Viridian Nutrition, is proud winner of a 2012 Soil Association Organic Food Award for the Raw Organic Coconut Oil. Now in their 24th year, the Soil Association Organic Food Awards recognise and celebrate the highest quality organic food and drink. The awards are among the most prestigious and widely respected in the UK food sector.
The amazing properties of the coconut know no bounds… Organic Raw Coconut Oil can be used to soften and soothe ageing, dry skin; used in cooking to add delicious and healthful essential fatty acids to the diet; added to smoothies and shakes to aid weight loss (yes, an oil that can help you lose weight! – the coconut contains special fats called MCTs which have been shown to help with metabolism, a secret many athletes and gym-bunnies have known for years) and applied as an intensive hair-repair oil (simply comb into hair, leave for 30 minutes and wash as usual, for a silky, youthful gloss).
HEALTH & BEAUTY:
Coconut oil has been shown to help significantly as a skin conditioner, being rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that penetrate into the underlying tissues. It can help with the appearance of stretch marks and can help prevent premature ageing of the skin. Coconut oil absorbs very readily into the skin and keeps it soft but not greasy. It can
be used as an all-over body moisturiser. It helps to reduce chronic skin dryness and aids the removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin softer and smoother. The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin. Organic coconut oil is wonderful to use as a hair conditioner as it softens the hair and conditions the scalp. Using the oil as a pre-wash conditioner can help combat dandruff. Coconut oil is famed for its ability to strengthen the structure of damaged,devitalised hair.
SPORTS NUTRITION:
Coconut oil is being used increasingly in sports nutrition. Studies in Sri Lankan universities have proven that the saturated fats found in coconut oil have a profoundly different effect on metabolism compared to the saturated fats of animal origin. Coconut oil is easier to digest and absorb than other saturated fats. Also, the MCTs do not end up being in fat stores or adipose tissue as much. MCTs provide a longer release of energy and decrease the amount of muscle broken down, all of which is of great benefit for athletes and ‘weekend warriors’.
COOKING:
Coconut oil can be used in cooking instead of olive oil or butter. It is highly heat resistant making it ideal for cooking, baking and frying. It can be easily blended into smoothies, dips, and also used in many raw food recipes.
The A-Z of Raw Organic Coconut Oil
Acne
Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturiser by people suffering from acne because coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory in nature and the small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin without blocking pores.
After-shave
Coconut oil is an ideal after-shave because it has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a natural skin moisturiser. Face, legs, armpits, all over.
Body scrub
Add a little sea salt and your favourite essential oil into some raw organic coconut oil and you have a natural body scrub that will exfoliate and moisturise at the same time.
Cooking
Raw organic Coconut oil is fabulous to replace butter and olive oil in everyday recipes. Try it for yourself on your Sunday roast potatoes – delicious.
Energy boost
Studies in Sri Lankan universities have proven that the saturated fats found in coconut oil have a profoundly different effect on metabolism compared to the saturated fats of animal origin. Raw organic coconut oil is easier to digest and absorb than other saturated fats. Also, the MCTs found in coconut oil do not end up being in fat stores or adipose tissue as much. MCTs provide a longer release of energy and decrease the amount of muscle broken down, all of which is of great benefit for athletes and ‘weekend warriors’.
Hair and scalp rejuvenation
Raw organic coconut oil is wonderful to use as a hair conditioner as it softens the hair and conditions the scalp, leaving it smooth and frizz-free. Using the oil as a pre-wash conditioner can help combat dandruff. Coconut oil is famous for its ability to strengthen the structure of damaged, devitalised hair.
Heart health
Raw coconut oil provides greater antioxidant protection than standard refined coconut oil (which contains far less of the minor unsaponifiable polyphenolic components) thus offering cardio-protective effects. Despite being a saturated fat, it also has a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
Insect repellent
This may be a myth, but raw organic coconut oil is often used as a natural insect repellent. Blend with a little tea tree or lemon myrtle for maximum effect and smooth over the exposed areas it may make the area to slippery to penetrate.
Lip balm
Protect your lips from winter chapping by rubbing a little coconut oil into them.
Make-up remover
Coconut oil is an excellent make-up remover because it moisturises at the same time. Powerful at removing those stubborn eye make-up such as eyeliner and mascara.
Nappy rash balm
Raw organic coconut oil creates a water-repellent barrier to sooth nappy rash. The natural moisturising, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help restore baby’s bottom.
