FALL IS PEAK ANXIETY SEASON IN THE WORKPLACE, AND IT CAN COST COMPANIES BILLIONS OF DOLLARS. HERE'S HOW BOSSES CAN HELP MANAGE THEIR EMPLOYEES' STRESS.

Paul Pellman, Contributor (USA)

Nov 7, 2019, 5:00 PM

Paul Pellman. Courtesy of Paul Pellman

·         Paul Pellman is the CEO of Kazoo, an employee experience platform.

·         Pellman writes that fall is one of the most stressful seasons for employees — daily routines change with dwindling sunlight, and seasonal affective disorder is in full swing.

·         Stress costs employers $300 billion annually, and has a real impact on employees and the people around them. 

·         Managers should check in with their employees, put mental health initiatives in place, offer opportunities to stay active in the workplace, and lead by example.

From cooler weather to leaf peeping to pumpkin spice lattes, there's so much to look forward to when it comes to the autumn months. But what we may not realize is this time of year is one of the most stressful for employees in the workplace. With significant changes in daily routines to the dwindling number of daylight hours, we don't have to look far for the sources of our fall misery. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects around 10 million Americans annually, kicks off during this time of year. The resulting feelings of fatigue, depression, and hopelessness can easily seep into the workplace and are often exacerbated by work-related stress. In addition, according to the "Google misery index" created by former Pew Research analyst Christopher Ingraham, searches for "depression," "anxiety," and "stress" peak during the fall months. That trend has not only held steady over the years, but in fact, the same search terms are even higher in 2019. 

So what do we as leaders do about this problem to help our employees and ourselves get through it? It starts by understanding the effects of stress and working with employees to manage it. 

Understanding stress

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are three types of stress — acute, episodic acute, and chronic. While stress affects everyone differently, all three of these can negatively impact the health and happiness of employees in your workplace, and lead to a host of other health issues — like burnout. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization officially classified burnout as a legitimate medical diagnosis due to the increase of "chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." 

When looking at workplace stress in particular, it costs employers an estimated $300 billion annually due to absences, turnover, lower productivity, medical costs, and worker's compensation. Not to mention that an employee's low morale and loss of motivation often has a contagious effect, spreading angst to others in the office. In the "always-on" culture that is the new norm in today's workplace, many people have become so accustomed to stress in their everyday lives that they don't know how to manage it or where to turn.

Managing stress

Many employers may not realize that stress and anxiety have real consequences for their company, and instead they put the task of managing stress on the individual employee. When employees are dealing with stress it can affect concentration, relationships with colleagues, and ultimately work performance. By leaving the employee to manage this alone, companies are actually making the problem worse. 

One of the best lines of defense to manage stress in the workplace is to educate managers to better understand the signs of stress and how they can help employees through it. By using organizational programs and behaviors like the ones below, managers can help alleviate the effects of the fall doldrums on their team.

1.     Listen to your employees. A little communication goes a long way. Face-to-face check-ins show employees that you value their opinions and needs while also giving you an opportunity to see how they are doing. Managers that are attuned to their team will be able to notice the small, but important signs of stress early and can better manage things before they spiral out of control. At a company level, using anonymous, company-wide surveys to measure employee sentiment throughout the year will help you keep a pulse on how they're doing, which allows you to identify stressors or problem areas and take action at a faster pace.

2.     Actually address mental health. Nearly one in five adults in the US lives with a mental illness, yet 55% of employees say their employer either does not have (or they were unaware of) a mental health program, initiative, or policy. Destigmatizing mental health in the workplace and providing access to help should be a no brainer given how many employees are affected by it. In addition to publicizing mental health resources and fostering an open dialogue with employees, adding in-office benefits like light therapy for SAD and meditation classes will help destigmatize mental health in the workplace.

3.     Bring the workout to the office. Regular exercise is well known to improve both physical and mental health, but many employees find it difficult to squeeze it into busy work weeks. In addition to encouraging employees to work out on their own through incentives like gym membership reimbursements, managers can help integrate physical movement directly into the work day. Walking one-on-one meetings, reminder alarms to stand every hour, and taking the stairs to and from lunch are easy ways to get your team moving on a daily basis.

4.     Lead by example. Employees look to their managers for cues on what's acceptable in the workplace. Leaders need to show their team it's okay to disconnect by taking advantage of flexible work schedules or PTO, eating lunch away from the desk, and actually logging off when using sick or mental health days. If managers don't make an effort to handle their own stress, employees won't either. Similarly, encourage employees to support one another through physical acts, like helping with a project if they have extra time, as well as digital acts, like messages of encouragement and recognition via social communities.

