The coconut sensation
Roos Van Montfort and James Duigan both love it, as does Aussie supermodel, Miranda Kerr. In fact, there was quite a media storm (and shopping frenzy) when one of the leading glossies misquoted Kerr as consuming 4 tablespoons, instead of 4 teaspoons of the stuff daily…and I’m talking about Coconut Oil.
If it’s not already a part of your health and beauty regime, I hazard a guess it soon will be. Not only is it highly nutritious and completely delicious – more on this later – its topical uses are multitudinous.
I’ve been busily testing Virdian’s 100% Organic Raw Coconut Oil, which is a Soil Association approved product. For those yet to see it, the oil, taken from the flesh of the coconut, actually comes in solid form and liquifies at just over room temperature.
It also melts with ease when massaged directly onto the skin and makes for a highly impressive lip, face or body balm. You only need the tiniest smidge, and I’m talking less than a quarter of a teaspoon, to hydrate your hands and nails. This oil feels incredibly light and sinks easily into the skin, leaving you with a non sticky gleam and a fresh summery smell – just like coconuts!
And it’s not only the skin that benefits, with hair also reaping the goodness of all those essential fatty acids. Those with thicker, or more dry hair will be able to apply this product like a serum, for added health and shine. Those with finer or more greasy tendrils will fare better using it as an occasional conditioner, rinsing thoroughly.
I’ve also read that others use coconut oil an alternative to make-up removers and shaving lotions; it really is the epitome of multipurpose, which also makes it extremely cost effective. Viridian’s 500g glass jar will keep you at your glossiest for months on end (and each sales sees a donation given to an environmental charity, so you’re also benefiting the beauty of the Earth!)
For those uncomfortable with the idea of whether this is a kitchen or bathroom product, I recommend buying the larger jar (it is also available in 180g) and decanting a small amount into a separate pot. Or else, just keep it in the kitchen, use a clean teaspoon and never double dip!
If you’re not already convinced, the nutritional benefits might just win you over. For this, I am delighted to hand over to Emma Hellewell, who has been busy cooking with Viridian’s Coconut Oil.
With a passion for everything to do with health and wellbeing, Emma Hellewell’s real inspiration is nutrition and how nature’s ingredients, together with good organic food, can pave the way for a healthy mind, body and soul. A student at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, she has a specific interest in digestion, which is ever more important when it comes to our skin health and the way we absorb nutrients. Emma is a firm believer that it is the quality of the ingredients we feed our bodies and put on our skin, rather than the quantity, when it comes to our body and health.
Living in rural Berkshire, Emma has a love for running, walking, yoga, meditation and both reflexology and kinesiology; all of which give her the perfect balance and complement her nutritional studies.
Coconut oil consists of more than 90% raw, saturated fat – an important building block of every cell in the body. It is a healthy saturated fat that supports the immune system function. Coconut oil contains anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, and is easily digested and absorbed by the body. It can be used whilst cooking to enhance the natural flavour of the foods, perfect for when sautéing or stir-frying your favourite organic vegetables. It can also be blended into salad dressings, desserts, baking or mixed into a smoothie.
Improved Digestion – helps to soothe stomach upsets and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome and assists in the absorption of other nutrients.
Immunity – strengthens the immune system: the body converts auric acid into monolaurin which helps the body fight viruses and bacteria causing diseases. It can also help neutralise the harmful effects of many toxins and pollutants.
Weight Loss – coconut oil is a great source of fuel to stimulate metabolism.
Hot Heat – Use as an alternative to other oils when cooking. coconut oil is one of the only oils that does not create toxic byproducts when heated at a high temperature.
Tea Time – Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your daily cup of green tea (rich in antioxidants-increase skin elastin and contains anti-inflammatory properties) to provide a boost of energy and increase metabolism.
For those unsure quite what to do with their coconut oil, Emma has kindly created two simple recipes that are positively crammed full of goodness. The first is a beautiful smoothie, ideal for a breakfast or on the go boost, and the second is a fantastic salad that ensures an adequate supply of greens. Simply click on the links below and don’t forget to let us know how you get on with these recipes, as well as any of your own top tips.
With a huge thanks to Emma, who can frequently be found tweeting the healthiest smoothie recipes and more! https://twitter.com/#!/EmmaHellewell
Virdian’s coconut oil – £14.00 for 500g
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I too have just recently discovered the many benefits of coconut oil via a co-worker’s recommendation. I find using it as a salad dressing a quick, good way to enjoy it
I’m still looking for good brands to use, though. Currently considering http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/ and Tropical Traditions. How does Viridian compare to those two?
