Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway

For the past few weeks, I've seen a strong online presence from Tropical Traditions, but didn't think too much about coconut oil until I went to a mini-seminar given by a nutritionist. It was then that the light bulb went off, and I realized the benefits of coconut oil.
I've never used coconut oil until I received this product to review -- I've grown up and embraced the idea the idea that vegetable and canola oils are healthy options. Little did I know that these processed oils are actually overly heated and processed so much that the oil became rancid and full of harmful free radicals. The best options for oils are ones that are cold-pressed (not overly heated) and/or organic, like coconut oil. You can read more about my thoughts and others' comments on coconut oil in my Thoughtful Living Tuesday post.

But the thought of stir-frying with Coconut oil did sound a little strange to me. I had to wait a week to research whether there'd be a distinct coconutty taste and muster up the courage to try it! And a friend reassured me (she's a fan of coconut oil.) that it has cooking versatility. And she's right!

I opened up my jar of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil, and I did smell the the white, solidification of oil -- it smelled conutty. (By the way, the solidification is normal because coconut oil is only liquid over 76 degrees, I believe; you can scoop some out into a smaller jar and place that in a bowl of warm water to get the oil back to liquid form.) Since I was just stir-frying, I decided against warming the oil back to liquid form and just scooped a small amount out into my pan, and as it became liquid, it smelled conutty -- and I got nervous. But I placed my chicken in and added my veggies, and in the end, my stir-fry tasted the same as always -- NO coconut smell or taste. I believe that is in part to having a good quality coconut oil.

Tropical Traditions seems to be an amazing company, producing their coconut oil the traditional way, with many local Filipino farmers preparing the oil -- and if you look carefully at the blog and get to know the Brian and his wife Marianita,the story of Tropical Traditions becomes even more fascinating, at least it did for me! Tropical Traditions also sells a myriad of products, from natural soaps to grass-fed bison! I'm looking forward to trying more!

BUY IT!!
You can purchase a quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for $37.50. (Tropical Traditions often runs specials, which they advertise through their sales email; right now you can get it for $27.50.) Right now, you'll also be able to receive a FREE copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil, from the Referral program! Choose “Referred by a Friend” and enter User ID: 6608836 on their first online order, and the book will be automatically added to your order. If you need assistance, contact Customer Service.

WIN IT!!
Tropical Traditions is giving away a quart of Virgin Coconut Oil! This is open to U.S. and Canada.
To enter, you must comment on why you like or are intrigued by coconut oil. This is required and must be done before the extra entries count! PLEASE leave your email address with your entry.

EXTRA ENTRIES!
You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do along with you email address.

1- For ONE extra entry, Follow me via Google Friend Connect.

2- For ONE extra entry, Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway.

3 - For ONE extra entry, Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter.

4 - For ONE extra entry, Like Tropical Traditions on Facebook.

5 - For ONE extra entry, Post my blog's button and tell me where to find it.

6 - For ONE extra entry, visit the Coconut Recipe Blog and tell me your favorite recipe!

7 - For TWO extra entries, Subscribe to my blog via email.

8 - For TWO extra entries, Like Discovering the Me in Mommy on Facebook.

9 - For THREE extra entries, Vote for Baby G - just one click!

10- For THREE extra entries, Subscribe to Tropical Traditions' Newsletter.

Contest ends at 10pm EST on Sunday, November 28, 2010 when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address in your entry. I will notify the winner, and s/he will have 36 hours to respond!


****This is not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you to Tropical Traditions who supplied the products for the review and giveaway!****

Thoughtful Healthy Living - Coconut Oil

Healthy living does not happen by accident -- it often takes time, research, and understanding to make those steps to better, healthier living.

And coconut oil is something that I've recently been introduced to -- thanks to a nutritionist -- and am excited to incorporate into our diet. Coconut oil is very new to me because I've grown up with the idea that vegetable and canola oils are healthy options. Little did I know that these processed oils are actually overly heated and processed so much that the oil became rancid and full of harmful free radicals; even though "vegetable" and "canola" sound harmless and healthy (thanks to excellent marketing), they've been over-processed (heated, deodorized, etc.). According to a nutritionist I spoke to, the best options for oils are ones that are cold-pressed (not overly heated) and/or organic, like tallow (which I know nothing about!), coconut oil, unrefined sunflower oil, and olive oil.

From what I've found online, people rave about the benefits of coconut oil. Some take straight coconut oil (or add it to a smoothie) to lose weight! Others see the health benefits for the heart, liver, and immune system. Since I'm just a newbie, I'll have to wait and see! What do you think about coconut oil?!?

Oh, and later on this week, I'll be hosting a giveaway for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil -- be sure to come back and enter!