With fall in full swing, now's the time to reevaluate how your company looks at stress in the workplace. Learning to manage stress and burnout isn't just important for helping employees feel happier and healthier — it's also best practice for retaining top talent. By prioritizing the employee rather than their work output, your company will not only be a happier place to work, but also a more productive one.

Disclaimer:

The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any question you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately. Opt4health does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physician, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Opt4health blog. Reliance on any information provided by Opt4health, Opt4health employees, other contributors appearing on the blog at the invitation of Opt4health, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.

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Recognize STRESS and learn how best to combat it with these tips

Learn how to use sensory stimulation to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

At Opt4health we specialise in stress detection and relieve it by means of non-evasive cellular re-balancing. Ever wish a stress superhero could save you from the tension of traffic jams, chaotic meetings, arguments with your spouse, or a toddler’s tantrums? You can be that hero by learning to reduce the impact of stress as it’s happening. Learning this skill takes time, experimentation, and practice—but the payoff is huge. You can stay calm, productive, and focused when you know how to quickly relieve stress.

What is the fastest way to relieve stress?

There are countless techniques for managing stress. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and exercise are just a few examples of stress-relieving activities that work wonders. But in the heat of the moment, during a high-pressured job interview, for example, or a disagreement with your spouse, you can’t just excuse yourself to meditate or take a long walk. In these situations, you need something more immediate and accessible.

One of the speediest and most reliable ways to stamp out stress is to engage one or more of your senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch—or through movement. But since everyone is different, you’ll need to do some experimenting to discover which technique works best for you.

Social interaction is your body’s most evolved and surefire strategy for regulating the nervous system. Talking face-to-face with a relaxed and caring listener can help you quickly calm down and release tension. Although you can’t always have a pal to lean on in the middle of a stressful situation, maintaining a network of close relationships is vital for your mental health. Between sensory-based stress relief and good listeners, you’ll have your bases covered.

Tip 1: Recognize when you’re stressed

It might seem obvious that you’d know when you’re stressed, but many of us spend so much time in a frazzled state that we’ve forgotten what it feels like when our nervous systems are in balance: when we’re calm yet still alert and focused. If this is you, you can recognize when you’re stressed by listening to your body. When you’re tired, your eyes feel heavy and you might rest your head on your hand. When you’re happy, you laugh easily. And when you’re stressed, your body lets you know that, too. Get in the habit of paying attention to your body’s clues.

Observe your muscles and insides. Are your muscles tense or sore? Is your stomach tight, cramped, or aching? Are your hands or jaw clenched?

Observe your breath. Is your breathing shallow? Place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest. Watch your hands rise and fall with each breath. Notice when you breathe fully or when you “forget” to breathe.

Tip 2: Identify your stress response

Internally, we all respond the same way to the “fight-or-flight” stress response: your blood pressure rises, your heart pumps faster, and your muscles constrict. Your body works hard and drains your immune system. Externally, however, people respond to stress in different ways.

The best way to quickly relieve stress often relates to your specific stress response:

Overexcited stress response: If you tend to become angry, agitated, overly emotional, or keyed up under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that quiet you down.

Underexcited stress response: If you tend to become depressed, withdrawn, or spaced out under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that are stimulating and energizing.

The immobilization or “frozen” stress response

Do you freeze when under stress? The immobilization stress response is often associated with
a past history of trauma. When faced with stressful situations, you may find yourself totally stuck and unable to take action. Your challenge is to break free of your “frozen” state by rebooting your nervous system and reactivating the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” stress response. Physical movement that engages both your arms and legs, such as walking, swimming, running, dancing, climbing, or tai chi, can be particularly helpful. As you move, focus on your body and the sensations you feel in your limbs rather than on your thoughts. This mindfulness element can help your nervous system become “unstuck” and move on.

Tip 3: Bring your senses to the rescue

To use your senses to quickly relieve stress, you first need to identify the sensory experiences that work best for you. This can require some experimentation. As you employ different senses, note how quickly your stress levels drop. And be as precise as possible. What is the specific kind of sound or type of movement that affects you the most? For example, if you’re a music lover, listen to many different artists and types of music until you find the song that instantly lifts and relaxes you.

