The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Patty (Naalehu, Hawaii) on 05/04/2011
★★★★★
Aloha, we are a family that are in the coconut business in Hawaii. We have been harvesting and processing coconuts for over 20 years. We sell fresh chopped up ripe coconut at a weekly farmer's market, and also make a yummy coconut candy, simmered with raw sugar.
Before coconut oil had made such a comeback, we always knew it was good. When we are chopping the fresh ripe coconut two or three days a week, we always make sure to eat some.
Anyway, I have now incorporated the oil also in to our diet, as my husband has been diagnosed with early Alzheimers. (Yes he ate coconut, but probably not enough to keep it at bay)
I just put in on toast in the morning with a bit of jam or honey.
As for myself, I am a 56 year old woman that has had coconut as a part of my diet all these years. I also have a different diet than my husband, he was raised local style, alot of good fish etc. but lots of meat and oils. Personally I have always said that it is the coconut that keeps me so full of energy and so healthy. (I also eat lots of local fruit and vegetables)
Coconut rules, I always knew that!
General Feedback
Posted by Andrew (Charlottetown, Pei, Canada) on 05/03/2011
Was wondering if one can consume both sesame oil and coconut oil daily? I do the Oil pulling twice daily with Sesame oil and in the morning after Oil pulling I take one tablespoonful of Coconut Oil.. Would like to consume Sesame oil in the evening. any info is great thks.....
How to Take Internally
Posted by Tanoe Kaku (Tema, Ghana) on 04/24/2011
★★★★★
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in the form of capsules is grossly inadequate to obtain the expected health benefits. VCO is not medicne and does not behave like medicine in the body. VCO is used directly by the cells, just as they use proteins and carbohydrates for the work of the cells. The medium chain fatty acids in VCO are used by the cells for essential services, which make the cells work efferctively and efficiently. Hence, the cells require VCO as regularly as the other food nutrients.
VCO should therefore be considered as a component of food that promotes good health and has the potential to heal many diseases and ailments. VCO works best as it gets ingested with proteins, carbohydrates and other micro-nutients in food.
When VCO is taken as medicine, while processed unsaturated vegetable oils are consumed as food, it is highly unlikely to gain the expected health benefits. Processed unsaturated vegetable oils contain high levels of poly unsaturated fatty acids. These poly unsaturated fatty acids slowly cause many different kinds of diseases and ailments, which may affect the genes and the yet to be born.
When one adopts VCO in order to heal or prevent a disease or an ailment, then it is important that any food containing processed unsaturated vegetable oils be avoided. Further, the quantities of the VCO, as food, should be substantial I. E. Initially about the same volume or weight as the protein, and the carbohydrate level should be reduced considerably. When there is good relieve from the ailment, the quantities of VCO may be reduced to maintenance level and carbohydrate increased.
VCO gives excellent results as part of the normal diet. Raw VCO has no side effects, hence good results are achieved if it is used liberaly and directly as food or as body/hair lotion.
As a matter of interest, apple cider vinegar and fermented foods contain the basic short chain fatty acid, ascetic acid, which is used by the cells in the same manner as the cell uses the fatty acids in VCO to prevent and heal diseases.
General Feedback
Posted by Jeannine (Depew, Ny) on 04/16/2011
I recently went to the store to buy another bottle of ACV. On the shelf to the side was bottles of coconut vinegar. Needless to say I purchased it & _____ ACV. I like to put 4tsp in my gym water bottle normally of ACV 4-5 times / week. Curious if there are any postings on the benefits of coconut vinegar. I love to cook with the Coconut oil as well. Hope to hear back from you soon. Thanks for the info in advance.
General Feedback
Posted by E (Queens, NY) on 05/20/2012
★★★★★
I have never heard of coconut vinager but I know coconut oil is great for your hair! It is a wonderful deep conditioner! Here is a great video on how to use it best http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwe35UQTimk
Oil Pulling
Posted by Joe (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/03/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I'm on the start of my 4th day of Oil Pulling. I use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. I have already seen improvements in my teeth & gums - teeth are whiter and my gums don't hurt like they usually do.
