The benefits of coconut oil

It is true that coconut oil is a major trend at the moment, however, this amazing oil is only yummy and great to cook with, it also has many health benefits. Studies have shown that coconut oil can increase metabolism by nearly 50%, as it boosts the thyroid gland. It also contains lauric acid (found in mothers milk), this will stimulate and increase immune system.

My favourite benefit of coconut oil is that fact that is does not become oxidized from heat when cooking. Other oils , ie olive oil that contains omega 6 oils are destroyed by heat, however this does not happen to coconut oil, so you are still consuming those amazing omega 6 oils that are super beneficial and our body loves.

So, if you have not yet tried coconut oil, do yourself a favour and go and grab some. You will not be disappointed.

Enjoy xx

Antioxidants - nature's cleaners

Why do we need antioxidants ? Well, when oxidation occurs in the body it damages cell membranes, oxidation is accelerated from stress, smoking, alcohol, sunlight and pollution. The body can cope with some but an overload can become irreversible causing disease. Antioxidants found in certain foods can prevent damage caused by free radicals by destroying them.

Our nutrient antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E, minerals (copper, zinc and selenium), and phytochemicals in plants. I personally do not prefer to use a whole bunch of supplements, I like to get my antioxidants from the natural source. Heres how to find them:

• Vitamin A -  sweet potatoes, carrots and egg yolks
• Vitamin C - oranges, kiwifruit, mangoes, broccoli, spinach, capsicum and strawberries.
• Vitamin E - avocados, nuts and seeds
• Copper - seafood, lean meats and nuts
• Zinc - seafood, lean meat and nuts
• Selenium - seafood and lean meat

Also green tea and white tea is an excellent way to receive antioxidants, remember to drink these teas with lemon to boost the antioxidants. All the above info is just an example of some foods that contain antioxidants, and the foods that I eat to receive them.

Enjoy xx