College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Coconut Oil Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


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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 survey of 24 students of Ayurveda who experimented with coconut oil. During the exercise, students ate coconut oil for 3 days and journaled the effects. This exercise was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and specifically the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course. This experiential, self-reporting exercise was not part of an FDA-regulated study. No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.



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.

Coconut has been hailed as a "cure all" by Pacific Islanders, with 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 "wish fulfilling tree." More specifically, coconut oil is sweet, cool and nourishing yet unusually light, qualities that Ayurveda associates with the ideal liver tonic.>Unusually Light & RefreshingCoconut's lightness is surprising, as most oils are heavy. Coconut oil feels refreshing. It 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. 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 are quickly converted to energy. We've heard examples of people trading coffee for coconut oil in the morning, and feeling energized throughout the day!

Coconut's stimulating richness restores your vigor and vitality with a nutty aroma that gratifies the senses. It is a nourishing alternative to coffee 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 - Ayurveda interprets this as a sign of its healing effect on the liver. Ayurveda uses cooling, Pitta pacifying oils like coconut to protect the liver from damage, such as done through alcohol. An agitated liver equals agitated emotions. From an Ayurveda perspective, coconut cools and eases the tension accompanying liver overactivity, restoring grace and kindness.
Recipes with Coconut Oil: Buckwheat Tea Cake with Orange Zest & Raspberry
Recipes with Coconut Oil: Buckwheat Tea Cake with Orange Zest & Raspberry

Moisturizes & Cools Dry, Overheated Skin

Looking for supple, younger looking skin? Your skin will drink this beauty oil up! Coconut oil may protect your skin, help you retain a balanced level of moisture, and heal dry or damaged skin - all without leaving an oily messy feeling.

Ayurveda uses oils to soothe nerves and soften and moisten the skin. Because of its cooling properties, it is one of the best Pitta pacifying oils for Ayurvedic massage.

Ayurveda suggests coconut oil to cool excess heat in the skin, and 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 can also moisten the lips - and is useful as a lip balm.

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, useful for overweight and underweight individuals alike.

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 may make coconut oil ideal for nourishing the elderly and those debilitated from disease.

Athletes have used 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.

Coconut oil has a soothing effect on the muscles and can help deepen a stretch. Massage with coconut oil can even feel like a tropical oasis!

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. Oil pulling with coconut can make the mouth feel sweet, cool and refreshed, as if a cooling sponge had just cleaned the inside of the mouth.
Recipes with Coconut Oil: Sweet Potato, Kale & Black Bean Saute with Roasted Walnuts
Recipes with Coconut Oil: Sweet Potato, Kale & Black Bean Saute with Roasted Walnuts

Effect on Elimination

The most common effect on bowels? Coconut oil lubricates the digestive tract, allowing for smoother, easier elimination. Those with inflamed bowels found relief from coconut oils cooling qualities, and this lead to healthier stools overall.

Oils generally can cause looser than normal elimination or 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

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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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. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Coconut Oil

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

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

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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

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

Other

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

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

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Coconut Oil
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.

(see all)
Brain Tonic

BRAIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability.

SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

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

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

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

Refrigerant

REFRIGERANT

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

SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS

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

Raises Thyroid

RAISES-THYROID

An herb that increases thyroid function.

SEE ALL 'RAISES-THYROID' FOODS / HERBS

Promotes Virility

PROMOTES-VIRILITY

Encourages virility and potency.

SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-VIRILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Hair Growth Tonic

HAIR-GROWTH-TONIC

An herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth.

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

Constituents:

Foods with a Similar Nature to Coconut Oil

  • Coconut Flakes

    Coconut Flakes has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Coconut Butter

    Coconut Butter has these Actions in Common

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

    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

  • 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

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Almonds

    Almonds has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Ghee

    Ghee has these Actions in Common

    Emollient, Promotes-virility, Livotonic, Tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Sesame Seeds

    Sesame Seeds has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Honey

    Honey has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Tonic, Promotes-virility, Emollient, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Tahini

    Tahini has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to 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

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Pitta Massage Oil

    Pitta Massage Oil has these Actions in Common

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

  • Brahmi - Gotu Kola

    Brahmi - Gotu Kola has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam

    Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Ginseng, Chinese

    Ginseng, Chinese has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Tonic, Antifungal, Brain-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

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

    LEARN MORE

  • Licorice Ghee (9oz)

    Licorice Ghee (9oz) has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Refrigerant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

    Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Livotonic, Nutritive, Refrigerant

    LEARN MORE

Coconut Oil Impact Report

The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda. These represent subjective experiences intended to help students explore principles of Ayurveda through personal observation. In each report below, students ate the selected food for 3 days and self-reported these effects. See other food & herb reports at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Coconut Oil affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
13
11
1
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your ear temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
21
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
5
20
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
1
0
21
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
6
2
1
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the swelling of your tongue body?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
2
21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
11
9
5
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your digestion speed?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
11
14
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

