How to Get Your Daily Coconut Oil

In recent years, coconut oil has enjoyed growing popularity in the alternative health and bodybuilding communities. The variety of coconut oil that is generally recommended is the minimally processed "virgin" variety, which both smells and tastes of fresh coconuts (but not like suntan lotion!).

Virgin coconut oil advocates (such as Mary Enig, Bruce Fife, Sally Fallon, etc) recommend the consumption of 2-4 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil per day. While it is possible to take coconut oil "straight", many people, including myself, find this to be unpalatable (it can also cause stomach upset). While there are coconut oil capsules available, one would need to be swallowing 50+ .5 gram capsules per day to get just two tablespoons of oil. This is impractical and costly.

The best way to to get your coconut oil is in measured amounts, added to the food you eat during the day. You can always use it in regular cooking and baking of course, but below are some suggestions for more intensive supplementation.

Coconut oil is great on bread, rolls, bagels, crackers, etc alone or blended with nut butters, cream cheese, or fruit spreads. Try it  mixed with honey and cinnamon on your morning toast!

Virgin coconut oil has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste that mixes well with many foodstuffs. For breakfast, top your oatmeal or other hot cereal with a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Virgin coconut oil marries extremely well with white or brown rice: Add a spoonful and you will likely be surprised at how tasty it is.

Do you eat yogurt? Add a spoonful of coconut oil to your yogurt cup and stir.

How about smoothies and/or milkshakes? Again, add a tablespoon of coconut oil before blending. I have heard from some bodybuilders that coconut oil mixes to a nice pudding-like consistency with protein powder.

Coconut oil goes particularly well with curries, soups, and stews, and can be great mixed with potatoes.

Probably the most convenient way to take coconut oil is in a hot beverage. I make my coffee/tea (it seems to go particularly well with tea) and add a tablespoon of coconut oil which melts and disperses into the hot liquid. BE CAREFUL: The coconut oil will get very hot and pool at the top. Let the beverage cool a bit and and stir well before taking those first sips.

One of the best things about virgin coconut oil is that it is very shelf-stable. It does not need to be kept refrigerated unless you prefer to use it in its solid state. Thus, you can keep a jar in your desk to add to your tea/food throughout the day.

Because of its long shelf-life, I strongly encourage purchasing coconut oil in bulk, as this will save you a lot of money. Many of the coconut oil sellers online offer occasional specials, and Amazon.com has some really terrific prices, particularly through their "Subcribe & Save" program which not only offers free shipping, but a 15% discount off of their already low prices.