What to do with all of this coconut oil? Do you have a tub in the back of your cupboard?  I know I do.  You may have decided not to use coconut oil on your face because of its comedogenicity (tendency to cause blackheads) or acnegenicity (tendency to cause acne more quickly than other oils).  You may have decided not to use coconut oil internally in large quantities because you prefer whole foods or maybe you prefer a lower fat diet at this time.  Or you bought bulk?

There are some times when it is particularly beneficial to take coconut oil internally for specific reasons such as travelling, aiding fat metabolism, raising cholesterol levels that are too low or impressing your friends with lovely desserts in those times when munching on dried seaweed and brazil nuts is just not enough.  Some great external uses for coconut oil are lip balms, antibacterial or other herbal salves, body butters or sugar scrubs.

The lauric acid in coconut oil does have some beneficial properties. Hilariously it is antibacterial, particularly against P acnes, the bacteria that cause acne.  Combined with its tendency to cause blackheads maybe it would be better on the back?  For my skin it wasn’t antibacterial enough to be a nice experience on my face.

Coconut oil whether in the “oil” form or the “butter” form, closer to its whole food source, contains about 2/3 of its fat from medium chain fatty acids.  These fats are very easily metabolized by the liver and can be used quickly for energy or to stimulate the metabolism.  I love to use coconut oil when I am on ultralight long distance backpacking trips because it is lightweight, easy to carry and is a very dense source of energy that will be stable in my backpack (provided I don’t cheap out on the container, ask me how I know).

I usually do not opt for oils and try to use whole foods as much as possible but there is a time and place for everything.  I find that particularly when I am going out for longer than a week I rely on some sneaky foods like coconut oil to get me through the days and they are a far healthier choice than the big box store fluorescent mango snacks my friends end up carrying.  And whole coconuts didn’t fit in my bag.  Gotta say the coconut oil is lighter too.

The lauric acid and myristic acid in coconut oil can aid in conversion of ALA from flax/chia/hemp oils into EPA and DHA.  It is estimated that the average conversion rate of ALA to EPA/DHA is 3.8% with it being lower than 2% in the elderly and young children.  Delta-6 Desaturase, an enzyme that is involved in the conversion from ALA to the EPA/DHA, is assisted by lauric and myristic acids making the conversion from flax oil and hemp oil and other omega 3 sources to DHA/EPA more efficient.  These benefits can be obtained from coconut flakes that are not defatted, coconut butter, coconut oil or whole coconuts with mature “meat”.  I say if you have that big tub in the back of your cupboard use it up by blitzing it with flax oil and/or hemp seeds and make an omegamazing dip to make the most of what you have.  You may want to add some flavouring to that!

In some people cholesterol levels can actually get too low. If that is the case for you no you do not need eggs and bacon.  You can raise your levels with some coconut oil supplementation.  Low cholesterol levels can have unpleasant effects on the body as cholesterol is required for the formation of hormones and vitamin D.  It is the grand-daddy of our hormone and hormone-like compounds and we do need it. In times of stress we can become depleted and I’m pretty sure you are here with me because you would rather take a spoon full of coconut oil than start a fast food habit.  Cholesterol can be lowered by some autoimmune conditions and it is important to have enough for brain and hormone health.

Coconut oil can take a raw food or vegan dessert from “meh” to “wow” by improving mouthfeel, taste, consistency and texture of desserts, making wonderful cheesecakes, mousses and ganaches.  If your birthday cake or christmas party food need to impress your guests and you still have that tub of coconut oil in your cupboard this may be a great time to use it.  If the worst thing you eat this christmas is chocolate mousse with coconut oil in it you are doing a darn good job!

Coconut oil can be a great addition to body butters, sugar scrubs and lip balms and can be infused with herbs to use in salves or home herbal concoctions.  I am particularly fond of coconut oil and have used it for almost everything.  Since it is summer and time to hit the trails I have written a recipe for coconut lemon trail bars here on plant powered probiotics.  However you choose to use coconut oil please post your experiences in the comments below. Side note: have you ever tried growing a dwarf coconut palm in your house?  If so please contact me ASAP!  I think they’re bigger than I had anticipated….