Unless you live under a rock you may have noticed the craze around coconut oil. Coconut oil is FINALLY getting recognition for its many health benefits and uses.
Coconut oil is rich in immune boosting fat lauric acid(aka the super healthy fats found in human breast milk). Coconut oil also supports thyroid health and increases good cholesterol and lowers abdominal obesity.
In fact, there are severalstudies on coconut oil and itss effect on metabolism.Instead of being stored as fat, the calories contained in Medium Chain Triglycerides are very efficiently converted into fuel for immediate use by the body. According to this study, researchers assembled 40 female volunteers between the ages of 20 and 40 who suffered from abdominal obesity. A double-blind clinical trial put coconut oil versus soybean oil to the test. Over a 12-week period, the women were given a daily dietary supplement consisting of 30 millileters of either soybean oil or coconut oil.
Coconut Oil vs Soybean Oil
At the end of the 12-week study, the researchers found that the women who were given the coconut oil experienced:
- Significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference
- Increase in “good” HDL cholesterol
- Decreased LDL/HDL ratio
These results were not found in the group that was given soybean oil.
The authors concluded:
“It appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil does not causedyslipidemia[an abnormal amount of cholesterol and/or fat in your blood] and seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.”
How To Get More Coconut Oil Into Your Diet
One of the things I love most about coconut oil is that it tastes amazing and is pretty easy to add to your diet. Once you start cooking with it,you’ll find it isn’t hard at all to get the recommended 2-3 tablespoons into your diet.
Coconut oil is ideal for cooking since it has a high smoke point of 350 degrees and 400 degrees if you use refined coconut oil (read more abouthow to cook with coconut oil here).
Virgin coconut oil is a better choice because it’s less refined and pure. If you’re not a fan of your food tasting like coconut, you can use expeller pressed coconut oil. You’ll want to make sure that the expeller pressed coconut oil is processed without solvents or chemicals. Read more abouthow to choose the best coconut oil here.
Below is a list of some of my favorite coconut oil recipes. I’ve organized them by type. Enjoy!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Beverages
1.Metabolism Boosting Coconut Oil Coffee
Coconut oil coffee is like bulletproof coffee, but better. Because coconut oil is far better for you than butter. Need a shot of energy and caffeine in the morning to get you going for a great day ahead? Coconut oil coffee won’t disappoint. Check out the recipe above!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Snacks
2. Coconut Oil Popcorn
Coconut oil popcorn is SO Delicious (and a lot healthier than the buttery kind). You can easily make this delicious recipe at home. All you need is three ingredients – coconut oil, salt, and popcorn kernels!
3. Coconut Butter Buttons
Coconut butter buttons are delicious and nutritious – they’re the perfect snack for my kiddos when we’re on the run! (Plus they’re super easy to make.)
4. Coconut Oil Tortilla Chips
These coconut oil corn tortilla chips are a great alternative to the chemical nonsense they put in Tostitos. (Seriously, have you seen the ingredients for those chips? They taste so good but they’re so bad! That’s why I created this recipe – so we wouldn’t have to trade health for taste.)
Coconut Oil Recipes: Desserts
5. Coconut Oil Fudge
Fudge. Say no more, right? Coconut oil is AMAZING for creating delicious fudge that you’ll love! Great for gifts, too.
6. Homemade Magic Shell for Ice Cream
Magic hard shell is…well…magical. It’s such a cool product, and it’s SO full of chemicals and additives. (Seriously, don’t read the label, it’ll just take all the joy out of it.)
With this recipe, you don’t have to trade-off between taste and health. You can have the best of BOTH worlds.
7. Coconut Oil Chocolate Bars
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like I do, these coconut oil chocolate bars are a fantastic, healthy, and delicious way to get more coconut oil in your diet. Try them. You’ll love them!
8. Coconut Almond Joy Candy
I love almond joys, and I had to figure out how to make them at home. While these have a different shape (cups not bars), they really capture the taste with a totally homemade, all-natural recipe!
9. Chocolate Coconut Butter Bars
If you love chocolate and peanut butter, try chocolate and coconut butter. Coconut butter is richer and creamier and just generally more delicious. These bars are amazing.
10. Homemade Chocolate Chips
I love snacking on chocolate chips. What I DON’T love is all the preservatives and chemicals. So I decided to make my own. These are also great for baking!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Main Dish
11. Creamy Coconut Oatmeal
Coconut oil adds a fullness, body, and flavor to oatmeal that is fantastic. This is a delicious breakfast that is guaranteed to please.
12. Coconut Chicken Fingers
Coconut oil is great for frying. Chicken fingers are delicious. Need I say more?
13. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
This thai chicken coconut soup is delicious and authentic. You’ll love it.
14. Coconut Shrimp
If you’ve ever had coconut shrimp at a restaurant, you know how amazing these taste. My homemade recipe is a delicious, cheaper, all-natural alternative!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Condiments, Spreads and Sauces
15. Coconut Oil Mayonnaise
You’ll love this mayonnaise, plain and simple.
16. Coconut Peanut Butter
Coconut peanut butter is wholesome and delicious. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
17.Macadamia Nut Butter
Macadamia nut butter is one of my favorite alternatives to peanut butter. This one made with coconut oil is wholesome and delicious.
18. Homemade “Nutella” Spread
This “Nutella” copycat is so much healthier because it’s made with all-natural ingredients. Try it!
19. Coconut Butter Spread
Homemade coconut butter is amazing. (And it’s makes a great and unique gift.) Try it out!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Baked Goods
20. Coconut Flour Muffins
Who doesn’t love muffins? These coconut oil muffins are delicious and make for a great baked treat.
21. Homemade Granola Bars
These granola bars are a great quick “grab and go” snack – and since they’re made with all-natural ingredients, you know they’ll taste good and be good for you too!
22. Coconut Cinnamon Cereal
Coconut and cinnamon are amazing together. Try this – you’ll love it!
23. Coconut Flour Bread
Coconut flour bread is amazing. (Coconut flour in general is amazing.) It’s a thick and hearty bread that pairs well with soups and stews or can be a great side all on its own!
24. Coconut Flour Pie Crust
This coconut flour pie crust is light and flaky – and a great alternative for those looking to avoid gluten!
Coconut Oil Recipes: Natural Remedies
25. Honey and Lemon Cough Syrup with Coconut Oil
Honey and lemon go great together for soothing your throat – and coconut oil is an excellent addition to really amp it all up even further!
26. Homemade Cough Drops
Who needs to buy cough drops at the store? You can make your own at home. Try these – you’ll love them!
