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Tag: Coconut OIl - Organic Lifestyle Magazine Tag: Coconut OIl - Organic Lifestyle Magazine

How to Get Rid of Your Acne For Good

Although many people view acne as merely a part of life, it is definitely a health problem. In simplistic terms, it’s caused by too much toxicity in the body.

It’s estimated that nearly 85% of Americans have dealt with acne at one time or another. The good news is that with proper diet and time you should be able to completely eliminate acne.

The pores in our skin produce sebum, a waxy substance that coats the skin. Sebum that gets clogged inside the pores forms whiteheads or blackheads. When the pores become infected, they form pimples. Infection in the body is caused by poor diet and poor nutrition, an abundance of candida, and toxicity in the body.

The Acne Diet Connection

Many studies have shown a connection between acne and diet. Certain foods have been shown to help with acne whereas other foods, and food groups, have been shown to trigger outbreaks or make acne worse.

Gluten, dairy, refined sugars, and other refined foods have all been shown to play a significant role in worsening or prompting breakouts.

Studies have found that low-glycemic diets (diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes) can help prevent acne. One study found that after patients followed a low-glycemic diet, almost all of them improved.

USA: 2,258 patients were placed on a low-glycemic diet so that they could lose weight. This diet also reduced their acne, with 87% of patients saying they had less acne and 91% saying they needed less acne medication.1

Australia: 43 males with acne (aged 15 to 25 years of age) ate either their normal diet or switched to a low-glycemic diet for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, those who followed the low-glycemic diet had significantly less acne than those who ate their normal diet.2

Korea: 32 patients with acne (aged 20 to 27 years old) ate either their normal diet or a low-glycemic diet for 10 weeks. Those following the low-glycemic diet had significantly less acne at the end of 10 weeks than the patients who ate their normal diet.3

Turkey: 86 patients (50 with acne) kept food logs for 7 days. Those with the most severe acne consumed a high-glycemic diet.4

CAN THE RIGHT DIET GET RID OF ACNE?

Studies have also found a correlation between gut health and acne, and improvements in the skin were seen after fixing the gut. People with gastrointestinal illnesses often have skin problems, showing just how connected our gut and skin can be. Inflammation can also be a key contributor to acne, in addition to creating problems in the gut.

Through complex immune mechanisms, the influence of the gut microbiome extends to involve distant organ systems including the skin. With intentional modulation of the microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have proven beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory skin diseases including acne vulgaris, AD, and psoriasis.

The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis

You are what you eat. If you live off greasy fast food and refined sugar, it shows in your skin, hair, eyes, and teeth. The same can be said for when you eat fresh whole foods. If you want to truly fix the root of your skin problems, you need to fix your gut first, as opposed to treating the problem topically. This article goes into how to fix the gut. It’s not complicated. Cut out refined sugar and other refined foods, start eating salads every day, and always cook at home from scratch.

Every morning I start off the day with a salad and drink lots of cranberry lemonade (click here for recipes for both). For lunch, I’ll have a scramble with eggs lots of vegetables, or maybe a smoothie. For dinner, I’ll have grains and legumes with lots of vegetables.

The Problem with Your Face Wash

Topical acne treatments are not going to fix the root of your problem, and in many cases it can be difficult or impossible to treat the problem entirely without fixing the root cause.

Chemically laden conventional skin care can seriously age the skin. And the skin can become dependent on its use. For instance, oily skin seems to be controlled by the chemical cocktail that causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Or dry skin feels better for an hour or two, but the sebaceous glands don’t produce more oil.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ACNE

Chances are, your face wash has all the same problems your regular soap does. You can read more about the problems with your soap and over showering in this article. Many face washes can strip your skin of its natural oil and cause irritation. Often times your facial cleansers are full of harsh chemicals and toxins that are counterproductive to what your skin actually needs.

Parabens, fragrances, Propylene Glycol, petroleum, and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are all among the harsh chemicals you find in your face wash that you do not want to use on your skin.

If you’ve ever turned over the packaging of your favorite facial cleanser, you noticed a long list of ingredients you didn’t recognize. From sulfates to parabens, the cosmetic industry uses all kinds of chemicals in its products.

5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Face Wash

While you’re detoxing the body from the inside, you can treat topically to speed the process along with natural products. When my skin does start to break out, I use coconut oil and apple cider vinegar on my whole face. This is good to do on a regular basis while you’re fixing your skin.

