Coconut oil

[Guest guest]

I have gotten several kinds of chai at the store, one is Oregon Chai Latte, another is Trader Joe's Spiced Chai Latte, these are pretty yummy! You can find chai at most stores these days...even Lipton has come out with a chai mix. But be VERY CAREFUL and read your labels!!! Almost all of them have partially hydrogenated oils in them (and some are sneaky by only listing non-dairy creamer, which is loaded with partially hydrogenated oil...no good!). These two I mentioned above are clear of the bad stuff.

However, an even better way is to make your own! Here's my favorite recipe!

CHAI

2 ounces ground cinnamon

2 oz. ground cardamom

2 oz ground allspice

2 oz ground clover

2 oz ground ginger

Mix all the spices together. You should end up with the equivalent of 36 Tablespoons, enough for 9 gallons of this wonderful drink.

To make one quart:

1 Tablespoon of the above mix

1 tsp vanilla

4 Tablespoons of sucanat or natural cane sugar

1 quart of milk, almond milk, rice milk or your favorite milk drink

Mix all ingredients well in blender. Serve hot or cold, (a hot mug is pure heaven!)

Patty

----- Original Message -----

From: mikat828

Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 8:54 AM

Subject: Re: Coconut oil

--I love chai tea! It tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass! Thanks for the idea. Where do you buy the chai at? I have only ordered it at restaurants. Thanks kathy

[Guest guest]

Sylvia,

Based on coconut oil being on the avoid list AND you've also found

it to not agree with you, it would probably be better left alone

The Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type book opened my eyes to the missing

link in so many of the discussions of what is " good " and what

is " bad " to eat. It explained to me why some " good " foods don't do

well for me and why some " bad " foods work well for me.

The Blood Type A Plan says (Pg 104): " Type As need very little fat

to function well, but a tablespoon of olive oil on salads or steamed

vegetables every day will aid in digestion and elimination " .

The main thing is that you are an individual. Do what works for

you

Vince

--- In gallstones , Sylvia King <ivanacorgi@y...>

wrote:

> Vince,

>

> Just after I posted the question about coconut oil I read ahead in

Dr. 's book and she did mention coconut oil. I do eat it and

enjoy it, but it doesn't always feel so great afterward. At one

time I tried to be so careful not to eat " Avoids " on the Eat Right 4

Your Type list for A-type blood (coconut oil is an " avoid " ) because

I was so sick I wanted to be compliant with whatever might help me.

That whole paradigm of, as you say, trying to totally follow one

person's theory is being shattered as I get more information based

on other theories that also make sense, but still, I don't have much

desire for food and if I hear that something is better off left

alone, it suits me to leave it. If it is as good for you as they

are saying it is, I hate to miss out on it, though!

>

> Sylvia

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: " Rodney "

><snip>

> It is difficult to find sources that are neither excessively

> mainstream at one end of the spectrum, nor off the wall at the

> other. Most, unfortunately, seem to be in one or other of those two

> categories.

Here are a few links to data in the National Library of Medicines database:

Low fatty acid unsaturation: a mechanism for lowered lipoperoxidative

modification of tissue proteins in mammalian species with long life spans.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

0843345 & dopt=Abstract

Protective effects of medium-chain triglycerides on the liver and gut in rats

administered endotoxin.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

2560783 & dopt=Abstract

Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a

double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1694608 & dopt=Abstract

Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in

overweight men.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

2634436 & dopt=Abstract

Physiological effects of medium-chain triglycerides: potential agents in the

prevention of obesity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1880549 & dopt=Abstract

Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a

double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1694608 & dopt=Abstract

A cross-over study of the effect of a single oral feeding of medium chain

triglyceride oil vs. canola oil on post-ingestion plasma triglyceride levels in

healthy men.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=9\

988780 & dopt=Abstract

In vitro killing of Candida albicans by fatty acids and monoglycerides.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1600381 & dopt=Abstract

Clinical and metabolic effects of two lipid emulsions on the parenteral

nutrition of septic patients.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1844644 & dopt=Abstract

There links may also be of interest:

The Oiling of America

http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/oiling.html

Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century

http://www.apcc.org.sg/special.htm

Good reading,

Bruce : -)

[Guest guest]

Hello, As it happens I belong to most of the busier alternative health related

groups on .

