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Being Life Fit is about your total health, including the health of all of your relationships. Life Fit is a journey, not a destination. It is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Check in each Tuesday to Life Fit with Laura Lewis, author of "52 Ways To A Healthy You," as we explore our total life fitness. Then, weigh in with your own thoughts over at Laura's "Life Fit Chat" each Wednesday and Thursday for further discussion on the week's topic. Or check out "Ask Laura" every Friday for answers! For more information visit Laura at www.LauraLewis.com.

I was enjoying a yummy treat of coconut milk ice cream the other day with a friend -- not kidding myself that it was actually healthy -- and commented on the fact that coconut oil is so very good for us. She was aghast, and said she had heard that coconut oil was one of the worst oils one could possibly consume. Not so, I had to disagree. So for those of you who may share my friend's disdain of coconut oil, this one's for you ...

The Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Did you know coconut oil is good for hair care, skin care, stress relief, heart diseases, cholesterol levels, weight loss, kidney problems, digestion, metabolism, high blood pressure, immunity, dental care, diabetes, bone strength, HIV and cancer? And that's not all. The wonderful benefits of coconut oil are due to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which contain healing properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and much more.

Our bodies convert the lauric acid found in coconut oil into monolaurin -- known as a powerful healing agent for viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Monolaurin helps fight off dangerous bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Because of its healing properties, it has long been the oil of choice for athletes and body builders because it actually contains fewer calories than other oils; and what's more, its fat content is easily converted into energy as opposed to accumulating as fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil also boosts energy and endurance, and serves as a natural overall performance enhancer for athletes.