Coconut oil acts as a mild antimicrobial and helps coat the skin as a lube to help the sebum escape without clogging the pores. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and it helps balance the pH of the skin, allowing the skin to maintain a healthy microbiome. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it is also known to help with sunburn and wrinkles.

I don’t use soap on my face, and I rarely shower. You can read more about that in this article. I also don’t wear makeup, ever. I view it as a credit card. The more you use it now, the more you’ll pay for it later. Makeup is not good for you or your skin and makes it much harder to give it up later on. The reason I’m able to do these things is due to my diet. Eating a salad every day and cutting out refined sugars and other refined food has given me a balanced microbiome that keeps my skin clean all on its own.

If you’re searching for skincare products, stick to products that are organic, and have minimal ingredients. I don’t have many personal recommendations. The only soap I’ve used on my skin in the last year and a half is Moon Valley Organics bar soap.

Conclusion

When you begin detoxing through a healthy diet you may notice your skin break out even more than before. Although this isn’t fun, it’s normal and part of the detoxification process. I often find that if I’m traveling and not taking great care of myself, my skin doesn’t break out until I get home and start eating properly again. As frustrating as this can be, don’t give up!

My skin isn’t perfect. Up close, you can still see blackheads and other problem spots. My diet isn’t perfect either. I’ve also lost lots of weight throughout the process of fixing my skin. If you are trying to lose weight, fixing your skin will likely take longer as the fat cells in your body continue to release toxins. Additionally, if you’re young (18-24) you are more prone to breakouts than those who are older.

My advice is to stay diligent. Keep with the diet and know that fixing problems like this takes time when you’re doing it right. Remember, as slow as the process may be to fix all the problems on the outside, you’ll feel radically better in just a short amount of time.

Sources:



The Top Ten Tips to Treat Yourself Today and Every Day

There are many ways to improve your health naturally and safely at home – and elsewhere.  If you follow these ten tips every day, they will soon become a habit.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling means that you rinse your mouth out – ideally with coconut oil. This can have a very powerful cleansing and healing effect, detoxifying or cleansing the body.The process can also help with dental problems in the mouth.

This is a simple and inexpensive way to whiten teeth and freshen breath.  It can also improve several health conditions (ranging from eczema to arthritis) through its effect on oral bacteria. Imagine the oil that lubricates and cleans vehicle engines for many miles before being changed and fresh oil put in. Oil pulling works the same way in our mouth, getting rid of dirt and grime.

First thing in the morning – on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids – put 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil in your mouth. Push, pull and swish the oil between your teeth and all around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, long enough to bind bacteria with the oil. Spit out the oil and rinse.  You can then brush your teeth with a natural toothpaste and even a natural sea salt and water mouthwash.  At the start, carry this out 3 times a day if possible for a full detox. Later, change to once a day for maintenance.

Recommended: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Vitamin D supplement and/or Sunlight Exposure

Unless you are a lifeguard on a California beach or you live on the equator, there is a strong possibility that you will be Vitamin D deficient.  Today, we spend much of our lives indoors, under artificial light and when we do get out in the sunlight, we are encouraged to slather on the sunblock.  Make the change to exposing as much skin as possible to the summer sunlight (without skin block) until the skin starts to turn a light pink (if you are light skinned).  Darker skin tones can tolerate more sun.  The darker your skin, the longer it takes to absorb vitamin D.  Aging can also prevent absorption.

During the winter months, most of us need to supplement with a high-quality vitamin D3 and the dosage can be up to 5000 IUs daily.  If you are unsure about how much you should take, get tested.

Coconut Oil

Often considered to be one of the healthiest oils in the world, the flesh of the coconut is very high in healthy fatty acids. While the composition of fat varies depending on the type and processing of the oil, medium-chain saturated fatty acids make up approximately 90% of coconut oil with a slight contribution of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

Many natural health followers believe that adding coconut oil to your diet will help in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s. Take two tablespoons daily with food. Start off with just a teaspoon of coconut oil and gradually build up, making sure you use organic virgin coconut oil.

Resistance Exercises

Resistance exercise is any form of exercise that forces your skeletal muscles to contract. For this form of strength training, you can use resistance bands or one of those chest expanders.  You can put your foot on one end and pull upwards with your arm for several times and then change to the other foot and arm.  A resistance band can be attached to a chair or a handy pillar.  Any external resistance will lead to increases in muscular mass, strength, endurance, and tone.  An invaluable way to improve your health.

