Coconut Oil at a Glance
To eliminate competition, major campaigns were mounted in the 1980s by the American Soybean Association, as well as several powerful individuals and associations, against the use of saturated fats, especially those found in Coconut Oil (CO). With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees F, CO used to be a favorite in the baking industry until this campaign began to sway people into believing that hydrogenated and polyunsaturated oils were better for them. We now know better.
The body requires about 3.5 tablespoons (50 grams) of MCFAs (medium chain fatty acids) every day - like those found in virgin CO and palm kernel oils.
CO is about 92% saturated fat - the kind the body needs. Unfortunately, the healthy saturated fats found in CO and palm kernel oil were lumped together with the unhealthy animal-based saturated fats found in meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Every cell in the body needs fat for structure and flexibility, to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and to make the neurotransmitters and hormones needed for physiological communication. However, most people are getting the wrong kinds of fats. Combining CO with small amounts of healthy omega fatty acids each day provides the fatty necessities the body requires.
Since the 1950s, research has backed all of the claims mentioned below and many more.
- Bones and Teeth: CO assists with the absorption of minerals, important elements in developing and maintaining bones and teeth. CO is also known to protect against tooth decay and osteoporosis.
- Brain: Experiments in the late 1970s and early 1980s demonstrated that soy oil fed to young rats caused abnormal brain cells similar to those now found in the Alzheimer brain. At the same time, young rats fed CO had superior brain development and better thyroid function (which governs brain development).
- Cholesterol: CO has a balancing effect on blood fats thus maintaining a healthy ratio between LDL and HDL. Be aware that the total cholesterol level may not change much, but the healthy ratio improves.
- Digestion: CO improves efficiency of the digestive system because the MCFAs are broken down immediately, lessening the strain on digestive organs. CO is especially good for the elderly, infants, and those who have such malabsorption problems as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's, IBS, and some cancers. CO also helps absorb other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (proteins).
- Gall Bladder and Kidneys: CO helps treat and prevent kidney and gall bladder diseases as well as helping to dissolve their stones.
- Heart Disease: CO protects the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps prevent various heart problems, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
- Immunity and Infections: CO contains antimicrobial lipids (fats), lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid – all of which help strengthen the immune system thereby helping to prevent:
- viral diseases (influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS - and yes, AIDS)
- bacterial infections (ulcers [H.pylori], strep throats, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and so on)
- yeast infections (candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and so on). CO contains caprylic acid, known to kill Candida.
- Applied to infected areas (including sprains and bruises), CO forms a barrier which protects wounds and speeds repair of damaged tissues.
- Liver: CO's MCFAs are easily converted into energy - unlike other oils that have to be digested. This reduces the work load of the liver (and pancreas), thus helping to prevent a sluggish, fatty liver.
- Lungs: Healthy lungs require saturated fats to function properly. When hydrogenated fats are consumed, trans- fatty acids are put into places where the body normally wants to put saturated fats. This is especially true with the lungs. Research is now suggesting that accumulations of trans fatty acids in the lungs are contributing to asthma in children.
- Pancreatitis: COs MCFAs do not stimulate the pancreas into producing enzymes to digest it as it does with other fatty acids. Instead, CO is sent straight to the liver where it is efficiently burned as fuel (energy).
- Prostate: CO relieves symptoms associated with prostate enlargement (BPH). Saw Palmetto, a popular herbal treatment, is a member of the palm family and contains MCFAs which stops formation of the DHT hormone (the cause of BPH).
- Skin and Hair: CO is one of the best natural nutrients for skin air hair. Its anti-microbial properties and MCFAs help treat and prevent acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, as well as preventing sun damage (wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, etc.). CO is far safer to use than petroleum products or steroidal creams. Plus, its antioxidant properties help slow down the aging process.
- Sunscreen: CO is a remarkable sunscreen, but it MUST be pure virgin oil and not mixed with any other oil, including vitamin E. Even processed CO does not provide the same protection.
- Weight Loss: COs MCFAs help take off excess weight by increasing body metabolism. By removing stress on the liver and pancreas, the body is able to burn more energy and do it more efficiently.
How to Use Coconut Oil
CO is usually seen as a white solid sold in jars or good quality plastic containers. It melts very easily in a warm room or in a container set in some hot water. Here are some suggestions for its use. Basically, use it wherever you would use other oils or butter.
- a spoonful or two in a smoothie
- as a spread instead of butter
- melted over vegetables or rice
- on pancakes or hot cereal
- in and/or on muffins, breads, etc.
- on salads (melt, then stir in the vegetables to coat)
- in soups and casseroles
- in stir-fries
- in raw-food energy bars
References:
- Dayrit, Conrado, MD. The Truth About Coconut Oil: The Drugstore in a Bottle. 2005.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Eat Fat, Look Thin: A Safe and Natural Way to Lose Weight Permanently. 2002.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. The Coconut Oil Miracle. 2004.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut. 2005.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Virgin Coconut Oil: Nature's Miracle Medicine. 2006.
- Gursche, Siegfried MH. Coconut Oil: Discover the Key to Vibrant Health. 2008.
- Shilhavy, Brian and Marianita. Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has Changed People's Lives. 2004.
See also:
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Coconut Lovers Cookbook. 2004.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Coconut Water for Health and Healing. 2008.
- Fife, Bruce CN, ND. The Palm Oil Miracle. 2007. Fife, Bruce CN, ND. Cooking with Coconut Flour. 2005.
By Pam Duff, RN, CSNC
September, 2009
