Over the past year or so there has been an unbelievable amount of hype regarding coconuts and more specifically coconut oil. Some of you may be wondering what all the fuss is about and today I want to share with you some of the excellent benefits of incorporating coconut oil into your daily routine!

Antimicrobial

Coconut oil contains Caprylic Acid and Lauric Acid which are some of its most beneficial nutrients. They contain both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties making them extremely helpful in the battle against foreign invaders to your body such as yeast and E. coli bacteria. Regular consumption of coconut oil is something that I often recommend to those who suffer with chronic Candida.

Antioxidant Power

When oxygen interacts with particular molecules in the body free radicals are formed. These free radicals have a damaging effect to our cells, including the cell membrane which helps to bring nutrients in and toxins out of the cell. They can even cause damage to our DNA and as a result our cells can begin to die off. Coconut oil is an amazing source of antioxidants which are involved in the repair and prevention of these damaged cells throughout the body.

Weight Management

For so many years coconut oil was deemed as ‘bad’ because it was thought to be filled with unhealthy hydrogenated oils. While coconut oil can be made through a refining process and become hydrogenated, the majority of products that you see on the shelf today are referred to as unrefined virgin coconut oil. This is what you want to look for and use regularly as it contains all of the amazing health benefits that I am referring to. Now that unrefined coconut oil is widely available it has been proven to have an incredible way of speeding up a sluggish metabolism. It has been shown to increase metabolism as much as 48% in just 24 hours! In addition, it is great at maintaining blood glucose levels which is extremely helpful in diminishing those unwanted cravings throughout the day.

Influenced by all of these amazing health benefits I have started to incorporate coconut oil into my cooking and baking regularly. Here is one of my favourite recipes for a delicious coconut chocolate chip loaf. This is great for breakfast, snacking and dessert! It is completely gluten, grain and dairy free (no eggs). I hope that you enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups of almond meal
• 1/4 cup of chia/flax mix
• 1/4 cup of coconut flour
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (Camino)
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (organic & virgin)

Directions

1) Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl
2) In a separate bowl and using a hand blender mix together the bananas, apple sauce, maple syrup and coconut oil
3) Fold the wet mixture into the dry and mix together well
4) Place mixture into a well greased pan
5) Bake on 350F for about 30 minutes
6) This loaf is pretty dense so will not rise too much, but is still very moist and delicious!