Superfood Highlight: Coconut Oil

We all love and need a little olive oil in our lives- it’s nearly impossible to cook without it! However, at 120 calories per tablespoon and high in fat, it’s not the ideal ingredient for those trying to stay healthy. What is one of our favorite alternatives? Coconut oil!

Coconut oil is derived from the meat of mature coconuts and is not only perfect for cooking (as it can withstand high temperatures) but is also highly beneficial to your health!  Lauric acid, which can only otherwise be found in breast milk, is prevalent in this superfood which, when present in the body, is converted into monolaurin, a compound that is highly toxic to viruses, bacteria, funguses and other microorganisms because of its ability to disrupt their lipid membranes and virtually destroy them! Various health benefits of consuming coconut oil include:

• Protecting against cancer and HIV and other infectious diseases

• Kills bacteria and parasites like tape worm and liver flukes

• Eases acid reflux, aids in proper bowel function

• Lowers incidence of hemorrhoids

• Heals and relieves intestinal problems

• Soothes earaches

• Deals with symptoms connected with prostate enlargement

• Strengthens the liver and protects against degeneration

• Reduces incidence of epileptic seizures

• Reduces joint and muscle inflammation

• Eases neuropathies and itching from diabetes

Researchers found that consuming about 3 tablespoons of coconut oil a day is sufficient for helping anyone achieve these benefits.  Anyone can do this by replacing the usual olive oil when cooking or even blending it into a smoothie to add a little extra delicious coconut taste!

When purchasing coconut oil (which can be found at any of your local all-natural foods stores), be sure to look for organic virgin coconut oil in order to attain the full benefits (hint: we love this one here)!

Superfood Highlight: Turmeric

An ingredient we commonly use here at Farm Stand is the miracle herb turmeric! Dating back to ancient India for medicinal use, this amazing light orange herb, from the ginger family, is known for its turmeric anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Benefits of adding turmeric to your diet:

–Increases liver function: Your liver is necessary in eliminating toxins from your body.  Studies show that an increase in liver function can aid in diminishing the growth of cancer cells for cancers such as Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Leukemia.

–Decreases Arthritis or Joint Pain: turmeric works to destroy free radicals in your body, which are responsible for damaging body cells.

–Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent: When boiled with coconut oil in a saucepan, the combination works well when applied (after it has cooled down!) to a wound or rash as a natural anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory remedy.  Be careful though, be sure you are not allergic to turmeric before trying this method!

–Aid in preventing cardiovascular disease: Turmeric contains vitamin B6, which regulates homo-cysteine levels. Homo-cysteine is directly responsible for damaging body cells. Through interaction with the liver, turmeric lowers the cholesterol levels in the body, which aides in preventing most cardiovascular diseases.

–And so much more!

These are only a few of the many health and healing benefits of turmeric… Have we convinced you of its powers yet?

Add turmeric to your diet at home: This earthy yet pepper flavor of the turmeric is great as an extra spice to your vegetables, eggs, or meat dishes! It is also great in tea: Bring four cups of water to a boil. Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

Stay tuned for more Superfood Highlights on our blog!