Explore a variety of sensory experiences so that no matter where you are, you’ll always have a tool to relieve stress.

The examples listed below are intended to be a jumping-off point. Let your imagination run free and come up with additional things to try. When you find the right sensory technique, you’ll know it!

Sight

·Look at a cherished photo or a favorite memento.

·Use a plant or flowers to enliven your work space.

·Enjoy the beauty of nature: a garden, the beach, a park, or your own backyard.

·Surround yourself with colors that lift your spirits.

·Close your eyes and picture a place that feels peaceful and rejuvenating.

Smell

·Light a scented candle or burn some incense.

·Experiment with different essential oils.

·Smell the roses or another type of flower.

·Enjoy clean, fresh air in the great outdoors.

·Spritz on your favorite perfume or cologne.

Touch

·Wrap yourself in a warm blanket.

·Pet a dog or cat.

·Hold a comforting object (a stuffed animal, a favorite memento).

·Give yourself a hand or neck massage.

·Wear clothing that feels soft against your skin.

Taste

Slowly savoring a favorite treat can be very relaxing, but mindless eating will only add to your stress and your waistline. The key is to indulge your sense of taste mindfully and in moderation.

·Chew a piece of sugarless gum.

·Indulge in a small piece of dark chocolate.

·Sip a steaming cup of coffee or tea or a refreshing cold drink.

·Eat a perfectly ripe piece of fruit.

·Enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack (celery, carrots, or trail mix).

Movement

If you tend to shut down when you’re under stress or have experienced trauma, stress-relieving activities that get you moving may be particularly helpful.

·Run in place or jump up and down.

·Dance around.

·Stretch or roll your head in circles.

·Go for a short walk.

·Squeeze a rubbery stress ball.

Sound

·Sing or hum a favorite tune. Listen to uplifting music.

·Tune in to the soundtrack of nature—crashing waves, the wind rustling the trees, birds singing.

·Buy a small fountain, so you can enjoy the soothing sound of running water in your home or office.

·Hang wind chimes near an open window.

Vocal toning

As strange as it may sound, vocal toning is a special technique that reduces the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Try sneaking off to a quiet place to spend a few minutes toning before a meeting with your boss and see how much more relaxed and focused you feel. It works by exercising the tiny muscles of the inner ear that help you detect the higher frequencies of human speech that impart emotion and tell you what someone is really trying to say. Not only will you feel more relaxed in that meeting, you’ll also be better able to understand what he’s trying to communicate.

How to tone

Sit up straight and simply make “mmmm” sounds with your lips together and teeth slightly apart. Experiment by changing the pitch and volume until you experience a pleasant vibration in your face and, eventually, your heart and stomach.

Tip 4: Find sensory inspiration

Having trouble identifying sensory techniques that work for you? Look for inspiration around you, from your sights as you go about your day to memories from your past.

Memories. Think back to what you did as a child to calm down. If you had a blanket or stuffed toy, you might benefit from tactile stimulation. Try tying a textured scarf around your neck before an appointment or keeping a piece of soft suede in your pocket.

Watch others. Observing how others deal with stress can give you valuable insight. Baseball players often pop gum before going up to bat. Singers often chat up the crowd before performing. Ask people you know how they stay focused under pressure.

Parents. Think back to what your parents did to blow off steam. Did your mother feel more relaxed after a long walk? Did your father work in the yard after a hard day?

The power of imagination. Once drawing upon your sensory toolbox becomes habit, try simply imagining vivid sensations when stress strikes. The memory of your baby’s face will have the same calming or energizing effects on your brain as seeing her photo. When you can recall a strong sensation, you’ll never be without a quick stress relief tool.

Take a break from technology

Taking a short hiatus from the television, computer, and cell phone will give you insight on what your senses respond to best.

·Try tuning into relaxing music instead of talk radio during your commute. Or try riding in silence for 10 minutes.

·Stuck in a long line at the grocery store? Instead of talking on your phone, take a moment to people watch. Pay attention to what you hear and see.

·Instead of checking email while waiting for a meeting, take a few deep breaths, look out the window, or sip some tea.

·While waiting for an appointment, resist the urge to text and give yourself a hand massage instead.

