I could write several pages praising the culinary delights and health benefits gained by using virgin coconut oil.  Virgin coconut oil is often called a “low-fat fat.”  Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, it’s lower in calories than animal fats.  It also breaks down to become energy and doesn’t get stored in the body like other fats.  It has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste and blends well with a variety of foods.  Three to five tablespoons of coconut oil a day are recommended for the best results.

Here are some ways you can easily incorporate coconut oil into your daily diet:

* Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to smoothies, protein powders, or yogurt;

* Add a tablespoon to hot or cold cereal;

* Use coconut oil as a sugar or creamer replacement for either tea or coffee once the beverage is cool enough to drink.  Stir often to combine the oil with the liquid.

* Spread some coconut oil on slices of bread, rolls, bagels, or crackers.

* Make compound “butters” and flavored spreads with solid coconut oil.  Blend 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with nut butters, cream cheese, or fruit spreads. Try adding some cinnamon and honey to coconut oil to make a spread.

* Combine liquid coconut oil with herbs and spices to create a healthy dressing for salads.

* Coconut oil is healthy cooking oil, especially for low to medium heat cooking and sautéing as it doesn’t break down easily.  Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to your pan and cook eggs, vegetables, rice and grain dishes, potatoes, and meats.  Add as a finishing oil to curries, sauces, soups, and stews.

* Use coconut oil in the place of vegetable or olive oil the way I’ve done in my recipe for Power-Packed Baba Ghanoush.

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