I have been doing OP three times a day for 20 minutes each time. I use about a teaspoon of coconut oil.
The downside is that I seem to be feeling quite depressed. I guess it is a detox reaction to the OP.
I normally feel quite fine, so I assume this is a reaction to the OP. I am also taking Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon twice daily) but I haven't increased the amount recently. I drink plenty of water every day.
I think I might reduce the frequency and/or the duration of my OP sessions. Hopefully that will reduce the intensity of the detox reaction.
Any suggestions on what to do?
General Feedback
Posted by Pabst (Carpenteria, Ca) on 03/24/2011
I just started taking ACV about 2 wks ago and today I read about OCO. I want to start having a better health from here on and I will give you my results of my improvements... On dry skin, itchy parts, breath and gas problems, , , , , you know I just started the OCO this morning and I have been going to the bathroom already like 3x. I feel like that guy from dumb and dumber, but I assume that I am being detox...
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kb (Atlanta, Ga, Usa) on 03/17/2011
THROW AWAY LOTIONS, MOISTURIZER, AND CREAMS My friends and I love this!!! Use virgin coconut oil(I keep mine in the shower or close by the heat will melt it) every time you shower. After you finish your shower, use melted coconut oil all over face and body. Don't worry about being oily it will absorb fast. I had very dry skin and eczema. Now as long as I use coconut oil, my skin is great!!! No bumps, zits, dry skin, anything. Vitamin E oil is also great for skin, and it naturally blocks UVs. It's good for really dry spots on skin, elbows, knees. I like to sleep with it on my face, goes well with the coconut oil, if you have very dry skin I would use both. If you look at the grocery store you can find the liquid clear vit E oil, it's the strongest.
VERY EASY AND WORKS, SAVE LOTS OF TIME AND $$$
No HARSH Chemicals!!!!
Herpes
Posted by Ellamo (Trinidad, Ca) on 02/14/2011
I have been told that 1 tbsp. of coconut oil a day can help keep the herpes virus in check, but then recently I read that coconuts are very high in arginine... Not sure if this is the case with the oil or if its just the coconut meat??? does anyone have any knowledge about this. don't want to take on a daily basis if its going to challenge my system... Thanks
Broad Benefits
Posted by Kay (In The Valley, Ca) on 02/12/2011
Pattyc from Milwaukee, even though I don't suffer from either of these ailments, I have loved ones that do. I am curious to know if you applied the EVCO topically or if you injested it? Could you give us a little more detail? Thanks
Broad Benefits
Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa - Usa) on 02/06/2011
Hi Sheri - Thanks for sharing! You are the first person I have read from who has used VCO for such a long period of time, and this is very good to know! I have been using it for almost two years now, and don't ever intend to stop!
I have noticed that my energy level after taking it (in the morning in my coffee - 2 tbsp) is amazing - and another thing is that my eyelashes and hair in general have really started growing!
I have not lost any weight, Not huge deal, but would still like to drop 10 -15 like a lot of people have reported... But feel so much better using it, that I never intend to stop!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tln (Gainesville, Fl) on 02/07/2011
Hi Sheri, I'd love to know where to get and what kind of the unrefined Coconut Oil that you use. Also how much internally and do you use it externally? Thanks
Broad Benefits
Posted by Marybeth (Norfolk, Va) on 01/25/2012
How much VCO were you taking and how long did it take before you noticed a difference in your arthritis and fibromyalgia? I have started using 4 T a day (going on 2 weeks and before then I was using 1 -2T) hoping to see some results in my RA. So far, none but I keep thinking it is too early.
General Feedback
Posted by Eve (Ocean City, Maryland) on 02/03/2011
I bought a small tub of Coconut oil. It was rather expensive. It says it is "natrually refined. " What does that mean? Is that not as good as unrefined? It is from the Philippines and was $50. Can I still use as a cream and as a food?
