![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Customer Reviews4.86 out of 5 stars![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() "I love coconut oil and appreciate your research into all the ways it is beneficial. However, I'm reticent about using..." - Margaret Tlustos, ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS![]() 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. ![]() 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 & RefreshingCoconut'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 NervesAre 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 EnergyWhile 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 EmotionsCoconut 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 SkinLooking 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 FatThis 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 ImmunityCoconut 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 EliminationThe 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 & PREPARATIONCOOKING COCONUT OIL![]() 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. Learn about the health benefits of coconut oil for FREEYou'll receive free access to our entire website including healthy recipes, nutritional diet plans, medicinal uses of ingredients, & ayurvedic health tips. Sign in once and you can use our website indefinitely..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.Is Coconut Oil Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?SERVING SIZE: 2 tsp SPECIES: Cocos nucifera FAMILY:
Arecaceae EAT IN: FOR OCCASION: AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICSWhat is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?
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: Brain Tonic BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.Stimulates energy , STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsNutritive , NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Tonic TONICA 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.Emollient , EMOLLIENTsoothes & softens the skinSkin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Anti Inflammatory , ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Antifungal , ANTIFUNGALHerbs that destroy fungus.Antiviral ANTIVIRALHerbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil.Refrigerant REFRIGERANTAn herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.Livotonic LIVOTONICAn 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 has beta-carotene.Raises Thyroid RAISES-THYROIDAn herb that increases thyroid function.Promotes Virility PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency.Hair Growth Tonic HAIR-GROWTH-TONICAn herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth.![]() Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine. Compare Coconut Oil with these FoodsCoconut Cream Coconut Cream has these Actions in CommonTonic, Antifungal, Nutritive, Refrigerant, Brain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Raises-thyroidCoconut Flakes Coconut Flakes has these Actions in CommonBrain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Raises-thyroid, Tonic, Antifungal, Nutritive, RefrigerantCoconut Butter Coconut Butter has these Actions in CommonBrain-tonic, Promotes-virility, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Raises-thyroid, Tonic, Antifungal, Nutritive, RefrigerantSesame Oil Sesame Oil has these Actions in CommonLivotonic, Skin-tonic, Emollient, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Hair-growth-tonic, Promotes-virility, TonicEggs Eggs has these Actions in CommonHair-growth-tonic, Skin-tonic, Nutritive, Tonic, Emollient, Promotes-virilityAlmonds Almonds has these Actions in CommonNutritive, Stimulates-energy, Promotes-virility, Tonic, Brain-tonic, Skin-tonicBlueberry Blueberry has these Actions in CommonBrain-tonic, Refrigerant, Livotonic, Anti-inflammatory, NutritivePomegranate Pomegranate has these Actions in CommonLivotonic, Skin-tonic, Nutritive, Anti-inflammatory, RefrigerantGhee Ghee has these Actions in CommonLivotonic, Tonic, Nutritive, Emollient, Promotes-virilitySesame Seeds Sesame Seeds has these Actions in CommonSkin-tonic, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Promotes-virility, TonicCompare Coconut Oil with these ProductsAmalaki Amalaki has these Actions in CommonStimulates-energy, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Brain-tonic, Hair-growth-tonic, Nutritive, Promotes-virility, Skin-tonicAlmond Oil Almond Oil has these Actions in CommonHair-growth-tonic, Nutritive, Skin-tonic, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, EmollientPitta Massage Oil Pitta Massage Oil has these Actions in CommonSkin-tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Emollient, Nutritive, RefrigerantVata Shiro Oil (128 oz) Vata Shiro Oil (128 oz) has these Actions in CommonBrain-tonic, Emollient, Nutritive, Skin-tonic, TonicAshwagandha Ashwagandha has these Actions in CommonPromotes-virility, Tonic, Anti-inflammatory, Brain-tonic, NutritiveBrahmi - Gotu Kola Brahmi - Gotu Kola has these Actions in CommonBrain-tonic, Hair-growth-tonic, Refrigerant, Skin-tonicShatavari Ghee Shatavari Ghee has these Actions in CommonNutritive, Refrigerant, Tonic, Anti-inflammatoryVata Massage Oil Vata Massage Oil has these Actions in CommonTonic, Emollient, Nutritive, Skin-tonicBhumyamalaki Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in CommonAntiviral, Livotonic, Skin-tonic, Anti-inflammatoryBhringaraj Bhringaraj has these Actions in CommonHair-growth-tonic, Livotonic, Tonic, Anti-inflammatoryLicorice Root (Yastimadhu) Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in CommonAnti-inflammatory, Livotonic, Nutritive, RefrigerantCoconut Oil Research & Clinical TrialsTEMPERATURE/CIRCULATIONHow did Coconut Oil affect your temperature?
