Need Some Good Information

[aquamarine-queen]

I tried to do a search on "coconut oil", but due to the oddity of the search function (no three-letter words) I came up short. "Coconut" didn't get me the results I was looking for, so I thought perhaps I'd ask if anyone could point me to some non-coconut-oil funded information that has made it into discussion on these boards. Much of what I found on the internet seemed to come directly from those with a vested interest in coconut oil; I don't discount the information completely, but I would love to have some untainted evidence.

My reason for asking is twofold: first, I am looking for the BEST possible diet (diet meaning style of eating versus diet for weight loss) I can achieve since going gluten-free; and, second, I have Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroidism. Coconut oil has been mentioned as both necessary to general good health (vs. polyunsaturated oils) and as beneficial to those with thyroid disease. I have seen vague and brief mentions of the Paleo diet on these boards, but didn't see a whole lot related specifically to coconut oil.

I welcome both pro and con opinions on research as well as personal experiences.

AQ

[NoGluGirl]

I tried to do a search on "coconut oil", but due to the oddity of the search function (no three-letter words) I came up short. "Coconut" didn't get me the results I was looking for, so I thought perhaps I'd ask if anyone could point me to some non-coconut-oil funded information that has made it into discussion on these boards. Much of what I found on the internet seemed to come directly from those with a vested interest in coconut oil; I don't discount the information completely, but I would love to have some untainted evidence.

My reason for asking is twofold: first, I am looking for the BEST possible diet (diet meaning style of eating versus diet for weight loss) I can achieve since going gluten-free; and, second, I have Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroidism. Coconut oil has been mentioned as both necessary to general good health (vs. polyunsaturated oils) and as beneficial to those with thyroid disease. I have seen vague and brief mentions of the Paleo diet on these boards, but didn't see a whole lot related specifically to coconut oil.

I welcome both pro and con opinions on research as well as personal experiences.

AQ

Dear AQ,

I have used coconut oil for my Thyroid when it gets slow. It did help. You need 2 to 3 Tablespoons of it daily for Thyroid sluggishness. I also did extra research and made sure to add Solaray's Rosemary Leaf Extract (1 capsule daily) and Ashwaghanda (Indian Ginseng) (1 capsule daily) as well. Some dietary changes were also made. Certain foods like refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, peanuts, peaches, and broccoli slow Thyroid function down. Those were avoided. Adding a serving of beans or fish daily, along with 30 minutes of walking five days a week, and avoiding transfats, and within two weeks, weight was coming off, and I had more energy! I did not even need the medication. I had to stop taking it, because the side effects were too bad, and I was not losing any weight either! The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFs) are really good for you. Eating it is just one way to get its benefits. It is also excellent for beauty treatments. You can put in on your lips to ease chapping. Applying it to dry skin is as good as lotion. Coconut oil can help condition your hair, and get rid of acne!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

P.S. amazon .com has some books about the health benefits of coconut oil on there. Also, make sure you get virgin coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil if possible. Raw is also good.

[aquamarine-queen]

NoGluGirl,

Thank you for your input Interesting to know that you are able to manage your thyroid disease without hormones. I'm sure everyone's different, but it gives me hope that, if the hormones fail for me (I take Armour), I may still be able to improve my thyroid function.

I knew about coconut oils' benefits topically for moisturizing skin and hair, but I have never heard of it as beneficial for acne! I would love to be able to eliminate the chemicals I use to keep acne (somewhat) at bay, so I will certainly do the research on coconut oil for that as well (I assume you meant a topical application of it vs. ingesting it?)

AQ

[NoGluGirl]

NoGluGirl,

Thank you for your input Interesting to know that you are able to manage your thyroid disease without hormones. I'm sure everyone's different, but it gives me hope that, if the hormones fail for me (I take Armour), I may still be able to improve my thyroid function.

I knew about coconut oils' benefits topically for moisturizing skin and hair, but I have never heard of it as beneficial for acne! I would love to be able to eliminate the chemicals I use to keep acne (somewhat) at bay, so I will certainly do the research on coconut oil for that as well (I assume you meant a topical application of it vs. ingesting it?)