General Feedback
Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa - Usa) on 02/03/2011
How many ounces did you get for that price? It seems exceptionally high cost to me, unless you got a LOT of it!
I don't know about refined vs unrefined... But I do know it needs to be virgin, or extra virgin, and organic. The whiter it is the better too....
General Feedback
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 02/03/2011
Oh, and one more thing - I pay about 20 dollars for 56 ounces.... Check around on the web. There are online health food stores selling good quality VCO for MUCH less than you paid!
Hypothyroidism
Posted by Sylvia (Nevada City, Ca) on 03/08/2015
I was just diagnosed with Hypothyroid and am taking armour thyroid.
Could you tell me how much Coconut Oil, ACV and Iodine to take daily? Would Sea Water work? Or Ocean Bounty, the label does not indicate how much Iodine it has??
General Feedback
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il) on 01/27/2011
★★★★★
It's amazing to me that if you live long enough you will see how things turn around with the truth of how one can benefit from "natural" foods. Dr. Oz had a segment on his program of just 3 of the benefits of coconut oil. So, now with his endorsement of of coconut oil, I'm sure everyone will try it. With myself, it's been a very slow process(on and off for a year). I started out taking too much and felt terrible. I'm sure I had candida. What helped me the most was introducing a good probotic and then getting on a coconut regime. Between the two, I cannot tell you how good I feel. Now I'm taking the VCO 3x's a day. Not everyone can handle taking a tbps or more of the VCO right out of the gate. So, start small and work up. The benefits are wonderful.
General Feedback
Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa Usa) on 01/28/2011
Hi Sue... Yes, I saw that Dr. Oz show!
Coconut oil is apparently very theraputic to Altzheimers patients when given at the dose of 5 tbsp a day. (You would NEVER start out at this amount however, always start slowly and build up! )
I was so glad to see someone as main stream as Dr. Oz giving out such wonderful advice! Half of the housewives in America Know of / or like Him, so this is a very good thing in my opinion!
I have been taking 2-3 tablespoons of organic VCO (Virgin coconut oil) every day for over a year now. Someone on here posted that it kept them awake at night after taking it at 5pm.... Oh yeah, this WILL happen! This is why I only take it before noon. It will wake you up!
Always remember... START SLOW, so you don't get the dreaded "Herx" reaction (google it if you are new to all of this "natural stuff" people! ;-)
You didn't get to the point you are at in a week... So once you turn to natural things to feel better, don't expect to be "cured" or feel better in a week. It is a process that takes TIME. :)
Organic Vs. Regular
Posted by Healthy248 (Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/17/2011
Need to know if coconut oil is only found in a solid state, what I found is Organic, in a jar and its white with a texture like soft lard. Its good for Med/High heat frying, baking, and for body use as well. Is this the right product, does it have to be Organic or anything else special? Thanks in advance
Organic Vs. Regular
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/17/2011
It's best to use Organic Extra Virgin coconut oil. Walmart sells a brand but it just says Organic coconut oil. I have bought it before and it doesn't really have a coconut-ty smell. I went back to my regular oil and feel like it works better.
Organic Vs. Regular
Posted by Lisa (Marrakech, Morocco) on 01/17/2011
That sounds like the right kind of coconut oil, but I agree that organic is best. At cooler temperatures it is a solid like you stated, but as it gets warmer it will turn to a clear liquid and that is normal.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Lia (Concord, Nc, Usa) on 01/08/2011
Hello,
I have a question about Virgin Coconut Oil. I saw "Pure Coconut Oil" on the shelf in a local supermarket, and wondered if this is the same as Virgin. Could any coconut oil connoisseurs tell me the difference? Thanks, Lia in NC
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Crain (Little River, Sc, Usa) on 11/20/2010
After reading all of the wonderful posts on this website, I decided to purchase some Cocomut Oil and try it. The grocery store in my area only sold one type of coconut oil. It does not say "Virgin", but it is Organic. Also, that it is naturally refined organic coconut oil and non-hydrogenated.
