Train-n-Tri: Coconut Oil....Yummy!

The other day my guy sent me a link to a video about coconut oil and how taking it can be good for people and help ward off dementia and Alzheimer's.

I don't think Robert thinks I am demented, but we have some friends whose parents are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia.

http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/LJO190v1_WS

After watching the video, I googled coconut oil to see what other health benefits can be derived from taking it.

The list is long.....LONG:

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.

I told you the list was long.

There are a few things on that long list that apply to me - I'd like soft skin and I certainly want to prevent wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots. Who doesn't want healthy looking hair and complexion?

Being a triathlete and spending so much time outside training, I worry about damage from the sun. I slather on sunscreen everyday, but if coconut oil can also provide protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, I am all for it.

Since I am an over 50 woman, I am always looking for ways to keep healthy, so if coconut oil can protect my body from harmful free radicals and help keep premature aging and degenerative diseases at bay, that's another plus.

All women want to protect against osteoporosis and research shows that coconut oil can help.

Here's the deal - Coconut Oil looks like a shiny form of lard. I was a little worried about the taste. I scooped my spoon in and dug some out.