Recommended: 35 Things You Could Do With Coconut Oil – From Body Care to Health to Household

Grounding – Going Barefoot Outdoors

There are numerous health benefits when you are grounded or connecting electrically with the Earth. But, unlike our ancient ancestors, we no longer have this grounding connection – unless we walk barefoot on grass, sand or even in a body of natural water. Grounding helps to combat inflammation by restoring circulation to fingers and toes, can be very beneficial for problem varicose veins, can thin the blood making it less viscous, and even helps to counteract jet lag.  An hour of grounding after a long flight or car journey can eliminate those unwanted effects of long-distance travel.

A Weekly Epsom Salt Bath

Two cups of Epsom salt in a warm bath can be very beneficial, relaxing and therapeutic.  The bath will help to detox; provide a further form of treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne; soothe inflammation, bruising, swelling and muscle strain; and top up magnesium levels where deficient.

Relax Your Back

Apart from an Epsom salt bath above, there is a very useful exercise for the relief of lower back pain.  Lie flat on the floor facing upwards before lifting your legs straight up into the air and, bending at the knees, place your feet on the seat of a dining room/kitchen chair.  Remain like this for at least twenty minutes.  Relax as much as you can and even practice deep breathing at the same time.

Recommended: Sugar Leads to Depression – World’s First Trial Proves Gut and Brain are Linked (Protocol Included)

A Daily 30-minute Walk

And a brisk one at that!  We all need to get moving more and this is an ideal way to start and a very good habit to get into.  Of course, an hour is even better, but I am not pushing it!

Hydrating

Are you drinking enough liquids and especially water?  A jug or glass of water next to your bed at night helps to keep you hydrated and even aids sleep.  During the day, keep a glass or reusable bottle of water at your workplace to remind you to keep drinking. Carry that same bottle with you when traveling or out and about.  Water is not always as drinkable and as safe as you would hope or expect.  Investing in a high quality home water filter is probably the most practical and affordable solution.

Recommended: Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones

Standing in the Workplace

We don’t have to tell you that most people don’t stand enough, preferring to take the comfortable easy way out.  And yet, spending too much time sitting is now considered to be as dangerous for your health as being a smoker, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart failure, invasive breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, reducing blood flow, and even leading to deep vein thrombosis.

Think and plan on how you can become more of a stand-up person.

Taking that daily brisk walk above is one way while re-thinking your workplace set up is another.  Change your workstation to a standing one; take all phone calls on your feet; pace up and down while you talk; and urge your work colleagues to try standing or walking meetings.

These tips are all ones that I try to follow regularly.  Not always every day but I have the best intentions and I do benefit!

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The War On Coconut Oil

Prior to World War II coconut oil was a common cooking oil and an ingredient in many food products. During World War II the Japanese occupied the Philippines and other South Pacific islands. They cut off the U.S.’s supply of coconut oil, and so, American manufacturers used vegetable oils instead. The vegetable oil industry then used advertising to promote vegetable oil as the healthier alternative to tropical oils.

For some time now science has been urging us to rethink our coconut oil stance, and many now consider it a heart-healthy ingredient. But companies selling coconut oil are finding themselves being attacked for claiming that coconut oil is healthy. The FDA does not allow such a claim, even if scientific studies and public awareness back it up. Companies are facing class actions lawsuits as attorneys take advantage of the FDA’s Ruling on Saturated Fats.1

Related: 35 Things You Could Do With Coconut Oil – From Body Care to Health to Household

Lawsuits – Businesses Affected

American Heart Association’s Presidential Advisory

The main sources of saturated fat to be decreased are dairy fat (butter), lard (pork), beef tallow, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil. Polyunsaturated fats are contained in canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and walnuts. However, original high-linoleic varieties of safflower and sunflower oils are uncommon. High-oleic varieties of safflower and sunflower oil, olive oil, avocados, and tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, and pecans have mainly monounsaturated fats and are low in saturated fat. – AHA

Recommended: How Himalayan Salt Laps Work

What’s Wrong with the AHA’s Stance?

Saturated fats are not the problem. They got it wrong when we linked saturated fats to heart disease. There are pros and cons to animal saturated fats, and science is working it out, but saturated fats from plants like coconut oil do not seem to have any health drawbacks.

