Coconut oil is a great addition to your kitchen cupboard, so I was very happy to receive a sample of Shore Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil.
Along with “clean eating,” coconut oil has become incredibly popular. There are many claims about its health benefits, though this is something I prefer to stay cautious about.
Coconut oil is high in saturated fats (about 90%), but mainly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are easily absorbed by the body and are credited for being a quick energy source, promoting weight loss and boosting brain function. Over the summer I came across an article on how coconut oil could potentially help Alzheimer‘s patients. Some studies suggest that coconut oil has the ability to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels more than it does LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
A healthy amount of fats in our diet is important and it helps our bodies function better by giving us energy, helping growth, boosting cell functions, metabolising fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) plus maintaining healthy skin and tissues.
Personally, I feel that more research has to be done before I start adding coconut oil to everything I eat. I really love the taste but prefer to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
When cooking, coconut oil is very versatile, adding a delicate delicious flavour to a lot of dishes while being both gluten-free and dairy-free. It also has a high smoke point and does not produce harmful chemicals and free radicals when heated.
Outside the kitchen, coconut oil is a great skin product and a fabulous moisturiser. There is no need to buy coconut-based cosmetic cream. Simply use the same raw virgin coconut oil you cook with. I use coconut oil as a moisturiser for both my face and body. It is also a deep conditioner for hair and ideal for massage (babies included) and can even be used as a cleanser and makeup remover.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid, which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, so it can help treat infections such as athlete’s foot, candida, fungal conditions and so on (click here to find out how to use it).
For more ideas visit Shore’s website which an impressive (and surprising) list of 110 uses for coconut oil.
The most important thing, when buying coconut oil, is to choose “raw unrefined virgin” so you can reap all its great benefits. Always stay clear of processed hydrogenated versions.
Shore kindly sent me a jar of their Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil to try and it ticks all the right boxes:
- Extra Virgin – unrefined it is completely free from nasties. It is made from cold-pressing the flesh of matured, hand-picked coconuts.
- Cold Pressed – to help preserve its nutritional qualities.
- Certified Organic – ensuring it is free of chemicals and kinder to the environment.
- Great Taste – light, pure and natural.
When put to the test, Shore Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil was ideal to cook with. Not overpowering, it has a gentle coconut taste which is delightful in smoothies, porridge, baked goods, roasted vegetables, stir-fries, curries and casseroles. It was perfect in these Spiced Pumpkin Waffles and Sweet Potato, Leek & Lentil Casserole.
Light and easily absorbed, Shore Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is also a great skin moisturiser leaving the skin silky smooth.
Shore Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is currently available at Amazon.co.uk and BeShore.co. Prices start at £6.99 for 400ml which makes it slightly cheaper than other brands.
You can find out more about Shore here, check them out on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.
Notice: Thanks to Shore for sending a complimentary sample. A collaborative post. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
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