How to Get Coconut Oil into Your Diet

There are many ways to incorporate coconut oil into your diet. Its lightly sweet and coconutty flavor makes it a versatile option for frying, baking, and as a butter or shortening substitute. Some ideas for using coconut oil follow.

Use as a vegan substitute in recipes: Any recipe that calls for butter or shortening can be made vegan by using coconut oil in place of the animal-based ingredient. Use coconut oil in cookies, cakes, breads and other baking recipes.

• Use to melt over cooked grains, cereals or veggies.
• Use to scramble eggs in or melt over eggs when cooked.
• Spread on French toast, pancakes or waffles.
• Melt over granola for a breakfast treat.
• Stir into soups or chili for added flavor.
• Stir into hot cocoa or coffee for flavor.
• Mix with herbs and use as a rub prior to roasting a chicken.
• Cook bananas in coconut oil with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for a healthy treat.
• Stir-fry veggies in coconut oil.
• Use coconut oil to fry meats or other foods on the stove top.

Before making any major dietary changes, you may want to consult your physician. Ask for guidance on the amount and frequency of coconut oil that is appropriate for your personal dietary needs. Seek the expertise of a nutritionist if you wish to incorporate coconut oil into a dietary plan designed to manage any type of known medical condition, such as diabetes.

While coconut oil does offer some persuasive health benefits, it is always important not to overindulge in any food. Be careful not to be tempted to fall into the “health food trap,” which includes the temptation to use larger quantities of a food because it falls into the “healthy” category.