The consensus among the savvy people in the online alternative health community

is that Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on

earth.

The Oiling of America is a must read for anyone who has an open mind, a

willingness to learn, an ability to discriminate, and a

healthy degree of scepticism in dealing with the dictates of the

government/corporate - AMA/Pharma health Mafia.

anon,

Bruce

P.S. Hi Rodney. : -)

----- Original Message -----

< >

Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 11:35 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] Coconut Oil

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: " Rodney "

> ><snip>

> > It is difficult to find sources that are neither excessively

> > mainstream at one end of the spectrum, nor off the wall at the

> > other. Most, unfortunately, seem to be in one or other of those two

> > categories.

>

>

>

> Here are a few links to data in the National Library of Medicines database:

>

>

> Low fatty acid unsaturation: a mechanism for lowered lipoperoxidative

> modification of tissue proteins in mammalian species with long life spans.

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

0843345 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Protective effects of medium-chain triglycerides on the liver and gut in rats

> administered endotoxin.

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

2560783 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a

> double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

>

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1694608 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity

in

> overweight men.

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

2634436 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Physiological effects of medium-chain triglycerides: potential agents in the

> prevention of obesity.

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1880549 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a

> double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1694608 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> A cross-over study of the effect of a single oral feeding of medium chain

> triglyceride oil vs. canola oil on post-ingestion plasma triglyceride levels

in

> healthy men.

>

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=9\

988780 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> In vitro killing of Candida albicans by fatty acids and monoglycerides.

>

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1600381 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

> Clinical and metabolic effects of two lipid emulsions on the parenteral

> nutrition of septic patients.

>

>

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=1\

1844644 & dopt=Abstract

>

>

>

> There links may also be of interest:

>

> The Oiling of America

> http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/oiling.html

>

> Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century

> http://www.apcc.org.sg/special.htm

>

> Good reading,

> Bruce : -)

----- Original Message -----

From: " john roberts "

< >

Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 11:09 AM

Subject: RE: [ ] COCONUT OIL (Was: Ideal Fats Intake)

> I repeat, don't discount advice solely because they may profit in the

> process. The last time I checked Doctors received a salary. Of course factor

> in profit motive when evaluating the advice so offered.

>

> Sampling 10 of 1000 references seems too small of a sample to draw a

> comprehensive conclusion. If you wish to base you personal behavior on such,

> fine. I would be reluctant to advise others based on thin research...

>

> As I've said previously no food is all good or all bad. Coconut is high in

> saturated fat which in excess is likely to have a negative impact. That

> doesn't mean there isn't a beneficial dosage. I sure don't know " the rest of

> the story " about coconut, but this is only one on the very long list of

> things I don't know.

>

> Avoiding is probably safer than over consuming based on the limited

> availability of coconut while our genome was being defined, but that logic

> would eliminate many foods we consume daily.... Whatever, I haven't decided

> (yet) and don't consume enough to worry about it.

>

> JR

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Rodney

> Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 11:04 AM

>

> Subject: [ ] COCONUT OIL (Was: Ideal Fats Intake)

>

>

> Hi Tim:

>

> I am reluctant to swallow, as if they were from an independent

> source, a list of studies on coconut oil from a website that goes by

> the name: www.coconutoil.com

>

> So instead I entered " coconut oil " in the search window at Pubmed,

> hit 'enter' and it came up with 1005 references. While it would be

> nice to read/review each of the full studies in turn, I decided that

> taking a look at the abstracts of the first ten would have to do.

> This is what I found:

>

[Guest guest]

How much CO do you and/or the savvy people ingest to do whatever it does?

A gram, an ounce?

Regards.

