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AYURVEDIC FOODS

COCONUT OIL

Health Benefits & Uses

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Customer Reviews

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"Wonderful article John ~ thank you! I was so glad to see that you suggested drizzling it onto cooked vegetables as I..."

- Emily ann, Downers grove, IL

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Ayurvedic Perspective on Coconut Oil
Similars: Foods and herbs similar to Coconut Oil
Indications: Coconut Oil may benefit these symptoms
Research: Effects on tongue, nervous system, temperature, elimination, etc.
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How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Footnote: The information for this article was in part gathered from a 2018 study and survey of 24 students of Ayurveda who experimented with coconut oil. During the study, students ate coconut oil for 3 days and journaled the pharmacological effects. This study was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and specifically the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course.

Fronds of a coconut palm sway in a tropical breeze, surrounded by endless sandy beaches, summer sun, and the turquoise horizon of crystal clear ocean. Stress and deadlines melt away in the cool shade, restoring your body. A sip of a pina colada recalls a recent pleasant gathering with your friends. You breathe a bit more easily. Coconut is a delight for the senses and the body, the very symbol of tropical paradise. One client shared, "It has a sweet and tropical flavor, that reminds me of an island in the Caribbean by the beach" This idyllic and fun tree nut restores your balance and harmony.

Coconut has been hailed as a "cure all" by Pacific Islanders. This magnificent statement has been validated over thousands of years of beneficial use. It is enjoyed by many cultures as a staple part of their diets. The ancient Ayurvedic texts call coconut by the Sanskrit term kalpa vriksha, which translates to "the tree that supplies all that is needed to live." More specifically, coconut oil is sweet, cool and nourishing yet unusually light. It makes an ideal liver tonic.

Unusually Light & Refreshing

Coconut's lightness is surprising, as most oils are heavy. Coconut oil feels refreshing. One student writes, "it's like a nice dip into a cool pool on a hot summer day" Coconut oil is actually ideal for late summer, as it simultaneously clears residual summer heat (pacifying Pitta), and nourishes your body for the winter months ahead (pacifying Vata).

A Balm for Your Nerves

Are you overly nervous and strung out? Your nerves may be parched for fats. All nerves are coated in a fatty layer called the myelin sheath, which guides nerve impulses and insulates the neuron from hyperactivity. When the fatty layer is dried out or deficient, your nerves will be easily agitated and anxious, thirsting for a balm that can ease this overstimulation. A teaspoon of coconut oil restores tranquility, bringing the serenity of the tropics closer to home. One student writes, "It (coconut oil) was pleasant and made me feel at ease." A client writes, "Coconut oil restores me in a very comforting and nourishing way. It's like being wrapped in a silky blanket." With unctuous silkiness and rich enticing aroma, coconut oil may be the ultimate 'neuron' comfort food, with a satisfaction that is 'marrow deep'.

A Boost For Your Energy

While most nourishing, oily foods depress metabolism, coconut oil is unusual in its ability to support the thyroid and improve metabolism.The fats in coconut oil are light, easy to digest, and quickly converted to energy. One client writes, "Coconut oil kept me energetic during the day." Another declares, "I love coconut and noticed that it gave me a good sustained energy throughout the day. I even opted out of coffee the first morning because it felt like my body was awake and energized from the coconut oil"

You'll feel energized by coconut's lightness instead of feeling weighed down. One client notes, "It was lighter than other oils I have consumed. It did not hang heavy on my digestion but felt rather light and soothing to my stomach."

Coconut's stimulating richness restores your vigor and vitality with a nutty aroma that gratifies the senses. It is a nourishing alternative to coffee that treats the root cause of exhaustion without the jitters of caffeine. Try supplementing your diet with coconut oil daily to boost your energy efficiently and effectively!

Strengthen Your Liver & Soften Your Emotions

Coconut oil has a luxurious richness that feeds you and your liver. Ayurveda suggests that an agitated liver should be moistened with fats, and pleased by sweet, delightful aromas like rose petals and coconut. By nature an ambitious organ, the liver falls victim to intense, hot blooded emotions and pitta internal heat conditions. Coconut oil replenishes a liver deficient in fats, and has special cooling properties to soothe an overheated liver. This makes it the ideal liver tonic.

Notice how coconut oil refreshes and relaxes the eyes - this is a sign of its healing effect on the liver. Coconut oil protects the liver from damage done through alcohol. An agitated liver equals agitated emotions. Coconut cools and eases the tension accompanying liver overactivity, restoring grace and kindness. Your relationships will benefit from your new, more yielding & charitable disposition. One student writes, "It made me feel cooler and calmed. It was very good for helping my Pitta emotions."

Moisturizes & Cools Dry, Overheated Skin

Looking for supple, younger looking skin? Coconut oil is not only getting a medical makeover, it will give you one too. Your skin will drink this beauty oil up! It will protect your skin, help you retain a balanced level of moisture, and heals dry or damaged skin - all without leaving an oily messy feeling. It is one of the best Pitta pacifying oils for Ayurvedic massage.