How did Coconut Oil affect your ear temperature?
How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat quantity?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your skin?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Coconut Oil affect the swelling of your tongue body?
How did Coconut Oil affect your appetite/hunger?
How did Coconut Oil affect your digestion speed?
TOXINSHow did Coconut Oil affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Coconut Oil affect your stool smell?
Tongue: How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue coating?
How did Coconut Oil affect your throat soreness?
How did Coconut Oil affect your urine smell?
How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat smell?
How did Coconut Oil affect your acne?
How did Coconut Oil affect your freckles/moles?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of the lower eye lid?
HYDRATIONHow did Coconut Oil affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Coconut Oil affect the dryness of your skin?
How did Coconut Oil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
How did Coconut Oil affect the cracks on your tongue?
FLUID-THICKNESSHow did Coconut Oil affect your ear pressure?
How did Coconut Oil affect your congestion?
How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
NERVOUS-SYSTEMHow did Coconut Oil affect your energy levels?
How did Coconut Oil affect your muscle tension?
How did Coconut Oil affect your anxiety?
How did Coconut Oil affect the stillness of your tongue?
DIGESTIONHow did Coconut Oil affect your digestion speed?
How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of gas & bloating?
How did Coconut Oil affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
How did Coconut Oil affect your appetite/hunger?
TONGUEHow did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue coating?
How did Coconut Oil affect the cracks on your tongue?
Tongue: How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
How did Coconut Oil affect the swelling of your tongue body?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your tongue body?
How did Coconut Oil affect the stillness of your tongue?
STOOLHow did Coconut Oil affect your stool smell?
How did Coconut Oil affect your stool consistency?
How did Coconut Oil affect your stool frequency/quantity?
How did Coconut Oil affect your stool color?
How did Coconut Oil affect your stool lightness?
URINEHow did Coconut Oil affect your urine smell?
How did Coconut Oil affect your urine lightness?
How did Coconut Oil affect your urine frequency/quantity?
How did Coconut Oil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
How did Coconut Oil affect your urine clarity?
SWEATHow did Coconut Oil affect your sweat smell?
How did Coconut Oil affect your sweat quantity?
SKINHow did Coconut Oil affect the dryness of your skin?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your skin?
How did Coconut Oil affect your freckles/moles?
How did Coconut Oil affect your acne?
EYEHow did Coconut Oil affect the color of the lower eye lid?
How did Coconut Oil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
How did Coconut Oil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
ENTHow did Coconut Oil affect your congestion?
How did Coconut Oil affect your ear pressure?
How did Coconut Oil affect your throat soreness?
How did Coconut Oil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
How did Coconut Oil affect your ear temperature?
HEARTHow did Coconut Oil affect your heart rate?
How did Coconut Oil affect your heart rhythm?
How did Coconut Oil affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
SYSTEMICHow did Coconut Oil affect your muscle tension?
How did Coconut Oil affect your anxiety?
How did Coconut Oil affect your temperature?
How did Coconut Oil affect your energy levels?
HEALTH & WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) 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.View Other Ingredients for Autumn-WinterCoconut Oil is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Coconut Oil'Do you like 'coconut oil'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'coconut oil'?![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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".
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.
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
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
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMSCoconut 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.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 exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. |