----- Original Message -----

From: Bruce Stordock

Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 10:29 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] COCONUT OIL

Hello, As it happens I belong to most of the busier alternative health related groups on .The consensus among the savvy people in the online alternative health community is that Coconut oil is the healthiest oil onearth.The Oiling of America is a must read for anyone who has an open mind, a willingness to learn, an ability to discriminate, and ahealthy degree of scepticism in dealing with the dictates of the government/corporate - AMA/Pharma health Mafia.anon,BruceP.S. Hi Rodney. : -)----- Original Message -----< >Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 11:35 AMSubject: Re: [ ] Coconut Oil> ----- Original Message -----> From: "Rodney"> ><snip>> > It is difficult to find sources that are neither excessively> > mainstream at one end of the spectrum, nor off the wall at the> > other. Most, unfortunately, seem to be in one or other of those two> > categories.>

[Guest guest]

>How much CO do you and/or the savvy people ingest to do whatever it does?

Three to four tablespoons a day is what is recommended.

It can be used to cook with. Frying eggs with it works well.

Coconut oil goes well in blended smoothies, the inclusion of a raw egg yolk

helps to emulsify it.

Lots of people just eat it off the spoon. : -)

It is supposed to be good for a low functioning thyroid and helps to normalize

blood lipids and weight.

Virgin coconut oil is unheated and provides valuable fat soluble vitamins as

well as short and medium chain fatty acids which do

no require bile acids or cholesterol for transport in the blood stream.

regards, Bruce

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce : ^ )))

What we need to see is a study of six groups of 50% 'ON' restricted

pigs (or humans of course) ............... where one, the control

group is supplemented up to 40% restriction with starch; another is

supplemented up to 40% restriction with coconut oil; another group

with olive oil; another with safflower oil; the fifth with corn oil;

and the final group with animal fat.

Then see what the variations are in health and lifespan. I would be

VERY open minded to the results.

As regards the lipids problems with coconut oil, it is possible that,

since CR is so effective at improving lipids values, that would not

be a hazard **for those on CR**. But it is unlikely the same could

be said for the reported 'oxidative stress'.

Quite a number of the studies posted here by those recommending

coconut oil point out that it has hyperthermic effects, as if that is

an advantage. No doubt it is for people who are obese. But for

those on CRON (who will certainly not be obese for long) this is a

disadvantage because it would increase caloric needs for no good

purpose. (At least increased caloric expenditure in the form of

exercise can be argued to have benefits. Can it be argued that a

raised body (hyperthermic) temperature is a benefit? We know that

increased caloric intake is not. We also know that warmer

environmental conditions shorten the lifespan of some animals).

So I believe such studies cannot legitimately be offered as evidence

that coconut oil is beneficial.

Rodney.

> Hello, As it happens I belong to most of the busier alternative

health related groups on .

> The consensus among the savvy people in the online alternative

health community is that Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on

> earth.

>

> The Oiling of America is a must read for anyone who has an open

mind, a willingness to learn, an ability to discriminate, and a

> healthy degree of scepticism in dealing with the dictates of the

government/corporate - AMA/Pharma health Mafia.

>

> anon,

> Bruce

>

> P.S. Hi Rodney. : -)

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> < >

> Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 11:35 AM

> Subject: Re: [ ] Coconut Oil

>

>

> > ----- Original Message -----

> > From: " Rodney "

> > ><snip>

> > > It is difficult to find sources that are neither excessively

> > > mainstream at one end of the spectrum, nor off the wall at the

> > > other. Most, unfortunately, seem to be in one or other of

those two

> > > categories.

> >

> >

> >

> > Here are a few links to data in the National Library of Medicines

database:

> >

> >

> > Low fatty acid unsaturation: a mechanism for lowered

lipoperoxidative

> > modification of tissue proteins in mammalian species with long

life spans.

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=10843345 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Protective effects of medium-chain triglycerides on the liver and

gut in rats

> > administered endotoxin.

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=12560783 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of

body fat in a

> > double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

> >

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11694608 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and

decrease adiposity in

> > overweight men.

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=12634436 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Physiological effects of medium-chain triglycerides: potential

agents in the

> > prevention of obesity.