One client writes, "The oiliness was soothing to my nerves, and prevented my skin from drying out all day." Another writes, "When I use it for Abhyanga, it softens and moistens my skin. It even seems to "plump" my skin like botox but subtly." One Vata client exclaims,"I am a Vata type and need it for lubricating my body and skin. It's been really nice considering the chronic dryness that I was experiencing before."

According to Ayurveda, coconut oil cools excess heat in the skin, and helps alleviate discomfort caused by eczema, dry psoriasis, sunburn, and general dryness. Heavenly coconut oil has been used as an effective sunscreen for thousands of years by indigenous, pacific islanders. Give it a try. You will soon enjoy the benefits of this healthful and anti-aging oil. Your skin will look and feel younger, smoother and more radiant.

Coconut oil works great as a lip balm. One client writes, "I put some on my dry, cracked lips and instantly my lips felt nourished and hydrated." Another says, "My lips felt hydrated as if a sweet chap-stick were run across them."

The Science Behind Coconut Fat

This vital oil, once shunned as being unhealthy because it is high in saturated fats, is now considered by many as a magical health food. The difference between coconut oil and other saturated fats is in the size of the fat molecules. Long chain fats are hard to digest, and pass directly into the lymphatic system. The fats in coconut are medium chain fatty acids (MFCA's). MFCA's are transported via the hepatic portal vein to the liver. They never never enter the lymphatic system or blood stream, so they don't clog arteries like their longer chained relatives. Coconut oil actually lowers cholesterol and improves fat metabolism.

Instead, coconut oil is quickly digested, even without the aid of pancreatic enzymes. The healthy fats and fatty acids in coconut oil are quickly and easily absorbed, digested, metabolized and utilized by your body. This makes coconut oil ideal for nourishing the elderly and those debilitated from disease.

Overweight folks can use it to metabolize the fat they already have. Underweight people can use it to restore body fat. Athletes can use it for endurance and performance. Debilitated people can use it to build strength. Coconut oil also improves your body's ability to utilize blood sugar efficiently, which reduces the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

One client even noticed how it softened & lubricated their muscles, "My muscles felt a bit more smooth and I was able to take some of my yoga postures I typically get into a little more deeply than before. I did not feel as stiff and rigid." Another shared a similar experience: "My muscles felt very soothed after massaging them with coconut oil - I almost felt as if I was on a beach vacation!"

Supports Immunity

Coconut oil contains high levels of a fatty acid called lauric acid, an antiviral substance. Coconut oil has also been shown in research studies to have antimicrobial qualities, which have an adverse effect on fungus, bacteria, and yeast. Coconut oil also appears to have a natural anti-inflammatory effect, which ultimately supports your immune system. These properties have made Coconut oil popular as a carrier oil when treating infection with essential oils.

Coconut oil's antimicrobial properties makes it ideal for oil pulling and maintaining a healthy flora in the mouth. "After oil pulling my mouth felt sweet, cool and refreshed, as if a cooling sponge had just cleaned the inside of my mouth"

Effect on Elimination

The most common effect on bowels? Coconut oil lubricates the digestive tract, allowing for smoother, easier elimination. One client writes, "I recognize an easier smoother elimination and my bowels are not hard at all." Another says, coconut oil "was a great change from my normal mode of being constipated." Those with inflamed bowels found relief from coconut oils cooling qualities, and this lead to healthier stools overall.

Some experienced looser than normal elimination, "My elimination was a looser than normal while taking coconut oil in the morning." Others notices an increased sense of urgency. Fat has a cholagogue effect, meaning that it stimulates the release of bile. Bile has a mild laxative effect. The result is that coconut oil can increase the urge to eliminate.

Contraindication?

Kapha's may find coconut oil too cold for them, especially at night. In that case, just add a bit of ginger or spice to warm it up. In general, Kapha's should moderate use of oil, even light oils like coconut.

BUYING & PREPARATION

For optimum results use extra virgin coconut oil that is unrefined. Look for these qualities when shopping for coconut oil: In solid form, it should glimmer with a white opaqueness, and when liquid should be colorless and crystal clear. When you use it (whether for your body, taken as a supplement or cooking with) the texture of coconut oil should feel thin, light and silky. The aroma and flavor should be inviting and fresh.

COOKING COCONUT OIL

Browse Recipes Coconut oil has a lower oxidation point therefore it won't become rancid quickly, compared with other oils. It's time to stock you pantry up with this tropical nectar. Being a stable oil with a shelf life of at least two years, coconut oil is extremely versatile.

Coconut oil is ideal for lighter foods & subtly flavored dishes. It may be mixed into a salad dressing paired with lime juice. It can be safely heated to high temperatures, so enjoy the sound of sizzling coconut oil as you fry okra, pumpkin without the risk of trans-fats or free radicals. Even after cooking, you will taste the enriching natural coconut flavor throughout your entire dish - simply delicious and nutritious!