Is this a good choice?
From my reading "non-hydrogenated" is preferred, as is "expeller pressed". But it is refined. What is difference in Refined vs Unrefined? What is difference in Virgin vs what I bought?
Is what I bought a safe and effective choice? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I am new at this and trying to learn as much as possible.
Refined Vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 11/22/2010
Hi Crain, I think you will find the health food store has organic extra virgin coconut oil. The supermarket tends to sell the refined version. The unrefined isn't heat treated, chemically treated etc. Extra Virgin is the first pressing of the nut to extract the oil. Much the same as olive oil. Hope this helps. Lily
Lubricant
Posted by Mom (Apopka, Fl) on 11/04/2010
Try, "Castor Oil", it works great and you can also use it for massages, makes you skin smooth. Find it at health stores under 10 dollars. I have not had any bladder infections using this. My husband and I love it!
Lubricant
Posted by Kathleen (San Antonio, Texas, United States) on 11/04/2010
Just be aware that oils and latex (ie. Latex condoms) don't mix.
Lubricant
Posted by Peter (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 11/05/2010
That's not true. Oil does work with latex condoms, so long it's not mineral oil. Vegetable oils won't affect latex condoms.
Lubricant
Posted by T (Maryland, Usa) on 11/07/2010
Peter is wrong. BOTH mineral and vegetable oils degrade latex condoms. Neither should be used. Only a water-based lubricant (such as K-Y) should be used with latex condoms.
Lubricant
Posted by Lynnsy (Syracuse, Ny) on 02/27/2012
★★★★★
My doctor told me that vegetable oils and condoms were fine. Just to avoid petroleum based/mineral based oils. We love the VCO and it has helped with the general irritation I experience with aging. It's been wonderful! Just insert a lump about the size of a large pea and by the time you get down to business, it's melted and very natural.
Lubricant
Posted by L (Us) on 03/27/2012
Seems to me coconut oil would be ideal. But when ya' google it, everything says it "degrades latex" (condoms). Even so, I'm leaning toward that not being true, but that the manufacturer of condoms (and sister company lubricants) would like for us to think it is. Wouldn't it be easy to do a test? Even if the coconut oil would degrade latex over time, would it really do so within the short time period of having ess-e-x? lol ;) I just read a testimonial on it at curezone and they had no problem with it and no condom failures in a year of using coconut oil as a lubricant. Another post there indicated they felt the condom manufacturers recommend water-based lubricants simply because most oil-based ones were made with petroleum products. Not considering vegetable oils.
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Anita (Ny) on 10/23/2010
Crush garlic and wait 15 minutes
Boil 2-3 eggs
Chop 1/2 red onion and saute in 3 swirls of coconut oil
Finely chop 3 leaves of kale and add to pan when onions are soft
Turn off heat when kale turns bright green and add garlic and mix in (so garlic is just lightly heated)
Put veggie mix on to plate. Sprinkle with turmeric, dill (happen to have), any spices you like
Goat cheese (optional)
Slice eggs on top. I drizzle sweet chile sauce for chicken on top (found in asian stores)
And add tabasco (loovvee it)
And you are good to go!
Coconut Oil Recipes
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa Usa) on 10/23/2010
Wow. This sounds SO good. I will be writing it down and trying it. Thanks! Carly (drooling) ;)
General Feedback
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 10/19/2010 113 posts
I have been reading a lot of your instructions on food and the use of oils, I find it all very informative and have been on a vegan diet and low fat and low sugar diet, and like it: but my question is: is it healthy to use small amounts of Lard to stir fry in a iron skillet or use olive oil to stir fry in the iron skillet. I do use coconut oil in my vegetables when steaming and sea salt, Thank you from Merryanne
