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Starter

Nature’s White Oil

It hangs on trees, is white on the inside, and has kept entire civilizations alive.

Yet over the last decade, it has become one of the most controversial topics in the health space.

Used in Asian dishes and trusted as a home remedy for centuries - it somehow still gets a bad rep.

But coconut oil isn’t just another seed oil. 🥥 

It’s an ingredient that makes your curry tastier, your skin softer, and your hair smell like self-care.

And with its global rise, it hasn’t just taken over kitchens and massage salons - it has taken over the world. 🌏️ 

But what exactly is coconut oil?

And is it actually good or bad for us?

Let’s crack the truth open. 👇

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Main Course

The Truth about Coconut Oil

What is coconut oil?

It’s a natural oil extracted from the iconic hanging fruit of the Cocos nucifera tree. 🌴 

Where does it come from? 📍

Coconuts originated in Southeast Asia, but they spread far and wide thanks to ocean currents (and humans who realized they were delicious).

Today, you’ll find them in tropical coastlines all around the world.

How is it made? 🤔 

Coconut oil is made by extracting the oil from the white flesh (inner parts) of mature coconuts.

There are two main ways:

• Fresh-pressed (cold-pressed or centrifuged): gives a more aromatic, nutrient-rich oil.

• Dried-pressed (refined, bleached, and deodorized): the coconut meat is dried first, then pressed chemically into pure oil.

Both remove water, fiber, and protein, leaving you with the pure fat.

How old is it?

Very old. 👴 

Coconuts have existed for millions of years and have kept entire civilizations alive long before macronutrients were a thing.

What is it used for?

Pretty much everything.

Cooking, skin care, hair care, oral care, baking, coffee, cleaning

Coconut oil is the Swiss army knife of natural fats.

Why does it have a bad reputation? 👀

Because of saturated fats

Coconut oil is high in it, and saturated fat has historically been linked to higher cardiovascular risk when consumed in excess.

But here’s the nuance ↓

Coconut oil is rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) - a type of fat your body burns faster and is harder to store. 🎁 

This MCT profile may explain many of coconut oil’s potential benefits.

So what are the benefits? ✅

Research has shown that coconut oil may

• help decrease body weight

• give you a quick source of energy 🔋 

• act as an antimicrobial and antifungal

• decrease appetite 🥙 

• reduce seizures

• boost skin health ✨ 

• promote healthy hair

• improve oral health 🦷 

👩‍🍳 Chef Tip: Use coconut oil in baking when you want a light, sweet, “coconutty” flavor as a butter substitute.

But be mindful: 1 tablespoon = 117 calories + 14g of fat

🍰

Dessert

6 DIY Coconut Oil Hacks

You’ve probably used coconut oil for cooking or baking.

But did you know it’s basically another toolbox?

Here are 6 surprisingly useful ways to use coconut oil at home. 👇

🦷 Toothpaste

Coconut oil + a little baking soda = toothpaste

It fights bacteria naturally and leaves your mouth feeling clean without chemicals.

💧 Moisturizer

Warm a bit in your hands and apply to dry skin.

Its fatty acids lock in moisture better than most lotions.

🍳 Season Your Cast Iron Pan

Rub a thin layer on your cast iron and bake it.

You’ll get a slick, nonstick surface and a pan that lasts a lifetime.

💆‍♀️Hair Mask

Massage into hair, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse.

It restores shine, reduces frizz, and repairs dry or damaged hair.

💄Lip Balm

Apply a tiny bit directly.

Super effective for dry lips - especially in winter.

 🔪 Cutting Board Cleaner

Rub coconut oil into your wooden cutting boards.

It hydrates the wood, prevents cracking, and stops bacteria from settling in.

🥜

Snacks

Dad Joke of the Week

A Deep Question

How would your friends describe you?

A Friendly Reminder

🎁

Takeaway  

You aren’t satisfied yet? 

Here are my Ingredients and Recommendations for you:

🎙️ Podcasts

• Coconut Oil — Health Healer or Heart Hurter? (Nutrition Made Simple!)

• Why Coconut Oil is Good for Your Teeth (Optimal Health Daily)

• Coconut Oil: Secretly Destroying Your Gut? (Jay Feldman Wellness)

📚️ Books

• The Coconut Oil Miracle (Bruce Fife)

• COCONUT OIL: 101 Miraculous Coconut Oil Benefits, Cures, Uses, and Remedies (Victoria Lane)

📺️ Videos

• Different Types of Coconut Oil (The Functional Co.)

• Coconut Oil: Is Coconut Oil Good For You? (Dr. Berg)

• Home made VIRGIN COCONUT OIL with No Chemicals (Tatiana Haina)

• Top 3 Benefits and Uses Of Coconut Oil (Dr. Berg)

📑 Articles

• Coconut Oil and Your Health (Healthline.com)

• What to know about coconut oil (MedicalNewsToday)

• Is Coconut Oil Healthy? (Cleveland Clinic)

• Health Benefits of Coconut Oil (health.com)

Thank you for being here 💝 

Looking forward to serving you next week.

Much love from Bangkok 🌇,

Benji