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11880549 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of

body fat in a

> > double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11694608 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > A cross-over study of the effect of a single oral feeding of

medium chain

> > triglyceride oil vs. canola oil on post-ingestion plasma

triglyceride levels in

> > healthy men.

> >

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=9988780 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > In vitro killing of Candida albicans by fatty acids and

monoglycerides.

> >

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11600381 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> > Clinical and metabolic effects of two lipid emulsions on the

parenteral

> > nutrition of septic patients.

> >

> > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=11844644 & dopt=Abstract

> >

> >

> >

> > There links may also be of interest:

> >

> > The Oiling of America

> > http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/oiling.html

> >

> > Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century

> > http://www.apcc.org.sg/special.htm

> >

> > Good reading,

> > Bruce : -)

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: " john roberts "

> < >

> Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 11:09 AM

> Subject: RE: [ ] COCONUT OIL (Was: Ideal Fats Intake)

>

>

> > I repeat, don't discount advice solely because they may profit in

the

> > process. The last time I checked Doctors received a salary. Of

course factor

> > in profit motive when evaluating the advice so offered.

> >

> > Sampling 10 of 1000 references seems too small of a sample to

draw a

> > comprehensive conclusion. If you wish to base you personal

behavior on such,

> > fine. I would be reluctant to advise others based on thin

research...

> >

> > As I've said previously no food is all good or all bad. Coconut

is high in

> > saturated fat which in excess is likely to have a negative

impact. That

> > doesn't mean there isn't a beneficial dosage. I sure don't

know " the rest of

> > the story " about coconut, but this is only one on the very long

list of

> > things I don't know.

> >

> > Avoiding is probably safer than over consuming based on the

limited

> > availability of coconut while our genome was being defined, but

that logic

> > would eliminate many foods we consume daily.... Whatever, I

haven't decided

> > (yet) and don't consume enough to worry about it.

> >

> > JR

> >

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: Rodney

> > Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 11:04 AM

> >

> > Subject: [ ] COCONUT OIL (Was: Ideal Fats Intake)

> >

> >

> > Hi Tim:

> >

> > I am reluctant to swallow, as if they were from an independent

> > source, a list of studies on coconut oil from a website that goes

by

> > the name: www.coconutoil.com

> >

> > So instead I entered " coconut oil " in the search window at Pubmed,

> > hit 'enter' and it came up with 1005 references. While it would

be

> > nice to read/review each of the full studies in turn, I decided

that

> > taking a look at the abstracts of the first ten would have to do.

> > This is what I found:

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce:

Four tablespoons of coconut oil is 484 kcal (source: Bowes &

Church's). Rather you than me ; ^ )))

Rodney

> >How much CO do you and/or the savvy people ingest to do whatever

it does?

>

> Three to four tablespoons a day is what is recommended.

>

> It can be used to cook with. Frying eggs with it works well.

> Coconut oil goes well in blended smoothies, the inclusion of a raw

egg yolk helps to emulsify it.

> Lots of people just eat it off the spoon. : -)

>

> It is supposed to be good for a low functioning thyroid and helps

to normalize blood lipids and weight.

> Virgin coconut oil is unheated and provides valuable fat soluble

vitamins as well as short and medium chain fatty acids which do

> no require bile acids or cholesterol for transport in the blood

stream.

>

> regards, Bruce

[Guest guest]

>>>It is supposed to be good for a low functioning thyroid and helps to

normalize blood lipids and weight.

Virgin coconut oil is unheated and provides valuable fat soluble

vitamins as well as short and medium chain fatty acids which do no

require bile acids or cholesterol for transport in the blood stream.

For any " food " item to have value, there must be something in it that is

causing this positive effect. Perhaps a nutrient, phytochemical,

essential fat, etc etc, but some " thing " . After all, what we call

" food " is just a package of some chemicals/nutrients etc. Fat soluble

vitamins are available in many sources of " food " .

So, I would be more curious of what exactly is it that is in coconut oil

that provides these benefits, as coconut oil (or even coconut) and than

to see if it (coconut) is in fact, the best way to get this nutrient or

combo of nutrients.

