Coconut Oil: Is it the tropic’s best kept secret?

I first heard about the health benefits of coconut oil from a coworker who used the oil as a moisturizer for her skin and hair. She was from India and had used it her entire life, which is a typical practice throughout South Asia. She was enthusiastic about its cosmetic benefits, and preliminary research seems to bear them out.

But I was more intrigued by the use of coconut oil as a nutritional supplement for vegetarians and vegans. Doctors had criticized it for decades because of the high trans fat content of its hydrogenated varieties, but subsequent research proved that virgin (non-processed) coconut oil is incredibly healthy. It’s high in essential fatty acids and a strong source of HDL (the “good” cholesterol).

Dr. Joseph Mercola is a proponent of coconut oil, and his research is gaining traction in the medical community. Is it indeed the tropic’s best kept secret? Check out this video and let me know what you think.

If your family or friends are looking to learn more about coconut oil, please share this video.

If you’re interested in trying it, this version comes highly recommended; it’s organic, non-GMO, extra virgin and cold pressed, and has no trans fats or hydrogenated fats.