In the 1940’s farmers tried coconut oil to fatten their animals but discovered that it made them lean and active and increased their appetite. Coconut oil stimulates the thyroid.” – HealthStatus

What Science Says About Coconut Oil

  • Promotes weight loss, raises metabolism 2
  • Helps balance cholesterol 3
  • Does not clog arteries 4
  • Supports your immune system 5
  • Supports the endocrine system 6
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While research shows coconut oil contains higher amounts of saturated fat and does increase total cholesterol, those amounts do not increase your heart attack or stroke risk. In fact, one study among lean, heart disease- and stroke-free Pacific Islanders who consumed up to 63 percent of their calories from coconut fat found total cholesterol rose but so did their “good” HDL. Other studies found lipid profiles improve on high-fat diets containing coconut oil. Researchers concluded it wasn’t saturated fat from coconuts that negatively impacted cholesterol profile. Instead, the coconut oil’s overall effect raised HDL while lowering triglycerides and small LDL cholesterol particles, which is definitely a good thing.” – Dr. Hyman

Recommended Reading:
Sources:
  1. War on Coconut Oil: California Companies Attacked to try and Prevent the Sale of Coconut Oil – Health Impact News
  2. How Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat – HealthLine
  3. Is Coconut Oil bad for Your Cholesterol? – Dr. Mark Hyman
  4. Does saturated fat clog your arteries? Controversial paper says ‘no’ – CNN
  5. Three Ways Coconut Oil Can Boost Your Immune System – Primal Paleo
  6. Will Coconut Oil Help with Thyroid Problems? – Wellness Mama



Best Cooking Oils – Health benefits, Smoke Point, Which to Use and Avoid

There are so many options when it comes down to selecting which oils to use for cooking. That’s because when we talk about performance and flavor, not all cooking oils are equal. They differ in flavor, health benefits, heat constitution, performance, etc. And, it will not do you any good if you choose an oil that enhances the taste of your food but damages your body. You may wonder, “What about the health benefits then?” I’m getting there.

While choosing an oil for cooking, it is important to opt for one that remains healthy even after it has been heated considerably. As for some oils, they may be nutritious when consumed in their natural state, but the moment they are processed or cooked, they lose their nutritional value. Some oils break down quickly, loose nutritional value, produce cancer-causing free radicals and other toxins when they are heated. So, it can so happen that the oil may end up being more harmful to your health. It all comes down to what percentage of saturated and unsaturated fats the oil has.

It’s not an easy job to go scanning through the aisles of supermarkets, scrutinizing hundreds of bottles of oils and wondering which one to get. So, here’s a list of the most commonly used oils and everything you need to know about them when it comes to cooking.

Must Read: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

1. Sesame Oil – Great for Low to Medium-heat Cooking

Sesame oil is widely used by many health conscious people. It offers many benefits when it comes to health and ease of cooking due to its percentage of unsaturated and saturated fats. Sesame oil is mostly used in Asian cuisines to add flavor to curries. Being rich in fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, sesame oil enhances cardiovascular health. It reduces high blood pressure and prevents blockage of the arteries. It has antioxidants that play an important role in flushing out harmful toxins from the body, hence protecting it from harmful diseases, including cancer. As sesame oil has a high smoke point, it is perfect for deep frying or even stir frying meat or vegetables. Apart from all its health benefits and convenience in cooking, sesame oil also acts as an instant flavor booster as it has a distinct flavor. All these factors make it one of the healthiest and most preferable oils.

Must Read: Sugar Leads to Depression – World’s First Trial Proves Gut and Brain are Linked (Protocol Included)

2. Avocado Oil – Great for High-heat Cooking

Avocado oil is considered to be one of the healthiest oils due to its healing properties. It is one of the few edible oils that are not derived from the seed but from the pulp of the fruit. How good a cooking oil is determined by its smoke point. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it one of the top choices in cooking. It is also used in uncooked items and for seasoning salads and dips. Compared to other oils, avocado oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which is good for the heart. Studies have shown a gradual improvement in cholesterol levels with the consumption of avocado oil. The pulp of the avocado fruit produces the oil, which is rich in healthy fats, including oleic acid and other important essential fatty acids. Avocado oil has another benefit when it comes to health. It can improve the symptoms of arthritis and hence is a valuable addition to an arthritis patient’s diet.

Related: Health Benefits of Avocados

3. Ghee – Great for High-heat Cooking

Ghee, considered to be another form of clarified butter is also an essential power food. It is a stable fat for cooking and has a host of health and other cooking benefits. Apart from that, it is also good for the mind and spirit. Ghee has a very high smoke point and hence doesn’t burn up easily during cooking. It is also nutritionally rich due to its medium chain fatty acids which can be quickly metabolized by the body. Even athletes sometimes use ghee as a source of energy. Consuming ghee on an everyday basis can build a healthy immune system. If stored properly, your jar of ghee can last as long as three months to up to a year. Along with being anti-inflammatory, Ghee also reduces cholesterol. It is considered good for your nerves and brain.