I am always highly skeptical of any promotion of any one food item for

health reasons, especially when I see extra-ordinary claims about it.

And when it is one that never would have been readily available for most

humans. There seems to be this endless promotion of single foods as

" miracle " foods over the decades that I have been following nutrition

and I have yet to see one pan out as a true super food. From apple

cider vinegar, to super blue green algae, to coconut oil, to egg yolks,

to salmon to etc etc etc.

Jeff

-----Original Message-----

From: Bruce Stordock [mailto:stordock@...]

Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2004 10:57 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] COCONUT OIL

>How much CO do you and/or the savvy people ingest to do whatever it

does?

Three to four tablespoons a day is what is recommended.

It can be used to cook with. Frying eggs with it works well.

Coconut oil goes well in blended smoothies, the inclusion of a raw egg

yolk helps to emulsify it.

Lots of people just eat it off the spoon. : -)

regards, Bruce

[Guest guest]

Some " caution " was mentioned recently on this list about the claims of

Enig and her website. Other contrinutors/writers and " experts "

there are Sally Fallon and Byrnes.

They all have written on how the advice to lower cholesterol was

dangerous and among other things, could increase your risk for stroke

(as someone else also voiced here recently), and that saturated fats

werent bad (ie, coconut oil), etc etc. Byrnes had specifically

addressed these issues and also wrote articles against standard lower

fat, plant based advice that you hear. He advocated a meat- and

dairy-heavy diet as the best insurance to protect your heart and health.

Along with lots of conspiracy theories about nutrition information. You

can see more at his website www.powerhealth.net (which I am not

advocating).

It might be of interest to those considering following this advice that

Stepehn Byrnes died on June 17, 2004, of a stroke. From his C.V., he

appears to have been around 40 years old, at most.

Jeff

[Guest guest]

> So, I would be more curious of what exactly is it that is in coconut oil

> that provides these benefits

http://www.google.ca/search?q=%22medium+chain+triglycerides%22+site:.gov & num=100\

& hl=en & lr= & ie=UTF-8 & filter=0

Google is your friend : -)

[Guest guest]

I would prefer if you ,as a fan of the substance can provide me with

specific details. To be honest, I , like most, don't have time to sort

through a generic search on the internet. That produces both deireable

and undesireable results. As a fan, I am assuming you already have

this info as most people on this list base their choices on well

documented/researched information.

The body has no " essential " need for MCTs. Granted, they may be a

better choice than SFAs, and if substituted one for another, the lipid

profiles would show improvement as prehaps other markers. And yes, they

by-pass the blood in their intitial metabolism. So, the blood profile

would look a lot better, and less chance for lipemeia.

The bodys only need for fat right now is the " essential " fats, Omega 3

and 6 in limited amount. Again, outside of providing lots of extra

calories for little if any nutrients, I would see no purpose in adding

any concentrated sources of fats, once my essetial needs are met.

So, again, my question remains, other than perhaps being a better choice

than SFAs (which I don't think anyone here is recommending or eating),

what exactly is their in coconut oil, that is providing these benefits

that the health claims are being made about

Thanks

jeff

-----Original Message-----

From: Bruce Stordock [mailto:stordock@...]

Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 11:05 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] COCONUT OIL

> So, I would be more curious of what exactly is it that is in coconut

> oil that provides these benefits

http://www.google.ca/search?q=%22medium+chain+triglycerides%22+site:.gov

& num=100 & hl=en & lr= & ie=UTF-8 & filter=0

Google is your friend : -)

[Guest guest]

"DISCUSSION: Consumption of a diet rich in MCTs results in greater loss of AT compared with LCTs, perhaps due to increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation observed with MCT intake. Thus, MCTs may be considered as agents that aid in the prevention of obesity or potentially stimulate weight loss."

Now they need to compare with no/low fat intake especially at CR levels. We know that CR reduces lipids. Not hard to agree with that, right?

Similar studies with other oils in the past were compared with animal fat showed the oil was always better. They also found no oil beat olive oil.

