Guest Author - Terri Terns-Hedrick

Coconut oil is easy to use and provides all kinds of health benefits too. Coconuts are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Coconut oil contains saturated fats, which are important for brain development in children and proper cell maintenance, and contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties as well.

Coconut oil is being used to support the immune system, digestion, the absorption of vitamins and minerals like calcium and magnesium, (which are important for the growth of teeth and bones), and the absorption of amino acids. Coconut oil has also been shown to help support tissue healing and repair and help maintain proper bowel function.

This amazing oil is also being used to treat certain conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and also helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. The oil can also kill fungi and yeast, which can cause diaper rash, candida, and other rashes such as athlete’s foot.

Its benefits are too numerous to list so I’ve only included ones I thought we might encounter as the caregivers of children. I began using coconut oil in my cooking hoping that its amazing properties would help my daughters with their digestion. I found that once my oldest daughter began eating it, her yeast rashes disappeared and her bowel movements became regular.

My daughters have been consuming coconut oil for as long as they’ve been eating.
If regular consumption of coconut oil will keep my children away from the dentist’s office and help their teeth and bones grow strong, and help their skin stay clear, and kill viruses, then I’ll continue to cook with it.

Fortunately, the benefits of using this oil in cooking may far exceed those I just listed. Our children may reap long-term benefits from the consumption of coconut oil such as helping the body rid itself of free radicals and helping maintain a healthy heart.

Experiment with coconut oil. Use it just as you would any other oil. It has such a light flavor, that you can almost use it in anything and not end up with a “coconut-y” taste. I use it in baking to replace, or add to, butter in certain recipes (especially muffins.). I use it as a replacement for olive oil or other oils in my “regular” cooking such as scrambled or fried eggs. You can also drizzle a little over steamed vegetables for a yummy taste. Use it and know that you’re doing a little extra something to boost your child’s immune system, help their teeth and bones grow strong, and make them healthier!

If you love the taste of coconut, try coconut cream. This is delicious and my oldest daughter asks to eat it straight off the spoon. Coconut cream is great mixed with a little water and drunk plain, or added to some juice for a different flavor. We like to add coconut cream to smoothies.

Here’s something I make with coconut oil and they’re delicious! Enjoy!

Coconut “Treats”

½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
coconut oil (to taste)
raw honey (to taste)

Mix well with a wire whisk. Fill candy trays and freeze. These are a delicious and healthful alternative to candy!