4. Coconut Oil – Great for Low to Medium Heat Cooking

When it comes to medium heat cooking, coconut oil is your best option. It is decently resistant to heat due to most of its fatty acids being saturated. But it is not suitable for deep frying or high heat cooking. Coconut oil offers many powerful health benefits. It has antioxidant properties due to the presence of lauric acid, which can help kill bacteria and lower the cholesterol levels in the body. Many people believe that coconut oil can raise the body’s metabolism, making it easier to lose weight. Some have concerns that the high percentage of saturated fats may increase the bad cholesterol levels. Virgin coconut oil is a better option. It is abundant in healthy compounds that benefit anyone who consumes it.

Related: How to Use Coconut Flour

5. Olive Oil – Not for Cooking

Olive oil is considered to be one of the healthiest oils out there. It is loaded with beneficial fatty acids and many powerful antioxidants. It is a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Though olive oil is often acclaimed for its health benefits, it’s not the best oil when it comes to cooking. Despite the fact that olive oil can raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, people believe that it is unsuitable for frying/cooking. Olive oil is full of unsaturated fats which are not as stable under heat as saturated fats. However, it can be used as a seasoning/ dressing in salads or dips and for simmering sauces.

However, the recent scandals have shown that many brand retailers have been fraudulently labeling olive oils as “extra virgin olive oil”. In some cases reports claim to find canola oil and other cheaper oils mixed in. The olive oil you find in your supermarket might not be wholesome in nutrition and may even be processed in an unhealthy environment. Hence, always check with your local seller and don’t opt for a cheaper one as it is less likely to be virgin olive oil.

6. Canola Oil – GMOs, Avoid

Another oil commonly used for cooking is canola oil. It is used for stir-frying, grilling, and even baking. It’s true that the fatty acid composition in canola oil is pretty much good. The percentage of monounsaturated fats is quite high, which is again healthy. However, it also contains trans fats and hence needs to be avoided. Canola oil is genetically modified and will become rancid quicker than any other oil. Packaged foods cooked with canola are likely cooked in rancid oil. Canola oil can lead to serious complications like heart disease, metabolic diseases, and even cancer. Despite these risk factors, canola oil is still considered to be good for cooking as it is low in saturated fat and has a high smoke point. But, even though it might have a neutral flavor and can blend with any dish, it is not the best option.

Related: How to Avoid GMOs in 2018 – And Everything Else You Should Know About Genetic Engineering

7. Peanut Oil – Probably Good for Cooking, High Smoke Point

Peanut oil has a mild nutty flavor and a high smoke point and is the perfect option for cooking or frying foods. It is rich in polyunsaturated fats, which makes it healthier when used in a dish rather than being cooked. However, refined peanut oil is processed under high heat. Therefore, all the proteins are eliminated. So, it’s better to opt for the roasted aromatic peanut oil that is cold pressed as all essential nutrients are preserved. There is one exceptional risk factor associated with peanut oil. It is uncertain whether it suits everybody as most people who are allergic to peanuts may develop reactions to peanut oil as well. However, peanut oil can be quite handy to have on the kitchen shelf.

8. Sunflower Oil – May Perpetuate Inflammation 

Sunflower oil has the perfect balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which makes it a healthy oil for cooking. It reduces the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, and hence, more people have begun incorporating sunflower oil into their diet. But recent research states that sunflower oil might not be as healthy as we think. One reason is that it contains no essential omega-3 fats. And therefore, it can cause issues if someone consumes it regularly as it may disturb the balance of ratio in the diet of omega-6/omega-3 fats. It has a subtle flavor and a high smoke point, which indicate it is more refined after processing. If it is repeatedly heated, it can display some dangerous chemical changes.

9. Palm Oil – Serious Environmental Concerns, Never Use Processed, Hydrogenated, Genetically Modified Stuff

Another one on our list is palm oil. The taste is considered to be savory and earthy. It can be used in many dishes for seasoning and cooking. Derived from the fruit of red oil palms, it consists mostly of saturated fats, which might pose risks to your health. But, it also contains a high amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which creates a good combination for cooking. Palm oil has a savory and earthy flavor and is used in many ready-to-eat foods that you find in your grocery stores. Palm oil has also reportedly been linked to several health benefits. Its strong antioxidant properties can support brain health and reduce the risk of a stroke. Repeatedly heating the oil gradually reduces its antioxidant capacity and may lead to heart disease. It has a high smoke point, so it is often used for frying or sautéeing.