I just don't have much room for oils in my 1800 kcals. What I eat often approaches 30%, without adding any oils.

What we're about is eating the least calories as possible and get the best nutrition.

So, IMO, most CRONies think of medicinal quantities of fatty acids, as opposed to cooking, eg.

Regards.

"We have shown that subcutaneous (sc) administration to rabbits of a range of lipolysis-resistant lipid-like sorbitol, mannitol and arabitol esters of palmitic (P) and lauric (L) acids was found to evoke a mild APR, which in humans could contribute to CHD incidence.

PMID: 14962637

CONCLUSION: Increased consumption of total and individual SFAs is associated with increased risk of MI. Lauric, myristic and stearic acids were more potent than palmitic acid.PMID: 14576758

These results affirm that the lauric + myristic acid combination, along with trans fatty acids, increased lipoprotein-associated coronary heart disease risk factors compared to either POL or AHA.PMID: 12492627

From this study, we conclude that diets rich in lauric or palmitic acid, compared with a diet rich in oleic acid, unfavourably influence factor VIIam activity, in a gender specific manner. In addition, the plasminogen activator inhibiting capacity of the plasma is impaired with a palmitic acid rich diet compared with an oleic or lauric acid rich diet.

PMID: 10064003

CONCLUSIONS. Interpreted in the light of experimental and clinical studies, the results of these cross-cultural analyses suggest that dietary saturated and trans fatty acids and dietary cholesterol are important determinants of differences in population rates of coronary heart disease death.PMID: 7644455

New atherosclerosis causative factors and preventive modalities have been identified. Atherogenic factors include lipid oxidation products, such as cholesterol oxidation products, malonaldehyde and other aldehydes; trans-fatty acids; some saturated fatty acids (lauric, myristic and possibly palmitic acids); and myristic acid plus cholesterol. Lipid oxidation products are well suited to induce arterial damage, based on their known cytotoxic effects; evidence also indicates the possibility of plaque promotion and stimulation of thrombogenesis. Anti-atherogenic factors include antioxidants, fish oils and other polyunsaturates (if protected from oxidation), fibre and trace minerals such as copper, manganese, selenium and zinc. Iron is unique, being considered as both a potential promoter of atherosclerosis (component of ferritin, conceivably inducing lipid oxidation) and a possible anti-atherogenic component (of antioxidant enzyme catalase). It is apparent that an entire new series of research challenges has been uncovered.PMID: 8660400

----- Original Message -----

From: Bruce Stordock

Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 11:04 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] COCONUT OIL

> So, I would be more curious of what exactly is it that is in coconut oil> that provides these benefitshttp://www.google.ca/search?q=%22medium+chain+triglycerides%22+site:.gov & num=100 & hl=en & lr= & ie=UTF-8 & filter=0

[Guest guest]

>> Now they need to compare with no/low fat intake especially at CR levels. We know that CR reduces lipids. Not hard to agree with that, right

This was my point. MCTs or coconut oil may result in better lipids than SFAs, but I dont see how that applies here

>>Similar studies with other oils in the past were compared with animal fat showed the oil was always better. They also found no oil beat olive oil.

Right, even with the much touted Mediteranean diet. We hear some much about the suppossed health benefits of Olive oil that it has virtually become a health food, yet, in the largest study ever done on the mediterranean Diet, and one of the few to test it in adults of all ages (22,000 adults aged 20-86), researchers found that the real benefit of the diet was the healthy foods that ate (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and fish) and that they ate less red meat, dairy than the typical US diet, and that the benefit was not from the olive oil. They ate 2x the amount of vegetables than the typical american. When olive oil was factored out, morbitity and mortality didn't change. So, they were healthy not "because" of the oilve oil, but "inspite" of it. The article in the NEJM (6/23/03) said that olive itself produced no significant reduction in overall death rates.

So, again, my point is that as the main purpose of CR-ON is to maximize nutrients for the least calories I still dont see the value of adding concentrated fats of any kind to a diet once the need for essential fats has been met. So, what exactly is it in the coconut oil that is supposed to convey these health benefits? And if anyone can identify what this is, I would like to see if they are available in a much less calorically dense food.