Tip 5: Make quick stress relief a habit

It’s not easy to remember to use your senses in the middle of a mini—or not so mini—crisis. At first, it will feel easier to just give into pressure and tense up. But with time, calling upon your senses will become second nature. Think of the process like learning to drive or play golf. You don’t master the skill in one lesson; you have to practice until it becomes second nature. Eventually you’ll feel like you’re forgetting something if you don’t tune into your body during challenging times. Here’s how to make it habit:

Start small. Instead of testing your quick stress relief tools on a source of major stress, start with a predictable low-level source of stress, like cooking dinner at the end of a long day or sitting down to pay bills.

Identify and target. Think of just one low-level stressor that you know will occur several times a week, such as commuting. Vow to target that stressor with quick stress relief every time. After a few weeks, target a second stressor and so on.

Test-drive sensory input. If you are practicing quick stress relief on your commute to work, bring a scented handkerchief with you one day, try music another day, and try a movement the next day. Keep experimenting until you find a clear winner.

Have fun with the process. If something doesn’t work, don’t force it. Move on until you find what works best for you. It should be pleasurable and noticeably calming.

Talk about it. Telling friends or family members about the stress-relief strategies you’re trying out will help you integrate them into your life. As an added bonus, it’s bound to start an interesting conversation: everyone relates to the topic of stress.

Tip 6: Practice wherever you are

The best part of sensory-based strategies is the awareness that you have control. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, quick stress relief is within arm’s reach.

Quick stress relief at home

Entertaining. Prevent pre-party jitters by playing lively music. Light candles. The flicker and scent will stimulate your senses. Wear clothes that make you feel relaxed and confident.

Kitchen. Ease kitchen stress by breathing in the scent of every ingredient. Delight in the delicate texture of an eggshell. Appreciate the weight of an onion.

Children and relationships. Prevent losing your cool during a spousal spat by squeezing the tips of your thumb and forefinger together. When your toddler has a tantrum, rub lotion into your hands and breathe in the scent.

Sleep. Too stressed to snooze? Try using a white noise machine for background sound or a humidifier with a diffuser for a light scent in the air.

Creating a sanctuary. If clutter is upsetting, spend 10 minutes each day to tidy. Display photos and images that make you feel happy. Throw open the curtains and let in natural light.

Quick stress relief at work

Meetings. During stressful sessions, stay connected to your breath. Massage the tips of your fingers. Wiggle your toes. Sip coffee.

On the phone. Inhale something energizing, like lemon, ginger, peppermint. While talking, stand up or pace back and forth to burn off excess energy, or take calls outside when possible.

On the computer. Work standing up. Do knee-bends in 10-minute intervals. Suck on a peppermint. Sip tea.

Lunch breaks. Take a walk around the block or in the parking lot. Listen to soothing music while eating. Chat with a colleague.

Your workspace. Place family photos on your desk or mementos that remind you of your life outside the office.

Quick stress relief on the go

In traffic. Play music or listen to an audiobook. Take a different route to see something new. Do neck-rolls at stoplights. Sing in the car to stay awake and happy.

Public transportation. Take a break from reading, cell conversations, and music to tune into the sights and sounds around you. Try noticing something new, even if you’re on the same old bus ride.

Running errands. Wear a special perfume or lotion so you can enjoy it while you rush from place to place. Carry a stress ball in your pocket. Take a mental “snapshot” or “postcard” at each destination.

Waiting in lines. Instead of worrying about time slipping away, focus on your breathing. People watch. Chat with the person ahead of you. Chew a stick of minty gum.

Need more help or support, contact us at Opt4health

www.opt4health.co.za

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Authors: Robert Segal, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Lawrence Robinson. Last updated: October 2019.

The Wonders of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Immune System: Guard Your Health to the Max http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/coconut-oil-immune-system.html

Coconut oil is to your immune system as a mighty military force is to their people. Your immune system is THE specialty of coconut oil.

The white blood cells of your immune system are engaged in a never-ending battle against invading microbes. These crucial blood cells also clean out diseased and cancerous cells.
A stressed out immune system will eventually lead to excessive buildup of toxins and harmful organisms.
Its one-of-a-kind fatty acid composition makes coconut oil stand head and shoulders above all other Fats. Coconut oil is the richest natural source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). This is key!
MCFAs possess mighty antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, etc properties. These rare fat molecules stop dandruff, all the way to reducing the HIV-viral load of AIDS patients.
For good measure, I recommend enhancing your body's defenses further with a high-quality supplement. Here's how to boost your immune system even more.
Regular consumption of MCFA-rich coconut oil aids the body in eliminating disease-causing germs, thus relieving stress on your immune system.

