Food, Drink and Cooking

Yes, coconut oil is edible, and great for food as well as food prep (just don’t use cosmetic grade oil because it can be harmful to consume). There are two types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined (aka virgin).

Refined coconut oil (extracted from dried coconuts) is tasteless and odorless and it can withstand higher temperatures. But the refining process often uses chemicals to bleach, deodorize, and in some cases, partially hydrogenate the oil, which creates trans-fats. However, some refined coconut oils use a more natural process, using just heat to refine the oil. Check ingredients to make sure you’re getting a safe one.

Unrefined or virgin coconut oil is taken from fresh, not dried, coconut and is extracted quickly without going through a refining process. It retains its flavor and odor.

Here are some uses and recipes for coconut oil in the kitchen.

34. Cooking Oil: It’s one of the best oils for cooking because it’s able to withstand higher temperatures than other oils due to its high percentage of saturated fat. Thinking all saturated fat is bad? Throw away that 20^th-century research. Some saturated fats are actually healthy. It gives food a great taste and texture.
35. Grease Pans: Replace vegetable oil or Crisco with coconut oil for a healthier way to grease your pans.
36. Creamer in Coffee or Tea: Whether you’re chugging coffee for a morning boost or sipping tea for afternoon relaxation, add a creamy mixture of coconut oil to revolutionize the experience.

Blend 2 cups of hot coffee, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a blender until oil and butter are melted and coffee is frothy.

37. Sweetener: Trying to get rid of that sweet tooth? Coconut oil is slightly sweet so you can use it to replace sugar as a healthier option.
38. Butter Replacement: Love to smother butter on that morning bagel or toast, but you know it’s not healthy? Substitute coconut oil instead for a healthy alternative that still tastes great.
39. In Smoothies: If you love smoothies–and really, who doesn’t?—coconut oil is the perfect addition to them. Smoothies are easy to make and (mostly) healthy. Adding coconut oil improves their consistency. Try this recipe:

Combine 2 cups of coconut milk, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 2 tablespoons Gelatin Powder, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, ½ cup of strawberries and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Blend and enjoy.

40.Salad Dressing: Not only does it add great taste to your bowl of greens, it helps your body better absorb all those great nutrients in your salad. Try this recipe:

41. Mayonnaise: Mayo isn’t the healthiest condiment, but if you make it with coconut oil, you’ll feel a bit less guilty.

Combine 2/3 cup coconut oil, 2/3 cup olive oil, a teaspoon of mustard, a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and four egg yolks.

42. Prevent Freezer Burn: Is there anything worse than reaching in the freezer to dig into some leftover ice cream and finding a layer of freezer burn on it. Uhh! Coconut oil to the rescue!Before you put anything in the freezer, add a thin layer of coconut oil at the top of it. It will form a seal to prevent freezer burn.
43. Preserve Eggs: Make your dozen eggs last longer by coating the eggshell with coconut oil. Studies show it preserves the quality of the eggs.
44. Popcorn Topping: Add it as a healthy topping to your popcorn. Drizzle it along with some salt and make it a Netflix night.
45. Removing food from dishes: Instead of using elbow grease for those hard to clean dishes, add some coconut oil to lubricate tough spots for an easier clean.

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