Related: The Dangers of Industrial Vegetable Oils

Avoid Processed and Hydrogenated Palm Oil. In a nutshell, you want to avoid all processed, hydrogenated oils like the plague. Even the amazing health benefits of palm oil are completely negateddue to this harmful process that extends shelf life. Stay safe and keep your shelves stocked with UNREFINED, COLD-PRESSED oils!” – Dr. Axe

The palm industry is linked to serious environmental issues including deforestation, habitat degradation, animal cruelty, and human rights abuses.

Large areas of tropical forests and other ecosystems with high conservation values have been cleared to make room for vast monoculture oil palm plantations – destroying critical habitat for many endangered species, including rhinos, elephants and tigers. – WWF

How To Store Oils

To ensure that your oils don’t go rancid, you need to take care of them in the right way. Store them in a suitable environment so that they do not get spoiled. Avocado oil, palm oil, olive oil, and a few others need to be stored in surroundings that prevent them from getting oxidized. Many health advocates argue that olive oil should be refrigerated. Store all of your cooking oils in a cold, dry, and preferably dark place (not by or above the stove). Keep the bottle clean and shut the lid tightly after every use. We don’t recommend buying in bulk quantities as oils tend to have a much shorter shelf life than most realize. These precautions can help your oil last longer.

When it comes to cooking, we concentrate more on flavor than our health. Try to have a balanced approach, and you will not have to worry about visits to the doc. Most refined, processed, commercial oils pose a threat to the body. Hence, choose an organic form of the oil that has a good flavor as well as health benefits. Make sure to look at the labels closely to avoid highly processed oils. Many labels tend to be fake or make false claims about certain oils. So, opt for a trustworthy vendor and never succumb to cheaper options. Always remember, the more organic the oil, the healthier it is.

Smoke Point Cooking Oil Chart

Oil Temp
Avocado Oil 271°C 570°F
Ghee 252°C 485°F
Coconut Oil (refined) 232°C 450°F
Peanut Oil (Unrefined) 232°C 450°F
Palm Oil 232°C 450°F
Peanut Oil (Refined) 227°C 440°F
Sesame Oil (Unrefined) 210°C 410°F
Olive Oil 207°C 405°F
Canola Oil (Expeller Pressed or Refined) 204°C 400°F
Sesame Oil (Refined) 177°C 350°F
Coconut Oil (extra virgin) 177°C 350°F
Sunflower Oil (unrefined) 107°C 225°F
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Sources:



5 Superfoods with Recipes for a Healthier 2016

How many of these nutrient dense foods have you incorporated into your diet?

Seaweed

Vegetables that are found in the sea contain essential omega 3 fatty acids, which can be great for your body. From combatting heart disease to strengthening your bones, the calcium, zinc and iron packed into seaweed will boost your day-to-day fitness – as well as keep your body healthy over longer periods of time. Seaweed is commonly used as an addition to sushi but, if you’re looking for other ways to get it into your diet, there are plenty of exciting recipes to try out – including some delicious snacks!

Recipe Idea: Seaweed Crisps

Ingredients

  • 12 nori seaweed sheets
  • ¼ cup of water
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 275°F/140°C. Place nori seaweed sheets on a baking tray and sprinkle with water, adding another layer of nori each time. Use scissors to cut the sheets into your preferred shapes and sizes. Mix the garlic and sesame oil together in a bowl – adding salt and pepper to taste. Gently rub the mixture across the seaweed crisps and bake for around 20 minutes for a delicious snack you can enjoy any time of the day.

Coconut Oil

Many people are put off from incorporating coconut oil into their diets because they’re concerned about the calories it contains, but not all calories are created equal. By restricting your intake, you could be depriving your body of essential nutrients found in more calorific foods. Coconut oil can be used for just about anything. From adding it to a stir-fry to give your noodles an extra kick to injecting some flavour into your chicken satay, the options are limitless.

Recipe Idea: Protein Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 banana
  • Handful of blueberries
  • 30g oats
  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. flaxseed
  • 1 tsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp of water

Instructions

Chop up the banana and add the flaxseeds, peanut butter, water and oats to a mixer and blend until creamy. Set your frying pan to medium heat and add the coconut oil. Pour in the mixture and cook for one minute on each side. Serve with blueberries for a quick, easy and protein-packed breakfast.