Coconut oil takes over the job of destroying many of the invading microorganisms. With less work to do, your white blood cells can now focus their attention on cleaning out toxins and all kinds of undesirable cells.

Each and every cell in your body requires a round-the-clock supply of either fatty acids or glucose to fuel metabolism and keep them alive. They die without sufficient glucose and atherosclerosis develops as capillaries and blood vessels degenerate. Damaged artery walls form plaque which clogs the arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke, the two leading causes of death in diabetics.
Insulin is crucial because without it, fatty acids and glucose in the blood stream won't be able to enter and feed your cells. Mitochondria, the energy producing organs of cells, transform glucose and fatty acids into fuel to power metabolic functions and for cell nourishment.
Glucose and long chain fatty acids (LCFA) have one big problem. They cannot enter your cells without insulin. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) richly and uniquely found in coconut oil can penetrate the mitochondria's double membrane without the assistance of the hormone insulin.
It doesn't matter whether your pancreas is producing enough insulin or your cells are insulin-resistant. You can rest assured that MCFA-rich coconut oil can still nourish your cells. What a comforting diabetic fact.

Because MCFAs can keep cells nourished, capillaries and blood vessels are kept alive and healthy which helps you a lot in preventing the development of atherosclerosis. At this point, it should be clear that coconut oil improves the circulation and cardiovascular health of diabetics. Coconut oil does not block arteries. It even opens them up. But we're not done yet.

In addition to its ability to feed your all important cells without the need for insulin, MCFAs abundantly found in coconut oil also help improve insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. MCFAs stimulate metabolism which increases insulin production and glucose absorption into your cells. For this reason, coconut oil can help many diabetics reduce their dependency on insulin medication.
Coconut oil can also help regulate your blood sugar levels. It slows down the emptying of the stomach so that sugars are released at a slower rate into the bloodstream. Coconut oil has a very low glycemic index which is a system of measuring the effect of specific foods on blood sugar.
Even the glycemic index of sweets and starchy foods are substantially lowered when coconut oil is added to them. Adding the versatile coconut oil to meals is very effective in lowering the glycemic index of your favorite foods.

Coconut oil diabetes blessings help address the underlying problem right at the cellular level. Do you now see why coconut oil may be one of the healthiest foods in the fight against diabetes?

Coconut Oil: Immune System-Booster Extraordinaire

How to boost immune system using coconut oil? The easiest, simplest and most effective way would be to replace all your existing cooking oils with coconut oil.

Unsaturated vegetable oils, especially polyunsaturated ones like corn oil and soybean oil are structurally weak, making them highly susceptible to oxidation. Simply said, corn and soybean oils easily rot.

As they decompose, large amounts of free radicals linked to numerous degenerative diseases are generated.
Researchers have shown time and again that polyunsaturated oils encourage cancer by harming the DNA of your cells.

Unburden Your Immune System

Discontinuing your use of these unstable kitchen oils alone is enough to benefit your immune system. And with coconut oil taking their place, your bodily defenses are switched to a considerably higher gear.
Because it's highly saturated at 92 percent, coconut oil is ultra resistant to oxidative damage. Simply put, coconut oil can stay fresh for a long time. You can heat and re-heat it under normal cooking temperatures and rest assured it won't produce abnormal quantities of free radicals.
Coconut oil can be substituted for any vegetable cooking oil in the market. But if for some reason you just can't say goodbye to unsaturated cooking oils, cut-back on their use and include coconut oil in the mix. Being very stable and highly resistant to oxidation, coconut oil will protect other oils from getting rancid, thus diminishing their harmful effects.
How to boost immune system the quickest way using coconut oil? That would be to take it by the spoonful. But if this approach presents problems, you can always add some to beverages. Preparing your favorite foods using coconut oil instead, as explained above, is as "effortless" as it can get.

Coconut Oil's Main Weapon

Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), the predominant fatty acids in coconut oil, possesses superb antimicrobial abilities you won't find in almost all other dietary fats. MCFAs can kill a myriad of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and other harmful microorganisms, including the disastrous AIDS and SARS viruses.
The skin is oftentimes your first line of defense against disease and illness. Massaging coconut oil on your skin creates a chemical barrier hostile to troublesome organisms. And as it penetrates your skin, coconut oil will eventually end up in your bloodstream for yet another cycle or two, even more, of immune system support.

Accelerate Healing and Repair

A single meal containing coconut oil will elevate your metabolic rate for up to 24 hours, stimulating healing and repair. Unlike other dietary oils that tend to store fat in your fat cells, MCFA-rich coconut oil is mainly used to provide energy to power metabolism.
So, that pretty much covers how to boost immune system with coconut oil...
Eating foods rich in antioxidants, enzymes, healthy fats, etc. are essential to boosting your immune system. And in the kingdom of fats and oils, none can equal the immunizing greatness of coconut oil. None!

Organic Coconut Oil: Its True Meaning And Characteristics You Should Know

Organic coconut oil is the result of coconut farming practices that rely very little, if any, on artificial inputs. Organic virgin coconut oil production emphasizes "feeding of the soil," rather than the tree.

Organic farming takes into account zero-to-minimum dependence on man-made activities. Certifying bodies discourage the use of hazardous chemicals from farm, to distribution, to marketing.

The entire production and distribution chain, not just the end product itself, are the important factors in organic growing.

Farm Location

To ensure minimal contamination from air and ground pollution, coconut farming is ideally done far away from congested cities. Some of the best organic coconuts produced are cultivated within close proximity to a volcano where the surrounding soil is rich in nutrients.
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera Linn) is remarkably resilient and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Farmers absolutely do not need artificial means to ensure an abundant harvest.

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers degrade the quality of crops and can affect the amount of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) plentifully found in coconut oil.

Organic Copra?

Some organic coconut oil designation agencies don't seem to distinguish between copra and fresh coconut meat. Copra is dried coconut meat and sometimes called desiccated coconut, which desiccated coconut processors vehemently reject.
Copra is typically used to produce Refined, Bleached and Deodorized (RBD) oil. Because of the refining, bleaching and deodorizing process necessary for sanitation from contaminants, RBD coconut oil no longer has that fresh coconut aroma and flavor.
A number of certifying bodies also do allow for solvent use in the oil extraction. This is unacceptable in my opinion. Using chemical solvents has no place in manufacturing organic virgin coconut oil.

Beware of "Scam-Organics"

There's a rich mix of high-grade coconut oil brands in the Philippines. But every once in a while, I still encounter highly processed varieties passed on as organic extra virgin coconut oil. They're very cheap so people are fooled into buying.
Watch out for low-cost, minimally processed oils made from copra proclaimed as organic virgin coconut oil. Just because they are not as processed as RBD oil does not mean they are better than RBD oil. You'll know they are made from copra because they smell and taste awful.
Producers of certified organic virgin coconut oil adhere to stringent regulations laid out by different accrediting agencies. But it comes at a price. Part of the expenses incurred is passed on to you, the consumer. You get what you pay for...
Individual preference has a lot to do with coconut oil purchasing in my experience. Don't forget that coconut oil is a food so make sure you get one that is in agreement with your nose and tongue. Choose organic coconut oil and make sure it's genuinely certified. Even better, get it from a local producer.
Small, independent manufacturers are a lot less likely to use harmful chemicals as they simply can't afford them. In essence, they don't need organic certification which big business can "buy" any time.

Is coconut oil healthy? Absolutely! Especially organic virgin coconut oil. It retains most of the phytonutrients such as antioxidants known to have numerous health-boosting properties that have been stripped from processed or refined types.

Weight loss: The FAT that helps you lose weight

The coconut oil weight loss connection is unrivaled in the world of fats and oils. Unlike others, coconut oil is primarily used to produce energy, not body fat.

Simple Oil-Change

Researchers found out that by merely changing all your kitchen oils that are made of Long Chain Triglycerides (LCT) to an oil that contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), you can lose up to 36 pounds of excess fat a year.
You don't have to change anything in your diet. Not even reduce the amount of calories you eat.
All you have to do is use coconut cooking oil in place of corn oil, soybean oil and other LCT-oils, and you can drop up to almost 40 pounds of unwanted fat yearly.
MCT-packed coconut oil doesn't circulate your bloodstream to the degree that LCT-oils do. MCTs are basically sent straight to your liver to produce energy "right away."

Metabolic Marvel

No other oil can stimulate your metabolism like coconut oil can. None! Coconut oil diets are a surefire way to elevate your body's calorie-burning processes and keep it elevated for long periods of time.
In fact, just a single meal containing coconut oil can raise your metabolic rate for up to 24 hours. That's right! For a full 24 hours, your body will be burning calories at a faster rate and you will have more energy.
Your liver uses MCTs generously found in unrefined coconut oil to power metabolism. Liberating energy so you can stay active longer and lose even more excess weight. Coconut oil is nature's most generous source of MCTs!

