School of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion
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SERVING SIZE: 2 tsp SPECIES: Cocos nucifera FAMILY:
Arecaceae EAT IN: FOR OCCASION: "Wonderful article John ~ thank you!
I was so glad to see that you suggested drizzling it onto cooked vegetables as I..." - Emily ann,  SEE MORE REVIEWS & COMMENTSAbout the Author: John Immel, How Can Coconut Oil Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSIS
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 its 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. Coconut oil contains healthy fats and fatty acids that are quickly and easily absorbed, digested, metabolized and utilized by your body, ideal for nourishing the elderly and those debilitated from disease. Coconut's stimulating richness restores your vigor and vitality with a nutty aroma that gratifies the senses, 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 luxuriant 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. Coconut oil protects the liver from damage done through alcohol. It is one of the best Pitta pacifying oils for Ayurvedic massage. Coconut oil cools and eases the tension accompanying liver overactivity, restoring grace and kindness. Your relationships will benefit from your new, more yielding & charitable disposition. Cools Overheated Skin Looking for supple, younger looking skin? Coconut oil is not only getting a medical makeover, it will give you one too. Your body 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. 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 and your skin will look and feel younger, smoother and more radiant. 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). These MFCA's are quickly digested, even without the aid of pancreatic enzymes, and are transported via the hepatic portal vein to the liver. MFCA's never enter the lymphatic system or blood stream, so they don't clog arteries like their longer chained relatives. Instead, they are light, easy to digest, and quickly converted to energy. Coconut oil actually lowers cholesterol and improves fat metabolism. 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. Supports Immunity Coconut oil contains high levels of a fatty acid called lauric acid, an anti-viral substance. Coconut oil has also been shown in research studies to have anti-microbial 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. ABOUT COCONUT OILBUYING & PREPARATIONPurchasing Options on Joyful Belly COOKING COCONUT OIL Browse RecipesCoconut 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 FREE
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WHY SHOULD YOU EAT AYURVEDICALLY?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. Foods that supplement your specific body type’s needs and digest easily create your 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 Me?MEDICINAL QUALITIES
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Bone & Joint: Hair Growth Tonic HAIR-GROWTH-TONICAn herb or formula that encourages healthy hair growth.Energy Vitality Strength: Stimulates energy , STIMULATES-ENERGYThis category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbsNutritive , NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Tonic TONICA tonic herb strengthens tissue, often restoring healthy function. Tonics usually target a specific organ, tissue, or system ie: brain, muscle or respiratory tonic.Heart & Circulation: Refrigerant REFRIGERANTAn herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.Immune System: 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.Liver & Gall Bladder: 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.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Brain Tonic BRAIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens the brain, thereby improves either mental function, stamina, or stability.Reproductive Health: Promotes Virility PROMOTES-VIRILITYEncourages virility and potency.Skin Care & Beauty: Emollient , EMOLLIENTsoothes & softens the skinSkin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Weight Loss: Raises Thyroid RAISES-THYROIDAn herb that increases thyroid function.AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) Are you struggling with your health?Learn how to feel your best by balancing your diet in just a week.How to Use Food AyurvedicallyHOW 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 ingredients 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'?
I use coconut oil daily as a moisturizer. It has really helped with small bumps on the backs of my arms!
This is my only moisturizer now ... Even a few times a week on the face.
I cook with it everyday! I Deep condition my hair with it then wrap hair in warm microwaved towels!
The list goes on and on ... Wish the weight loss benefit would be there for me - however I have been using it daily for almost a year, just as glad with the health benefits.
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
what are your thoughts on " oil pulling" using coconut oil? I've read there are many benefits to this practice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
My understanding of oil pulling is that you put a spoonful in your mouth and swish it around for at least a minute ad it helps pull the icky stuff off your teeth and in your mouth and of course you must swallow - don't spit it out. It will still be good for you, taste good, give you an energy boost and help your coffee from giving you a crash after the high as it brings your metabolism to homeostasis.
What is a refridgerant?
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.
Cynthia it is the other way around - spit not swallow
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
a traditional home remedy for
This information has not been validated by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Reproductive Health Abortion (Past, Recent or Considering), Ejaculate 2+ times per week, Night-time Ejaculation, Premature Ejaculation, Semen discharge in urine, Vaginal drynessSkin Acne - general, Cracked skin, Dry skin, Dryness Aggravates Nasal Passages, Eczema, Inflamed skin, Psoriasis, Skin sensitivity to chemicals, Stretch marks, Sun damage/burn, Thin lips, Thin skin, Tight / inelastic skinMind Stress Sleep Anger, irritable, ambitious, analytical, Anxiety, fear, uncertainty, Conflict makes me angry, irritable, Easily insulted / sensitive, Epilepsy, Judgmental, Migraines, Self Critical, Weakness / DebilityDiet Anorexia, past or current, Bulimia, past or currentBlood and Circulation Autoimmune Disorders, Hepatitis (Past/Current), Hot Flashes, Hypoglycemic, Jaundice, Liver Sore, Low energy, Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Night sweats, Sensitive to Alcohol, Sensitivity to bright light, Thalassemia Minor, Yellowish skinDigestion Crohn's Disease, Dry Mouth / Tongue, Gastritis, H pylori infection, Vomiting BloodRespiratory Health Dry Nasal PassagesWeight Loss Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hyperthyroid, Lose weight easily, Recent weight loss
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. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. 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. |
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