AQ

Dear AQ,

Right now, my Thyroid appears to be overactive. The tissue in my neck swells up when that is the case. I would love to take Armour Thyroid, because it is supposed to naturally balance it out. I am so tired of this flipping back and forth from over to underactive! Every couple of months, you have to get blood work done!

Coconut oil really is amazing. You are right about the acne. You apply it to the skin. Something I have been using lately that seems to help a lot is Aloe Vera juice. It is really cheap at Wal-Mart. It is actually there in a huge jug as a drink, but I wash my face, then dab it with a cotton ball soaked in the aloe vera juice. It is only $3! Neutragena On the Spot Acne Treatment also helps with really bad breakouts. I use them in combination. My skin is very oily.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

P.S. Did you know people in tropical climates who cook with coconut oil do not tend to become ill from Malaria and other diseases? Coconut oil boost immunity and is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. That is why it works on acne. It kills the bacteria that clogs pores and promotes skin eruptions and irritations.

[aquamarine-queen]

NoGluGirl,

I agree, thryoid disease is NO fun! And I'm a really big baby when it comes to having my blood drawn; no matter how many times I've had it done I'm still a nervous wreck.

And I had no idea that coconut oil had antiviral and antibacterial properties. You know if coconuts were a huge cash crop in this country (like soy, corn and wheat) this kind of information might be common knowledge. Kind of thing that makes me !

AQ

[Ursa Major]

In addition to the information already given, I want to say that coconut oil is one of the heat stable fats. So, if you do any frying (which is terrible for olive oil, for instance), coconut oil is the best oil to use.

Also, rather than just eating it straight, use it for all of your cooking and baking, which is a more pleasant way of getting it.

Coconut oil is supposed to be the healthiest fat on earth. Unless you are intolerant to it (I am intolerant to salicylates, and it is high in that, which is great news for most people), using it will be one of the best ways to boost your health.

[NoGluGirl]

NoGluGirl,

I agree, thryoid disease is NO fun! And I'm a really big baby when it comes to having my blood drawn; no matter how many times I've had it done I'm still a nervous wreck.

And I had no idea that coconut oil had antiviral and antibacterial properties. You know if coconuts were a huge cash crop in this country (like soy, corn and wheat) this kind of information might be common knowledge. Kind of thing that makes me !

AQ

Dear AQ,

I do not mind having my blood drawn at all. Let me guess, you have never had a colonoscopy? Those are much worse! So are many other things. You name it, I have probably done it! I have had so much done, I am surprised I am not like the operation guy where his nose lights up when you touch him!

It is amazing all that coconut oil can do! Coconuts are really more of a cash crop for the islands of South Asia and Polynesian locations. There is little awareness about its nutritional value. We have so many great things out there that no one knows about! It is quite irritating!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[confused]

Im picking up some coconut oil in the morning, what is the best kind to get and how much do i use daily.

paula

[aquamarine-queen]

Also, rather than just eating it straight, use it for all of your cooking and baking, which is a more pleasant way of getting it.

Coconut oil is supposed to be the healthiest fat on earth. using it will be one of the best ways to boost your health.

Ursa Major - that's what I'm hoping to find true for me

NoGluGirl - I have never had a colonoscopy; I don't doubt they're much worse than having a little blood drawn. I'm just squeamish about all things "vein", always have been. Seems silly when you compare blood tests to other, scarier, procedures, I know. For instance, a novacain shot right between my toes left me nothing but fascinated; I watched my own foot surgery and it didn't bother me in the least. Go figure!

confused - others may have better ideas, but amazon .com has 54-ounce jars of raw, extra-virgin coconut oil for $20 (everyone there seems to think that's a great deal); unfortunately, it won't be in stock until late May or early June. I've seen it at various places on the internet and Amazon does seem to have the best price. I think Whole Foods and health food stores probably carry coconut oil; I think you want the unrefined oil, someone here will correct me if I'm mistaken.