ThanksJeff

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and survival in a Greek population.N Engl J Med. 2003 Jun 26;348(26):2599-608Trichopoulou A, Costacou T, Bamia C, Trichopoulos D.Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. antonia@...BACKGROUND: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may improve longevity, but relevant data are limited. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, prospective investigation involving 22,043 adults in Greece who completed an extensive, validated, food-frequency questionnaire at base line. Adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was assessed by a 10-point Mediterranean-diet scale that incorporated the salient characteristics of this diet (range of scores, 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating greater adherence). We used proportional-hazards regression to assess the relation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and total mortality, as well as mortality due to coronary heart disease and mortality due to cancer, with adjustment for age, sex, body-mass index, physical-activity level, and other potential confounders. RESULTS: During a median of 44 months of follow-up, there were 275 deaths. A higher degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduction in total mortality (adjusted hazard ratio for death associated with a two-point increment in the Mediterranean-diet score, 0.75 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.64 to 0.87]). An inverse association with greater adherence to this diet was evident for both death due to coronary heart disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.67 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.47 to 0.94]) and death due to cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.76 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.98]). Associations between individual food groups contributing to the Mediterranean-diet score and total mortality were generally not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with a significant reduction in total mortality. Copyright 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff:

In the Nurses' Health Study, as reported in 'Healthy Women Healthy

Lives' - Willett, they found monounsaturated oils, like olive oil, to

be somewhat beneficial as regards CHD.

But one has to ask the question: " marginally beneficial, relative to

WHAT? " . The answer to that question is, I believe, " relative to the

overall population " .

We all know what the overall population consumes. So if olive oil is

only marginally better than eating animal fat, trans fats, donuts,

deep fried french fries etc. in quantity, then how healthy is it?

My bet is that in an absolute sense olive oil is neutral. My reason

for saying this is that there is also a study from the greek island

of Crete where the population consumes huge amounts of olive oil

daily (they use it to preserve all kinds of foods at harvest time for

eating out of season, and consume the oil as well as the food when

they open the jar). These people did not have elevated CHD rates

despite all the oil they consumed and all the calories this accounted

for.

So, as I said, my bet is that olive oil is essentially neutral.

Which is nice because the same cannot be said of most of what the

average north american eats.

Rodney.

--- In , " Jeff Novick " <jnovick@p...>

wrote:

> >> Now they need to compare with no/low fat intake especially at CR

> levels. We know that CR reduces lipids. Not hard to agree with

that,

> right

>

> This was my point. MCTs or coconut oil may result in better lipids

than

> SFAs, but I dont see how that applies here

>

> >>Similar studies with other oils in the past were compared with

animal

> fat showed the oil was always better. They also found no oil beat

olive

> oil.

>

> Right, even with the much touted Mediteranean diet. We hear some

much

> about the suppossed health benefits of Olive oil that it has

virtually

> become a health food, yet, in the largest study ever done on the

> mediterranean Diet, and one of the few to test it in adults of all

ages

> (22,000 adults aged 20-86), researchers found that the real benefit

of

> the diet was the healthy foods that ate (vegetables, fruits,

legumes,

> whole grains and fish) and that they ate less red meat, dairy than

the

> typical US diet, and that the benefit was not from the olive oil.

> They ate 2x the amount of vegetables than the typical american.

When

> olive oil was factored out, morbitity and mortality didn't change.

So,

> they were healthy not " because " of the oilve oil, but " inspite " of

it.

> The article in the NEJM (6/23/03) said that olive itself produced no

> significant reduction in overall death rates.

>

> So, again, my point is that as the main purpose of CR-ON is to

maximize

> nutrients for the least calories I still dont see the value of

adding

> concentrated fats of any kind to a diet once the need for essential

fats

> has been met. So, what exactly is it in the coconut oil that is

> supposed to convey these health benefits? And if anyone can

identify

> what this is, I would like to see if they are available in a much

less

> calorically dense food.