Thanks!
Cherry
Hi Cherry
Thanks so much for your comment, it’s great to hear that you’re already experimenting with coconut oil for your salads.
Viridan’s Raw Organic Coconut Oil is the first I’ve personally tried, so I can’t really comment on how it compares to the other brands you’ve mentioned. I can however say that I am very impressed with the quality of Viridian’s product both for topical and edible use and value the fact that it is Soil Association approved. They also have a strong reputation as health and nutritional experts, and have created a full product line. So, I definitely feel completely confident in recommending them to you.
I hope this helps!
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After reading about the benefits of Coconut oil I purchased the viridian one and love it! I use it for cooking instead of olive oil and as a all over body moisturizer as well as an eye makeup remover as it is gentle but effective. The fact that’s is raw, organic and certified definaltely made me choose this on!
Hi Lilian
Fab to hear you’re also a fan of the Viridian coconut oil. It seems to be that those using it really do use it as a multipurpose item. Especially great in a world where product value means so much. Pleased that the fact it’s raw and certified also adds something for you.
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I know, my boyfriend cant stop telling people about how he cant believe we cook with it and then moisturise with it!! I also just tried it as a shaving lotion and worked really well no redness and smooth moisturised skin!
Good to hear the boyfriend’s on board too Lilian! You’ll have to get him trying it as a shaving lotion too, far better than the traditional foamy cans!
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I would do but he has a beard, which is staying as he looks about 12 when he dosent he he!!
Haha, perhaps he could use it as a beard hydrator in that case!
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I bought a massive jar of coconut oil when I was in Goa. It cost about £6 and it has lasted for over a year!
What a bargain! Guess it’s a staple in such a place. I also find it amazing how long a tub can last, it really spreads well whether for cooking or beauty.
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I went through a stage of being a Mercola fan and read his email bulletins but I ended up a tad neurotic about all of the toxic substances in my kitchen so had to give it a break! Dr Mercola has been singing coconut oil’s praises for years and I went through a stage of using it for all my cooking (also on the advice of my Paul Chek inspired personal trainer a few years back) and also as a body moisturiser, although it’s easy to use too much but I guess you get the knack… (and I’m loving that tip above from your reader who uses it as a shaving lubricant…) – however, and here’s the rub, conventional nutritional advice says to avoid saturated fats and my boyfriend, who’s diabetic, feels that perhaps he shouldn’t have much coconut oil in his diet.
I know that olive oil is supposed to be best cold and that it becomes toxic at a certain heat (although there is debate about this and people say it would have to be really hot to be toxic) so for that reason I use rice bran oil for cooking now on the advice of my nutritionist and olive oil on salads. I used to follow Natalia Rose’s advice to only buy cold pressed olive oil because heat process oils ‘aren’t fit for human consumption’ but then read an expose in the Sunday magazines saying that olive oils are a big con…that oil in your bottle comes from many sources, a bit like an American beef burger comes from many cows from many locations…and that the ‘posh’ ones are not much different in quality but can have a huge price difference. Having said that, since cooking with a cheaper olive oil I’ve noticed it burns more than the organic cold pressed olive oils I usually favour.
I’ve been inspired by this post to use my coconut oil in my beauty regime and I’d love to try these recipes, but as a kitchen staple I’m still unsure about the saturated vs unsaturated thing. And I’m not normally shy of fats. BTW I was totally confused by Miranda Kerr’s apparently high consumption so I can rest easy now knowing it was a typo!!
I’ve just found this article to help answer the saturated/non saturated question…
http://blogs.menshealth.com/bellyoff-nutritionist/coconut-oil-a-healthy-saturated-fat/2011/03/14/
Absolutely loving your blog and your fascinating features. Your body image post sounds great, can’t wait to read it and enjoyed doing the survey. I recommend that your readers try it! x
Thanks for your thoughts Iona, I think it really raises the important issue that any health claim ends up being countered by an opposing expert at some point in time! My own philosophy is to take a balanced approach and enjoy integrating ingredients into my diet, but not necessarily converting every meal.
Thank you also for being so positive about the blog and the forthcoming body confidence feature, I hope it lives up to expectation!
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