TOXINS

How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
10
14
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
6
17
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

Tongue: How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
6
12
7
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
0
1
8
15
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your throat soreness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
17
8
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
22
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
22
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
3
21
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your acne?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
22
2
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your freckles/moles?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
24
1
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
0
0
0
3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of the lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
22
3
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

HYDRATION

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine frequency/quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
1
24
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the dryness of your skin?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
13
11
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
22
3
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the cracks on your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
0
9
14
2
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Coconut Oil affect your ear pressure?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
21
3
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
19
4
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

18
15
12
9
6
3
4
16
5
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Coconut Oil affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
15
6
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
11
14
0
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
9
14
1
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the stillness of your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
9
16
0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

DIGESTION

How did Coconut Oil affect your appetite/hunger?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
11
9
5
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your digestion speed?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
11
14
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of gas & bloating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
10
14
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

15
12
9
6
3
0
2
10
13
0
0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

TONGUE

Tongue: How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
6
12
7
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the swelling of your tongue body?

26
21
16
11
6
1
2
2
21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
6
2
1
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the stillness of your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
9
16
0
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
0
1
8
15
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the cracks on your tongue?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
0
9
14
2
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

STOOL

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool frequency/quantity?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
1
10
13
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool color?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
0
1
0
24
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool lightness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
6
17
2
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
6
17
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your stool consistency?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
12
12
0
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

URINE

How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
22
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine clarity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
20
4
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
22
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine lightness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
22
1
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your urine frequency/quantity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
1
24
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

SWEAT

How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
3
21
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
5
20
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

SKIN

How did Coconut Oil affect your freckles/moles?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
24
1
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your acne?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
22
2
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the dryness of your skin?

15
12
9
6
3
0
1
13
11
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your skin?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
1
0
21
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

EYE

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
0
0
0
3
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the color of the lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
0
22
3
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
22
3
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

ENT

How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

18
15
12
9
6
3
4
16
5
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your ear temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
21
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your congestion?

21
17
13
9
5
1
2
19
4
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your ear pressure?

25
20
15
10
5
0
1
21
3
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your throat soreness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
17
8
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

HEART

How did Coconut Oil affect your heart rhythm?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
24
1
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
22
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your heart rate?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
6
18
1
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

SYSTEMIC

How did Coconut Oil affect your temperature?

15
12
9
6
3
0
0
13
11
1
0
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
15
6
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
11
14
0
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

How did Coconut Oil affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
9
14
1
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 25 REPORT ID:81 (2021-12-05 - 2021-12-13)

Note: These exercises are not part of an FDA-regulated study, and were not designed or conducted under a clinical research protocol. They are neither investigational in nature nor scientific findings. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They are experiential assignments rooted in traditional Ayurvedic education, intended solely for instructional use. No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Coconut Oil may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Coconut Oil may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Coconut Oil. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Coconut Oil is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / PITTA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Coconut Oil'

Do you like 'coconut oil'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'coconut oil'?

(4.86 out of 5 stars) 7 ratings, 567 likes
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Emily ann Downers grove, IL
2013-08-07
“Wonderful article John ~ thank you! I was so glad to see that you suggested drizzling it onto cooked vegetables as I find that when unrefined oils are added just before serving they are so much more digestible than if heated or cooked with the vegetables. This is what my Italian grandmother used to do! Now we know ~ oils are best added uncooked for maximum nutrition and so much easier on our livers etc. I esp. like to shower, and add a small amount of coconut oil to my whole body ~ it truly calms my vata energy down and makes me feel more content. Happy Summer! Em"
“A refridgerant is a product or formula with cooling qualities for the body. Read further on this page and note the section "Cools Overheated Skin"."
Heidi Simpsonville, SC
2013-12-05
“I have heard that for oil pulling you should not swallow because you don't want to swallow all of the bacteria you just pulled out of your teeth."
Margaret Tlustos Beaverton
2017-03-16
“I love coconut oil and appreciate your research into all the ways it is beneficial. However, I'm reticent about using it internally after recently reading Dr. Vasant Lad's book, "Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing" where he recommends that coconut oil, like avocado oil, should be used for external use only (page 226). Can you shed any light on this? Thank you"
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2017-03-17
“There will always be differing opinions among Ayurvedic professionals. We suggest you observe how you feel after eating coconut oil to decide if it's right for you. These 2 articles can help you do that:https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/article/Sensing-the-Impact-of-Food-on-Your-Body/5580https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/article/Getting-the-Most-Out-of-Your-Ayurvedic-Food-Journal/5140"
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.