Chia Seeds

Noted as being one of the most healthy foods around, chia seeds are packed with fibre, fat, and protein – among many other healthy nutrients. Like blueberries, chia seeds contain antioxidants, which help to fight off diseases. If you’re looking for healthier after-dinner options, try baking some flapjacks and adding pumpkin and chia seeds for a delicious dessert alternative.

Recipe Idea: No Cook Peanut Butter Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 pot Greek yoghurt
  • 2-3 tbsps. peanut butter
  • 2 tbsps. chia seeds
  • 2-3 tbsps. honey

Instructions

Pour Greek yoghurt into a bowl and mix in peanut butter and honey, adding chia seeds as you go. Serve with fruit and use as a dip for a tasty after-dinner treat.

Açai Berries

When it comes to antioxidants, berries are among the best foods around. Açai berries are packed with fibre that’s proven to aid digestion. These berries also contain oleic acid, which is a healthy fat thought to combat heart disease. Açai berries are highly perishable – but you can mix them with other fruits to make tasty juices or shakes, which you can refrigerate.

Recipe Idea: No Cook Açai Berry Truffles

Ingredients

  • ½ cup dried açai powder
  • 1 tbsp. almond butter
  • 2 tbsp. cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp. palm sugar
  • 1 ½ tbsp. coconut oil
  • 8 dates
  • 1 small plate of desiccated coconut

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and mix until you’re left with a doughy texture. Roll individual balls to a size of your choice and refrigerate. Once chilled, roll in a plate of desiccated coconut to dust and serve as a decadent dessert.

Avocados

Loaded with nutritional values, the avocado has a number of proven health benefits. Avocados are packed with vitamins K, C, and E – among others – and are extremely low in saturated fat. Avocados are an acquired taste – but try mashing up a ripe avocado and mixing in lemon juice and black pepper to make a tasty dip for your snacks.

Recipe Idea: Avocado Baked Eggs

Ingredients

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp. chives
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to.425°F/220°C. Half the avocado and remove the pit. Place both halves into oven-proof bowls and crack an egg into each half. Bake for around 15 minutes. Finely chop the chives and sprinkle on top, adding salt and pepper to taste, for a healthy, hearty breakfast.

Staying healthy doesn’t have to be about implementing strict diets or spending all of your time in the gym. By mixing some superfoods into your daily diet, you can put your body on the path to a healthier 2016.

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Personal Care Recipes With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used since ancient times for its remarkable effects on skin and hair. It is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which is the reason coconut oil is used as a major ingredient in many cosmetic soaps and creams and even used in preparation of many dishes and salads in Asian countries.

Coconut oil is a natural and safe alternative to chemical-laden products.

Natural Homemade Hair Conditioner

Coconut oil is the best alternative to your chemical based conditioner. It will make your hair soft and shinier.

Ingredients

  • 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 2 – 4 drops of essential oils (rosemary, sage, peppermint, vanilla, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus or grapefruit)
  • Something to cover your hair

Instructions

  • Heat a small amount of coconut oil until it liquefies and then add essential oils and mix the two.
  • Apply the oil directly onto your scalp and gently massage.
  • Comb the hair to make sure the oil is evenly distributed throughout the hair. Cover your hair for some time with a shower cap.

Chemical Free Face Moisturizer Recipe

Coconut oil has moisture-retention property and that’s why it can work as a natural moisturizer. Moreover, applying it will also keep your skin soft and smooth and well-hydrated.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons of shea butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
  • 2 – 4 drops of essential oils

Instructions

  • Heat coconut oil.
  • Add shea butter
  • Add vitamin E oil and essential oil
  • Mix

You can apply this mixture to your skin to enjoy the benefits of coconut oil.

Coconut Oil Lip Balm Recipe

Although applying unrefined coconut oil to your lips is good enough to keep the moisturized, the following is a simple way to make a lip balm using coconut oil.

Ingredients

  • 1 – 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of beeswax
  • 1 – 2 drops of essential oils

Instructions

  • Warm your coconut oil till it turns liquid and then add beeswax to it. Allow the beeswax to melt and then add few drops of your favorite essential oil.
  • You can store this on-the-go lip balm in small containers and carry them wherever you go.

