic sauté, where it offers a surprisingly different and pleasant full-bodied taste. It is also a wonderful addition to oatmeal to make it even creamier, while staying healthy.

Foot Scrub/फुट स्क्रब

Ingredients/ आवश्यक सामग्री :

1. 1/4 cup brown sugar
2. 2 tbsp coconut oil
3. 2 tbsp honey
4. 3 drops peppermint essential oil

1. 1/4 कप ब्राउन शक्कर 
2. 2 बड़ी चमच्च नारियल तेल 
3. 2 बड़ी चमच्च शहद 
4. 3 बूँद पुदीना तेल 

Method/ विधि:

1. Use firm strokes and massage scrub into your feet.
2. Rinse off with warm water and dry feet completely with towel.
3. Save any unused portion in lidded container and use within one month.

1. स्क्रब को पैरो पे अच्छे से मसाज करे 
2. गरम पानी से धोये और रूखे पैरो को तौलिया से साफ़ करे 
3. बचा हुआ स्क्रब डिब्बे में रखकर एक महीना तक उपयोग कर सकते है।  

Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup coconut milk
2. 1 cup coconut water
3. 30g dates, chopped finely and soaked in lukewarm water (to soften)
4. 1/2 tsp finely grated ginger
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
6. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
7. 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
8. Pinch of ground cloves
9. 2 frozen bananas
10. 1/2 cup ice cubes

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Butter Paneer Masala with Coconut milk

Ingredients:

1. Paneer- 250 grams
2. Coconut oil- 4 tsp
3. Onion turned into paste- 1
4. Tomato blended- 2
5. Ginger-garlic paste- 1 tsp
6. cumin seeds powder- 1 tsp
7. coriander powder- 1 tsp
8. paprika- 1 tsp
9. Coconut milk- 1 cup
10. garam masala- 1 tsp
11. Salt- as per taste
12. coriander leaves- 1/4 cup chopped
13. Almonds in powdered form- 1/2 cup

Method:

1. In a kadhai/pan add oil, as the oil heats up add onion, when the colour of onion turns transparent, add ginger-garlic paste.
2. Now add tomato paste, cumin seeds powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt and cook for 10 minutes
3. Add almonds powder and mix well, cook it for 5 minutes
4. Now add coconut milk and mix and again let it cook for next 10 minutes.
5. Now add garam masala, and add paneer cubes and mix well.
6. Add corainder leaves mix well, let it cook for next 2 minutes and turn off the gas.
7. Here is butter paneer ready to serve with naan, chapati, indian bread