Nipple protector
Raw organic coconut oil is the ideal nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers who wish to prevent or treat sore cracked nipples. Safe for the baby, and soothing for the mother, coconut oil can moisturise this delicate area and speed healing. The anti-microbial properties of raw organic coconut oil can also help prevent infection.
Pet repair
Feeding your dog just a tablespoon of coconut oil, once a week, especially in the winter, will keep his skin moisturized and his coat looking healthy and shiny.
Skin moisturiser
Raw organic coconut oil has been shown to help significantly as a skin conditioner, being rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that penetrate into the underlying tissues. It helps to reduce chronic skin dryness and aids the removal of the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin softer and smoother.
Sports nutrition
Raw organic coconut oil is being used increasingly in sports nutrition, where it is being applied as a metabolism-boosting aid to healthy weight management and as an extra source of energising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Some researchers using coconut oil with professional sports people have shown dramatic results in body fat loss from 24% to 12% in 4 months from using no other fat burning supplements except coconut oil and a few basic lifestyle changes.
Stretch mark prevention
Raw organic coconut oil can help with the appearance of stretch marks and can help prevent premature ageing of the skin. Coconut oil absorbs very readily into the skin and keeps it soft but not greasy. It can be used as an all-over body moisturiser.
Thyroid health
The synergistic properties of antioxidants, fatty acids, and other minor fractions present in coconut oil has been shown to regulate the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and help combat hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and skin/hair/nail disorders.
Weight management
Yes! A fat that can help you maintain your weight! Research on the effects of coconut oil from the 2009 issue of Lipids Journal revealed that ‘it appears that dietetic supplementation with coconut oil …seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.
Spicy Lentil & Coconut Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of raw organic coconut oil
1 red onion – finely chopped
1 fresh green chilli
2 cloves of garlic – finely chopped
1 piece of fresh lemon grass – outer layers removed / finely chopped
100g of red lentils
1 tsp of ground coriander
1 tsp of paprika
200ml of coconut milk
Juice of half a lime
1 spring onion – chopped
Method:
Add the oil, garlic, onions, chilli, and lemongrass, and sauté for 5 minutes. Salt to taste using unrefined sea salt or Himalayan crystal salt. Add the lentils, and pour in the coconut milk, along with 400ml of water. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes, until the lentils are soft and mushy. Take off the heat, and squeeze in the juice from half a lime. Serves 2.
Health Properties:
Red Onions: contain a group of chemicals called ‘flavonoids’ that are responsible for the deep red colour. These offer significant protection against excessive inflammation, which has been linked to the onset and progression of arterial disease. Onions also contain a chemical called diallyl sulphide, which has been shown to reduce clotting factors in the blood, thus offering protection against heart attacks and strokes.
Red Lentils: are very rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre. Both of these fibres are useful for carrying away cholesterol that is lurking in the digestive system, and removing it from the body via the bowel. Lentils are also a great source of magnesium that helps to relax the muscular walls of blood vessels, which can naturally lower blood pressure.
Garlic: helps to reduce the bloods ability to clot, and encourages the production of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, whilst reducing the levels of LDL.
Chilli: is a very powerful circulatory stimulant, and a useful aid in lowering blood pressure. This is because of the powerful chemical, capsaicin, which forces the blood vessel walls to open, enhancing circulation and lowering blood pressure.
Lemongrass: is another powerful vasodilator, that helps to widen the blood vessels by relaxing their muscular walls. This reduces the pressure in the vessels, and lessens the likelihood of injury to the internal lining of the vessels.
Chocolate, Orange & Coconut Pudding
Dairy free, nutrient dense, and surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients:
1 large, ripe avocado
2 tablespoons of raw organic coconut oil
2 tablespoons of caco powder
3 teaspoons of honey
grated orange zest
Method:
Scoop the flesh out of the avocado, and add to a food processor. Melt the coconut oil gently in a saucepan on a very low heat. Add the melted coconut, chocolate powder, honey, and orange zest to the avocado, and blend until a smooth chocolatey paste is made. Transfer into ramekins and refrigerate for 2 hours. The end result should be a smooth chocolate mousse/pot au chocolate texture. Serves 2.
Health properties:
Avocado: an incredibly rich source of the antioxidant nutrient vitamin E, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and healthy skin. They are also very rich in essential fatty acids that deliver benefits from cardiovascular protection through to anti-inflammatory activities.
Chocolate: is very high in a powerful group of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are also found in green tea. Cacao is also incredibly rich in the mineral magnesium.
Information taken from Viridian-Nutrition