Homemade Toothpaste with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil’s anti-microbial property makes it efficient enough to buzz off the bacteria and germs in your teeth.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of coconut oil
  • 4 – 6 tablespoons of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia
  • 15 – 20 drops of essential oils

Instructions

  • Heat the coconut oil to make it soft but don’t allow it to turn into liquid.
  • Now add baking soda, essential oil, and stevia.
  • Mash all the ingredients together and then whip it till it turns light and creamy.
  • You can store this mixture in a jar and use it as your daily toothpaste.

Coconut Oil Salt Scrub Recipe

For keeping skin soft and smooth, nothing quite compares to a warm bath and this coconut oil salt scrub!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
  • 1/2 cup of dead sea salt
  • 15 – 20 drops of essential oils

Instructions

  • Heat the coconut oil till becomes liquid and the add salts and essential oils to it.
  • Mix well all the ingredients and then store it in a glass jar.
  • You can use this once a week and then soak yourself into warm water to make sure the body gets nourishment due to these ingredients.
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35 Things You Could Do With Coconut Oil – From Body Care to Health to Household

It wasn’t that long ago when we were told saturated fats were bad for us, that they clogged the arteries. Well, new studies have shown that was a myth; coconut oil is good for your health. Common sense should have told us this a long time ago. After all, societies that eat a lot of coconut are populated with some of the healthiest people on the planet.

Now that we are no longer afraid to include it in our diet, we have found we can eat the meat, drink the water, turn it into milk, and squeeze out the oil. Every part is a great source of nutrition. But that’s not the only benefit.

Coconut oil is also antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It has a world of uses. Here are a few:

Coconut Oil and Body Care

  1. Oil pulling. Swish a tablespoon or so of coconut oil through your mouth for 15-20 minutes the first thing in the morning. This is a great practice for oral health and many claim other health benefits as well (oral health recipes).
  2. Brush your teeth with it. Use it plain, add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, oregano), or make your own DIY toothpaste.
  3. Use as a carrier oil. Most of the essential oils are too strong to use full strength. They should be diluted with a carrier oil and coconut oil works very well for this purpose. Just add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub it on your skin (essential oils for infections).
  4. Use as a moisturizer. Plain coconut oil is great for the skin. It is said to lighten dark spots and help prevent stretch marks.
  5. Make-up remover. Removes all make-up, including eye make-up.
  6. Diaper cream. Use on baby’s butt!
  7. Hair conditioner. Rub it into dry hair and leave it in for a few hours (shampoo conspiracy).
  8. Use as a shave cream.
  9. Use as a deodorant (deodorant recipe).

Coconut Oil and Health Care

  1. Nail fungus. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Rub into nails (kill fungal infections).
  2. Personal lubricant. Does not disrupt natural vaginal balance.
  3. Cracked heels. But remember this can be a sign of diabetes. Check your blood sugar and change your diet!
  4. Use after the burn cools off.
  5. Bug bites. Stops the itching and promotes healing.
  6. Chapped lips. Instant moisture. And it tastes good!
  7. Use on abrasions. Helps skin heal faster. (Also for perineum post birth).
  8. Stops the burning and itching.
  9. Prevents and may help reverse Alzheimer’s.
  10. Kills topical yeast infections.
  11. Kills lice.
  12. Soothes eczema and psoriasis.
  13. Helps to heal acne.

Pet Care With Coconut Oil

  1. Dry or cracked paws
  2. Dry noses.
  3. Hot spots.
  4. Rashes
  5. Cuts or abrasions.
  6. Helps prevent parasitic infections.
  7. Kills yeast and fungal infections.
  8. Glossy coat.
  9. Better digestion (dog food recipe).

Note: For dogs, one teaspoon per 10 lbs. of weight (or one tablespoon per 30 lbs.). Start with ¼ of the amount and work up to the full amount over a 3-4 week period. Mix it into food.

Household Uses for Coconut Oil

  1. Season cast iron pots and pans.
  2. Polish metals.
  3. Polish furniture.
  4. Use on scuffed leather.

There are many more health benefits from eating coconut oil. But remember to always choose organic virgin coconut oil.

It’s great for cooking and it takes very little to sauté a stir-fry. But you can add coconut oil to smoothies, use it instead of butter or margarine, replace other oils in recipes, or just eat a spoonful. Yes, it’s that good for you!

Check out Fight Cavities And Gingivitis Naturally With Homemade DIY Oral Health for a coconut oil based toothpaste and more info about oil pulling. And let us know int he comments below what you use coconut oil for. Enjoy!

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