My baby girl has just recovered from her first of the season’s colds. Being a hippy at heart and cursed with an irrational fear and mistrust of doctors and all things pharmaceutical – I blame my mother – I made my way to Whole Foods to see if I could be advised on a natural immune booster suitable for babies. Amelia gets enough vitamins and minerals from the masses of fruit and veg that make their way into her mouth, so I was looking for something other than supplements. The natural remedy specialist at the shop suggested Organic Virgin Coconut Butter. Here’s why:
Coconut oil has Lauric Acid, one of the most redeeming qualities of extra virgin coconut oil. Lauric Acid is a nutritious, antibacterial chain of fats that is also found in breast milk and is recommended for its immune boosting properties.
Both coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil are part of a healthy, balanced diet which involves a moderate intake of saturated fats. Saturated fats, as opposed to Hydrogenated soybean oil and unsaturated fats, help to boost thyroid function, and used in moderation, can even help weight loss efforts. Here are some of the main health benefits of coconut oil:
To fight against viruses such as the flu
As a vitamin E substitute
Cancer preventative
Skin and hair radiance supplement
Balance cholesterol levels
Energy and thyroid booster
Immune booster
Liver disease preventative
Weight loss
Extra virgin coconut oil also helps in the absorption of calcium, which makes it ideal for bone health and Osteoporosis. Coconut oil can be used as a moisturiser for healthy, shiny hair and roots, and also as a salve for skin ailments of all types, including wrinkles, dry skin, and premature aging.
Source: Facts About Coconut Oil and how to take Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Internally
Higher Nature’s Organic Virgin Coconut Butter contains no added sugar, salt, starch, soya, yeast, wheat, gluten, maize/corn, lactose, dairy products, artificial preservatives, colours or flavourings. It is safe for cooking as it is heat-stable, and can be used instead of butter or margarine – try it in biscuits, cakes, muffins and pastry or add it to pancake batter. It can also be eaten straight from the spoon, and for a baby it can be mixed into milk or food.
Hello!
I have a 6 month old. She is unfortunately formula fed not by choice. So, I’m doing all I can to boost her immunity. How much coconut oil per day is good for her? I’m thinking 1/2 teaspoon or so? She enjoys avocado, sweet potatoes, fruits, egg yolk and stoneground breakfast porridges for now.
Thank you for your great article, Andrea!
My pleasure – I am glad you found it useful! We give Amelia 1 teaspoon and she is 16 months old (as recommended), so I am sure1/2 teaspoon is perfect for your little lovely!
Awesome! I will begin tomorrow morning – i think I’ll mix it in her breakfast porridge – lately I’ve been trying millet – she likes it! Do you give your little Amelia coconut oil daily? I’m also looking into flax and cod liver oil and am trying to figure out a system/schedule that works. It seems like coconut oil is the least ‘controversial’ for little babes so perhaps I’ll stick with it for a month or so and then move on to the other supplements….:)
We also mix it in with her porridge and we do give it to her daily (although I think our tub is finished) – we were quite strict with it in winter but have become more lax now that spring is on the way and winter colds are dissipating (fingers crossed).
Keep me posted about the other supplements! I am interested in cod liver oil – my mom used to take masses of the stuff (I once popped a capsule with my fingers and they smelled for days – it was gross).