Drizzle into soups or onto par boiled vegetables. Rice embellished with a tablespoon of coconut oil will have a delightful aroma. Its sweet and nutty flavor is perfect for desserts and treats, such as smoothies. Coconut oil is excellent for melt in your mouth popcorn. Use an alternative to butter in baking, where it makes a light and flaky crust.

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WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

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When I Eat Coconut Oil:

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I FEEL BETTER I FEEL WORSE I FEEL THE SAME

Find foods that help me.

Is Coconut Oil Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether Coconut Oil is a good fit for your body type. Time to complete: approximately 1 minute.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tsp

SPECIES: Cocos nucifera

FAMILY: Arecaceae

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

FOR OCCASION: ON-THE-MEND

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICS

What is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?

INCREASES

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

OILY

ABOUT OILY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OILY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion.

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PACIFIES	AGGRAVATES

HAS THE FOLLOWING

Tissue (dhatu):

Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

Nerves

NERVES

Marrow tissue (Majja Dhatu) includes bone marrow and nervous tissue.

SEE ALL 'NERVES' FOODS / HERBS

Fat

MILD FAT

Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).

SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

Affinity:

Skin Care

SKIN-CARE

Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).

SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Family:
Arecaceae

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Experiences are Personal

Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Here are the herbal actions of Coconut Oil:

Mind, Stress & Sleep:

Brain Tonic

BRAIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.

SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:

Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:

Emollient

EMOLLIENT

Soothes & softens the skin. Often a topical demulcent or oil.

SEE ALL 'EMOLLIENT' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Tonic

SKIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.

SEE ALL 'SKIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Antifungal

ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS

Antiviral

ANTIVIRAL

Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil.

SEE ALL 'ANTIVIRAL' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:

Refrigerant

REFRIGERANT

An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:

Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:

Raises Thyroid

RAISES-THYROID

An herb that increases thyroid function.

SEE ALL 'RAISES-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:

Promotes Virility

PROMOTES-VIRILITY

Encourages virility and potency.

SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Bone & Joint:

Hair Growth Tonic

HAIR-GROWTH-TONIC

An herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth.

SEE ALL 'HAIR-GROWTH-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:

Fats

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

Compare Coconut Oil with these Foods

Compare the following foods with Coconut Oil:

Coconut Butter

Coconut Butter has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Brain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Raises-thyroid, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Coconut Cream

Coconut Cream has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Raises-thyroid, Tonic, Antifungal, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Brain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Coconut Flakes

Coconut Flakes has these Actions in Common

Livotonic, Raises-thyroid, Tonic, Antifungal, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Brain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory

LEARN MORE

Sesame Oil

Sesame Oil has these Actions in Common

Livotonic, Skin-tonic, Emollient, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Hair-growth-tonic, Promotes-virility, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Eggs

Eggs has these Actions in Common

Emollient, Promotes-virility, Hair-growth-tonic, Skin-tonic, Nutritive, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Almonds

Almonds has these Actions in Common

Promotes-virility, Tonic, Brain-tonic, Skin-tonic, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Blueberry

Blueberry has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Nutritive, Brain-tonic, Refrigerant, Livotonic

LEARN MORE

Ghee

Ghee has these Actions in Common

Livotonic, Tonic, Nutritive, Emollient, Promotes-virility

LEARN MORE

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Promotes-virility, Tonic, Skin-tonic

LEARN MORE

Pomegranate

Pomegranate has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Refrigerant, Livotonic, Skin-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Compare Coconut Oil with these Herb Supplements

Compare the following herb supplements with Coconut Oil:

Amalaki

Amalaki has these Actions in Common

Promotes-virility, Refrigerant, Skin-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Tonic, Brain-tonic, Hair-growth-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Almond Oil

Almond Oil has these Actions in Common

Skin-tonic, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Emollient, Hair-growth-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Pitta Massage Oil

Pitta Massage Oil has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Emollient, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Skin-tonic

LEARN MORE

Brahmi - Gotu Kola

Brahmi - Gotu Kola has these Actions in Common

Refrigerant, Skin-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Brain-tonic, Hair-growth-tonic

LEARN MORE

Vata Shirodhara Oil

Vata Shirodhara Oil has these Actions in Common

Emollient, Nutritive, Skin-tonic, Tonic, Brain-tonic

LEARN MORE

Bala

Bala has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Nutritive, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Bhringaraj

Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

Skin-tonic, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Hair-growth-tonic, Livotonic

LEARN MORE

Licorice Ghee (9oz)

Licorice Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Livotonic, Nutritive, Refrigerant

LEARN MORE

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Livotonic, Nutritive, Refrigerant

LEARN MORE

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Brain-tonic, Nutritive, Promotes-virility, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Brahmi Ghee (9oz)

Brahmi Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

Refrigerant, Skin-tonic, Brain-tonic, Hair-growth-tonic

LEARN MORE

Coconut Oil Research & Clinical Trials

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.