Viva Labs Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Review

Coconut Oil has been a part of the "it's-good-for-you-no-it's-bad-for-you" tug of war.  Well, coconut oil isn't the only product that has gone back and forth over the healthfulness of the product over the last few years.  It also makes sense why we are so confused and our diets tend to be a bit bipolar at times and extreme.  I also tend to ignore most of the diets.  I like to eat.  I eat in moderation.  I *attempt* (attempt being the operative word here) to eat as clean and as healthy as possible.  I also can't stand those who get on the dietary soap boxes- don't eat carbs! Ermagherd! They're EEEEVIL!!! or whatever the latest evil product is.  I am not judging those who do the diets- you know your body.  Your body will communicate with you if it hates an item you like or not.  You will feel like crap, your stomachs upset (*evil eyes at milk* thankfully, I loooove Almond Milk), etc.  Gluten might cause major fatigue, joint pain, etc. Lactose may create a farting machine.  You have to do what is best for you and your body.  Of course, Monstanto- you are pure evil.   Ok... Talking about soap boxes, lemme step down. Ha.  *disclaimer- trying to not be a hypocrite)

So.. I received a container of Viva Labs' Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to review.  I love, love, love anything tropical and coconutty so Coconut Oil is always on my must have list.  It is such a well rounded product.  You can use coconut oil for beauty, cooking, and healing.  I am in Phoenix, so right now- my coconut oil is NOT in solid form.  Come winter, it will be but for now it's in a liquid form.  The product is FINE if it liquifies, solidifies, and liquifies again.  So, if yours does that- do not fret.  It's fine.  

Viva Labs' Coconut Oil is NON GMO (Yay!), Organic, and from the container:

• free of pesticides, bleach, hexane and trans fat.
• USDA certified organic and non-GMO
• Unrefined, extra- virgin, cold pressed
• MCTs for energy and weight management
• Suitable for Vegans
• Delicious Tropical Aroma and Taste. 

Delicous aroma and taste? Absofreakinglutely.  I wanted to go to the tropics after one whiff. Also, the container is BPA free.  The rest of the points? Perfection.  Well, I had NO idea what MCTs were so I went to the handy-dandy Google and searched.  

Per Ward Dean, MD on Nutrition Review, MCTs are "Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a unique form of dietary fat that impart a wide range of positive health benefits. Nevertheless, the potential anti-aging properties of MCTs have been largely unrecognized by many life extension enthusiasts. Dietary fats are molecules composed of individual carbon atoms linked into chains ranging from 2 to 22 carbon atoms in length. Long Chain Fatty acids (LCTs) ranging from 12 to 18 carbons long are the predominant form of fat in the American diet. MCTs, by contrast, are composed of only 6 to 10 carbon links. Because of their shorter chain length, MCTs have a number of unique properties which give them advantages over the more common LCTs"

A lot of information there but essentially, MCTs are awesome and have many health advantages.  I suggest reading the article linked above.  I learned something new! Always a win!

I like to use Coconut Oil for oil pulling.  Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic treatment in which you use a virgin oil (sesame, olive or coconut) to essentially pull bacteria out of your system via swishing (not vigorgously) the oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.  You spit it out (full of toxins!) and rinse with clear water for a few minutes.  I swear by it! I have a problem with my gums and tend to get infections easily and find that with oil pulling- I can pull these toxins out and I feel better overall.  I am just starting this process (only a few weeks) but I feel a difference.  Check out these articles:
Oil Pulling Hype?
MindBodyGreen.com
Authoritynutrition.com

You can make toothpaste, add it to your lotion, or even put the oil directly on your skin for super moisturizing.  Want shiny hair? You can put coconut oil in it! 

Of course, coconut oil makes the BEST oil to stir fry in.  

All in all, this is a GREAT coconut oil and for a GREAT price on Amazon.com!  I found that Viva Labs' Coconut Oil is a high quality coconut oil.  

If you'd like to purchase, please feel free to click through my affiliate link (I do get a small commission for any purchases through my link! I thank you if you do!)


disclaimer: I did receive the product for free to review but this did not affect my ability to voice my opinion of the product.