AQ

[loraleena]

Make sure your coconut oil is raw and unrefined.

[NoGluGirl]

Ursa Major - that's what I'm hoping to find true for me

NoGluGirl - I have never had a colonoscopy; I don't doubt they're much worse than having a little blood drawn. I'm just squeamish about all things "vein", always have been. Seems silly when you compare blood tests to other, scarier, procedures, I know. For instance, a novacain shot right between my toes left me nothing but fascinated; I watched my own foot surgery and it didn't bother me in the least. Go figure!

confused - others may have better ideas, but amazon .com has 54-ounce jars of raw, extra-virgin coconut oil for $20 (everyone there seems to think that's a great deal); unfortunately, it won't be in stock until late May or early June. I've seen it at various places on the internet and Amazon does seem to have the best price. I think Whole Foods and health food stores probably carry coconut oil; I think you want the unrefined oil, someone here will correct me if I'm mistaken.

AQ

Dear AQ,

It is so funny what bothers people and what does not. I do not mind blood, but I am squeamish about vomit and fecal matter. Those make me want to gag! My best friend's father is a paramedic. He has seen people with their brains hanging out, pumped peoples' stomachs, and the like, but he gets queasy at the site of a runny nose!

Regarding the coconut oil, that is a good deal. It is terrible to have to wait so long for it, though.

Do you have a local healthfood store? They could carry it. Ours does.

Dear confused,

Get as unrefined as possible. Spectrum Naturals has one. That was what I used. Raw is the best if you can get it. However, the next best is extra virgin, then virgin coconut oil.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[confused]

Dear confused,

Get as unrefined as possible. Spectrum Naturals has one. That was what I used. Raw is the best if you can get it. However, the next best is extra virgin, then virgin coconut oil.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[JNBunnie1]

WAs it Spectrum naturals or spectrum essentials? Crap, have I been telling people the wrong brand name all this time? Oh well. Anyway, yes, coconut oil is VERY good for you. It's full of the good fats that nourish you and is a potent antimicrobial. Here's a link about coconut oil's benefits

Open Original Shared Link

It's a good thing to add to smoothies, too.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Paula,

You are welcome! I am sure someone should have it! If all else fails, the internet will have it. Shipping charges can be up there. However, sometimes you can find great things in unlikely places. Two most people forget about are E-Bay and amazon .com!

Dear JNBunnie1,

It is Spectrum Naturals. I have heard of the other as well. That could be their line of vitamins or something. Supplements sometimes have a different name to distinguish the two. Thank you for the link. I have it in my favorites!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[zkat]

I have used the Spectrum, but had to throw the jar away because it was prior to gluten-free and I think second hand glutened it. Now I have Nature's way, extra virgin. I just love the taste of it, so I use it for all my cooking. It is really good in coconut and rice flour pancakes

I bought mine at Whole foods, but I have also seen it at Sprouts and for those in the south Central Market. I am sure Trader Joe's and Wild Oats also carry it.

Kat.

[NoGluGirl]

I have used the Spectrum, but had to throw the jar away because it was prior to gluten-free and I think second hand glutened it. Now I have Nature's way, extra virgin. I just love the taste of it, so I use it for all my cooking. It is really good in coconut and rice flour pancakes

I bought mine at Whole foods, but I have also seen it at Sprouts and for those in the south Central Market. I am sure Trader Joe's and Wild Oats also carry it.

Kat.

Dear Kat,

Spectrum Coconut Oil is not gluten free? That is terrible! I have like two jars of it that are not opened. I was hoping to use it. This is a real bummer.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[kdean823]

I think she meant that SHE had inadvertently glutened it because she was not yet gluten-free, not that the product wasn't gluten-free. Correct me if I'm wrong, Kat.

Kym

Dear Kat,

Spectrum Coconut Oil is not gluten free? That is terrible! I have like two jars of it that are not opened. I was hoping to use it. This is a real bummer.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl