What do you think of when you think of coconut? A candy bar? A tree full of hard-to-crack nuts? A Marx Brothers movie? It's all that, and more!

Unfortunately, due to a long stream of negative public relations, coconut has lost its rightful place as a wonder food. Coconut oil shortages during WWII led to the opportunistic introduction of unhealthful hydrogenated oils in place of healthful coconut oil. Since then, coconut has been systematically demonized as a "bad fat".

Coconut oil is a saturated fat. However, it is a medium-chain fatty acid, which is a most unusual type of fat. Whereas hydrogenated fats and other saturated fats are harmful, coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats in existence. It is a very healthful food. Plus you can use it as a face cream, and even as a conditioner for dry hair.

Try massaging 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil onto your face (using upward, circular motions). Blot any excess with tissue paper. Your skin will appreciate it. For hair, rub a tablespoon of coconut oil through your hair, from scalp to ends. Let sit for 5 - 15 minutes, then wash hair as usual. If your hair had been dry and frazzled, do this treatment twice a week, and you could notice a subtle yet dramatic improvement in your hair.

Mix coconut oil with cocoa powder, sweetener, and finely-chopped nuts, and you can make various types of candy. Sprinkle coconut flakes over yogurt or ice cream. Mix coconut chips with almonds, raisins, and cocoa nibs or carob bits, to make trail mix snacks. Add coconut flakes or chips to your favorite cereal, hot or cold. Use coconut milk in place of other milk in recipes. The possibilities go on and on.

For much more information about this great food, I recommend The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife.