Living Lyme

Hope is where it all begins

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    • Herxheimer Reaction
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      • Allopathic Treatments
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      • Natural-Herbal Protocols
      • Essential Oils
      • Other Treatment Options
    • Secondary Support
      • Immune Support
      • Detox
      • Probiotics
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      • Candida & Lyme
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    • Therapeutic Support
      • Mind & Body
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    • Environmental Support
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  • Nutrition
    • Dining With Lyme
    • How Food Works
      • Processed Food
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      • Anti-Nutrients
      • Carbohydrates
      • Fatty Acids
      • Enzymes & Amino Acids
      • Vitamins & Minerals
      • Fruits & Vegetables
      • Grains, Legumes, Nuts, & Seeds
    • Elimination Diet
    • What Can I Eat?
    • Substitutes
    • Seasonings
      • Oils, Vinegars, & Citrus
      • Edible Flowers, Seeds, & Spicy Greens
      • Herbs & Spices
    • Recipes
  • Support
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    • My Story
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Oils, Vinegars, & Citrus

Oils, Vinegars, & Citrus are the foundation of every sauce and every dressing. If you use the right kinds of oils, they provide essential fats that are crucial for good nutrition. There is a wide variety of oils to choose from that all have distinct flavors and properties. It was tough for me to get used to not using a wide variety of vinegars and cooking wines due to the sugars in them (See the Elimination Diet and Anti-Nutrients pages). However, I found you can do a lot with a little.

Note: Many oils are prone to rancidity. Be sure not to buy large quantities, and discard if the smell is “off.”

Here are the ones I use the most:

Oils

There are 5 oils that I use.  You can also create flavored oils using fresh (dried) herbs.

Coconut Oil

Flavor: Slight Coconut flavor
Culinary Uses: Can be used for sautéing or making a rue.
Therapeutic Properties: Antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral. Nourishing for skin. Raises “good” cholesterol and lowers “bad” cholesterol. Anti-inflammatory. Great source of essential fatty acids.
Note: See the Substitutes and Supplements pages for more information on the benefits of Coconut Oil.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Flavor: Buttery
Culinary Uses: Can be used for sautéing or making a rue.
Therapeutic Properties: None. Can cause sensitivities. Does not contain Casein. Flavor only.

Macadamia Oil

Flavor: Mild, Nutty
Culinary Uses: Can be used for sautéing, sauces, or salad dressings.
Therapeutic Properties: Rich in essential fatty acids, increases nutrient absorption. Excellent Source of Magnesium. Great for skin and hair.

Olive Oil

Flavor: Mild, Slightly Bitter, Slight Olive flavor
Culinary Uses: Can be used for sautéing, sauces, or salad dressings.
Therapeutic Properties: Good for cardiovascular health, reduces blood pressure, reduces cancer risk, source of essential fatty acids, helps control diabetes. Great for skin and hair.

Sesame Oil

Flavor: Mild, Nutty
Culinary Uses: Can be used for sautéing, sauces, or salad dressings.
Therapeutic Properties: Good source of Essential Fatty Acids, reduces Cancer risk, anti-oxidant. Seeds are a good source of Calcium, Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Zinc, and Selenium.

 

Vinegars

There are only two vinegars that I use, and I use them sparingly.

Coconut Vinegar

Flavor: Sweet Acidic
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings and sauces.
Therapeutic Properties: Low glycemic, good source of amino acids, minerals, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, and FOS (a prebiotic).

Apple Cider Vinegar

Flavor: Tart Acidic
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings and sauces.
Therapeutic Properties: Antifungal properties, helps with digestion, promotes detoxification and immune support.

 

Citrus

Citrus can be used in place of vinegar for tartness and adds flavor to anything.  You can use it for water, butter, dressings, and marinades.

Lemon

Flavor: Sour, Slightly Sweet, Citrus
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings, sauces, zest, juice, or for garnish.
Therapeutic Properties: Antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, induces liver detoxification enzymes, helps with arthritis. Helps with water elimination, cellulite, and disinfects the air. Also helps with nightmares.

Lime

Flavor: Sour, Bitter, Citrus
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings, sauces, zest, juice, or for garnish.
Therapeutic Properties: Antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, induces liver detoxification enzymes, helps with arthritis. Helps with water elimination, cellulite, and disinfects the air. Also helps with nightmares.

Orange

Flavor: Sour, Sweet, Citrus
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings, sauces, zest, juice, or in salads.
Therapeutic Properties: Antiviral, relaxing, anti-depressant.

Grapefruit

Flavor: Sour, Bitter, Citrus
Culinary Uses: Can be used for salad dressings, sauces, zest, juice, or in salads.
Therapeutic Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, diuretic, uplifting. Room disinfectant.

 

Oil_Vinegar_Citrus
Image courtesy of Foto76 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The foundation to every dish!

 

Oils, Vinegar, & Citrus Resources

  • Benefits of Coconut Oil
  • Benefits of Macadamia Oil
  • Benefits of Sesame Seed Oil
  • Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Coconut Oil and Antibiotic Resistant Germs
  • Coconut Research Center
  • Coconut Secret Coconut Vinegar
  • Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
  • Health Benefits of Macadamia Oil
  • Health Benefits of Olive Oil
  • More Coconut Oil Info
  • Organic Facts: Coconut Oil
  • Properties of Coconut Oil
  • Research on Coconut Oil
  • Sesame Seeds Nutrition

Herbs & Spices

  • Benefits of Curry Powder
  • Herbs and Spices
  • Herbs are Special
  • San Francisco Herb Company
  • Spice Lover's Guide
  • Spices & Medicinal Herbs
  • The Honest Herbal

Trusted Essential Oil Suppliers

  • Aura Cacia
  • Essential Wholesale
  • Mountain Rose Herbs
  • Organic Infusions
  • Original Swiss Aromatics
  • Prima Fleur
  • Simplers
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