unrefined coconut oil

[suz]

Do any of you cook with unrefined coconut oil or have you taken it as a supplement?  I was reading an article this morning saying how it as used in a blind test and those that got the unrefined coconut oil lost belly fat.  

I bought some just can't figure out how to take it as the article suggested.  

suz

[Mericleota]

I don't know about the belly fat, but I use virgin coconut oil to cook with all the time.  Virgin coconut oil has a coconut flavor, the more processed the less flavor of coconut.  I put a teaspoon on my sweet potato instead of butter, I pop my popcorn in it.  I cook my eggs in it.  If you look at the composition of the oil it is very close to human mammary milk.  I have been giving a tablespoon to my dogs with their food their coats are getting very soft and silky.  Of course, this is subjective, but I like the oil and intend on continuing to use it. 

[suz]

I found this.  

How to Use Coconut Oil for Speedy Weight Loss

Coconut oil naturally solidifies at 76F so it is best to liquify it in hot water before consuming as a weight loss aid.

Twenty minutes before mealtime is the best time to take your coconut oil as it will significantly reduce appetite and help you to feel full more quickly and be satisfied with smaller portions.

To liquify, mix 1-2 TBL of coconut oil in a mug and add hot water or herbal tea.  Stir to melt and drink.  Use the following guidelines to determine how much oil to consume before each meal:

• 90-130 lbs, use 1 TBL coconut oil before each meal for a total of 3 TBL per day.
• 131-180 lbs, use 1.5 TBL coconut oil before each meal for a total of 4.5 TBL per day.
• Over 180 lbs, use 2 TBL coconut oil before each meal for a total of 6 TBL per day.

Alternatively, you can simply eat the coconut oil and let it liquify in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.

*If you find that the coconut oil makes you a bit queasy at first, try using herbal bitters as an inexpensive remedy to help your liver and gall bladder adjust.

I use flax oil on my dogs food and it has helped them alot with scratching.  

[Mericleota]

I have put coconut oil in my coffee, the added fat does help in decreasing appetite, but you have to remember to add the calories.  I find it is just as easy to cook with it. My son does not like the flavor so I buy the more processed version (which is cheaper) for him.  We do not use any of the vegetable oils any more in this house, just the coconut oils and olive oils.  Most of the olive oils are flavored.

[AntoinetteC]

Hi, cook with it but keep temperature low. Spread it on toast or bread, put a small amount on veg and eat it off the spoon. Just don't have too much per day

[Mericleota]

I've been using it for about a year now.  My father has been cooking with it even longer.  I don't know about the "low" temperature.  I use it every morning for my eggs; but I also pop popcorn (not low temp) and stir fry veggies in it (again not low temp), so I have found it very "user" friendly in the kitchen.  If you use the "virgin" you do need to be aware of the flavor and like the flavor.  I don't care for it on toast, but I loved it on baked sweet potatoes. 

My suggestion would be to try it, remember to measure what you use and if you like it, add it to your diet.  I have not seen a difference in my "belly fat", but that was not my purpose for switching.  I switched for digestive reasons and it was effective.

[suz]

From what I have read you need the unrefined type.  Any coconut oil won't give the benefits of the unrefined. I am on the Keto diet so the more good fats the better for me.  

[TangledWood]

You can also bake with it. I use it in pie crust instead of lard, butter, or Crisco. I use it in cake mixes and cookies. 

I also use it for any sauteing I need to do, onions and mushrooms come out just dreamy.

I also use it when I'm cooking wild game meat, since most wild game needs a little added fat.

[tallson]

The smoke point for unrefined coconut oil is 350 F. while for refined near 450 F. Agree for most uses the unrefined is the healthier choice. Watch for chemicals used in processing and for partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredients.

[LCHFmom]

i have tried to put that in my coffee-- but I cannot get past the taste. 

I cook and bake with coconut oil.  It has such great health properties! 

[suz]

I have started warming a cup of water and melting a tablespoon of it in the water.  I just make myself drink it.....fast.  

[annie53]

I made some killer banana bread with coconut oil and homemade granola.  I also use it to stir fry veggies, usually curry style, because it does have a coconutty flavor. 

[LCHFmom]

I give you props, @suz , i can barely choke it down in my coffee with cream and cinnamon...  

@annie53 , Banana bread sounds good -- do you have a LC GF recipe?

[annie53]

The banana bread was not GF. I used whole wheat flour.  I found it on pinterest, not sure if I can find it again.  You could sub the coconut oil in any recipe tho.  It adds a nice flavor and moistness.

[LCHFmom]

Suz,

I went to the Dr today for my first follow-up appt on my Keto Diet.  I mentioned to her that I dont like the taste of Coconut oil and its floating situation in my coffee mug.  She mentioned a few points to me about cocont oil / MCT oil:

1- MCT oil doesnt have the same flavor as coconut ( maybe easier to tolerate)

2- Use it to cook with in your skillet ( in lieu of olive oil, as it has better health properties) such as eggs, veggies, etc 

3- only get unrefined.  The press process to get the oil out keeps more of the health benefits

4- Make a hybrid version of Bulletproof Coffee... using butter and coconut or mct oil.. 

I will try this tomorrow: 

• Start with 1 cup (8 oz.) coffee
• Pour in 1 teaspoon oil  
• Add 1 tablespoon usalted butter 
• Mix in a blender for at least 20 seconds until the drink is frothy and looks like a creamy latte without a film of oil on the surface.

If you need more fat, play with the amount of oil or butter in the coffee.  Maybe this could be done with tea too?    

[suz]

Thanks for that info @LCHFmom.  I wil look for the MCT oil at Whole Foods.  I do not like coconut in any shape or form, so I was just tolerating it.    

I too went to see my endo dr today, hoping she would listen to me and up my meds just a tiny bit.  I still have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but because those "numbers" are in range there is no way that could be possible.  LOL  I'm looking for a new doctor.  

Anyway,  I have been doing LCHF for almost a month and am struggling to keep the 5 lbs I have lost off.  I am following it to a "T" but very rarely do I even register a trace on the Keto strips.  Maybe the MCT will help as I can get more fat in.  I do count every calorie to the best of my knowledge on the food log.  My % are identical to yours.

Thanks again,

Suz

[Inga]

when I was trying the ketogenic diet for migraines I did find some great recipe sites:

http://www.charliefoundation.org/recipes.html

http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/coconut_oil_recipes.htm

http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/recipereview/

[LCHFmom]

THanks!  I will certainly check those out!

[Inga]

Suz, I know its counterintuitive but getting the #s right with the meds doesn't necessarily reduce the hypo symptoms, it just means your numbers are now normal... Lucky you 😉  You can search some of the threads on http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/ for some folks who are knowledgeable about lowcarb and hypothyroid.  

[KJScarp]

LCHFMom, one of my favorite sites for recipes is http://www.peaceloveandlowcarb.com/p/re.html