Thyroid Perfect

Coconut oil weight loss benefits are connected to thyroid operation.
Since the thyroid regulates metabolism, it follows that coconut oil has a favorable effect on your thyroid function. A coconut oil recipe a day can energize a sluggish thyroid gland.
Do you mostly use soybean oil, olive oil, and other unsaturated vegetable oils for cooking and food preparation?
Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulation, and the response of tissues to the hormone. Simply put, unsaturated fats disrupt thyroid activity.
A malfunctioning thyroid will slow down your metabolism (hypothyroidism). Unsaturated fats, in essence, promote weight gain more than any other fats.
In contrast, the coconut oil and thyroid function link is a "fat-burning, calorie-burning" one. By revving up metabolism, coconut oil encourages your thyroid to release hormones vital for creating energy instead of body fat.
Coconut oil doesn't block thyroid hormone secretion. It even activates it!

Weight Loss and Beyond...

Being overweight is one of the first signs of diabetes. It is also identified with heart disease and other degenerative diseases so it really pays to win the "battle of the bulge."
Here in the Philippines, indigenous communities are generally slim and trim. That's not because they're starving or anything like that. That's because coconut oil has always been an integral part of their diet.

Coconut oil nutritional benefits are by no means limited to weight loss. Helping you lose weight safely is just one of its many talents. But if coconut oil weight loss properties amaze you, its incredible "antimicrobial punch" is bound to impress the heck out of you.

Coconut Oil for Hair:
Your Chemical-Free Way
to Truly Radiant Hair

The amazing oil of the humble coconut has served the human head's crowning glory for millennia.

Its unique chemical structure enables coconut oil to harmlessly clean, nourish, protect, and beautify your hair.
Your head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Each follicle can grow about 20 individual hairs in your lifetime. True healthy hair begins in the hair follicle where blood carries nutrients through arteries connected to it.
Because it can nourish cells quickly, thanks to its bountiful Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) or Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), coconut oil is one of the best natural hair growth supplements around. It replaces the natural oils your hair looses on a regular basis.

Protein Loss

Unlike other oils used in shampoo formulations, coconut oil helps minimize protein loss during washing to keep each hair strand strong. Try these coconut hair oil recipes and see what fits your fancy.
Coconut oil keeps protein loss at a minimum because of its close association with hair proteins.
Its 67 percent Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) content can pass freely through the cell membrane.
The smaller molecular structure of MCT-rich coconut oil enables efficient penetration inside the hair shaft.
Going bald? I'm living proof that you can treat baldness with coconut oil. Reports of coconut oil counteracting hair loss and even promoting hair growth are not uncommon.

Healthy from Within

Using coconut oil for hair externally or topically is the best way to go. But don't forget that stress, illness, malnutrition and medication all have something to say about the health of your hair.

Cooking with coconut oil is one of the easiest ways to maintain good overall health. Its antimicrobial blessings assist in giving your hair full body and radiance.

Sebaceous glands secrete a fatty substance called sebum, which protects and waterproofs your hair and scalp skin to keep them from drying and breaking. Like coconut oil, sebum contains MCTs.

Direct is Best

Religiously massage coconut oil directly on your hair and scalp and it's hard not to have beautiful hair.
It's such a fantastic conditioner and the rewards are virtually instantaneous.
The idea of coconut oil shampoo has probably crossed your mind. In my experience, this approach usually doesn't help simply because most contain a myriad of harmful ingredients as well.
Wondering how to use coconut oil in general? You'd be surprised how quick and easy it is to benefit from "The Healthiest Oil on Earth."
For thousands of years, whole generations have relied on coconut oil to give their precious crowning glory radiance. Now, it's our turn.
Coconut oil is very safe, cost-effective and really works. So, go natural! Use coconut oil for hair.

Other Interesting Points

·         Visit our web site www.opt4health.co.za for more information about the Aids and HIV assisted NaHinga Program , energetically charged power bands and other information and contacts

·         Block bookings attract a 10% to 20% discount so enquire when booking

·         Pensioner discounts on request

·         Childrens Book still for Sale

The folowing chidern’s books are available by author Lyndrwea Joy Huntly (yip mum!).

The first book of a series about The Tales of the Friendly Forest, is called “The Boot Borther’s Adventures”.