>

> Thanks

> Jeff

>

>

> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

cmd=Retrieve & db=pubmed & do

> pt=Abstract & list_uids=12826632>

>

> Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and survival in a Greek

population.

> N Engl J Med. 2003 Jun 26;348(26):2599-608

> Trichopoulou A, Costacou T, Bamia C, Trichopoulos D.

>

> Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Athens Medical

> School, Athens, Greece. antonia@n...

>

> BACKGROUND: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may improve

longevity, but

> relevant data are limited. METHODS: We conducted a population-based,

> prospective investigation involving 22,043 adults in Greece who

> completed an extensive, validated, food-frequency questionnaire at

base

> line. Adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was assessed

by a

> 10-point Mediterranean-diet scale that incorporated the salient

> characteristics of this diet (range of scores, 0 to 9, with higher

> scores indicating greater adherence). We used proportional-hazards

> regression to assess the relation between adherence to the

Mediterranean

> diet and total mortality, as well as mortality due to coronary heart

> disease and mortality due to cancer, with adjustment for age, sex,

> body-mass index, physical-activity level, and other potential

> confounders. RESULTS: During a median of 44 months of follow-up,

there

> were 275 deaths. A higher degree of adherence to the Mediterranean

diet

> was associated with a reduction in total mortality (adjusted hazard

> ratio for death associated with a two-point increment in the

> Mediterranean-diet score, 0.75 [95 percent confidence interval,

0.64 to

> 0.87]). An inverse association with greater adherence to this diet

was

> evident for both death due to coronary heart disease (adjusted

hazard

> ratio, 0.67 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.47 to 0.94]) and

death

> due to cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.76 [95 percent confidence

> interval, 0.59 to 0.98]). Associations between individual food

groups

> contributing to the Mediterranean-diet score and total mortality

were

> generally not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to the

> traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with a significant

> reduction in total mortality. Copyright 2003 Massachusetts Medical

> Society

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff:

I should add that the Nurses' Health Study found polyunsaturated oils

to have a significant CHD benefit; saturated fats somewhat (yes, only

somewhat) harmful; and trans fats truly dreadful. (All relative to

the poor diet of the overall nurse population, I think).

Rodney.

> > >> Now they need to compare with no/low fat intake especially at

CR

> > levels. We know that CR reduces lipids. Not hard to agree with

> that,

> > right

> >

> > This was my point. MCTs or coconut oil may result in better

lipids

> than

> > SFAs, but I dont see how that applies here

> >

> > >>Similar studies with other oils in the past were compared with

> animal

> > fat showed the oil was always better. They also found no oil beat

> olive

> > oil.

> >

> > Right, even with the much touted Mediteranean diet. We hear

some

> much

> > about the suppossed health benefits of Olive oil that it has

> virtually

> > become a health food, yet, in the largest study ever done on the

> > mediterranean Diet, and one of the few to test it in adults of

all

> ages

> > (22,000 adults aged 20-86), researchers found that the real

benefit

> of

> > the diet was the healthy foods that ate (vegetables, fruits,

> legumes,

> > whole grains and fish) and that they ate less red meat, dairy

than

> the

> > typical US diet, and that the benefit was not from the olive oil.

> > They ate 2x the amount of vegetables than the typical american.

> When

> > olive oil was factored out, morbitity and mortality didn't

change.

> So,

> > they were healthy not " because " of the oilve oil, but " inspite "

of

> it.

> > The article in the NEJM (6/23/03) said that olive itself produced

no

> > significant reduction in overall death rates.

> >

> > So, again, my point is that as the main purpose of CR-ON is to

> maximize

> > nutrients for the least calories I still dont see the value of

> adding

> > concentrated fats of any kind to a diet once the need for

essential

> fats

> > has been met. So, what exactly is it in the coconut oil that is

> > supposed to convey these health benefits? And if anyone can

> identify

> > what this is, I would like to see if they are available in a much

> less

> > calorically dense food.

> >

> > Thanks

> > Jeff

> >

> >

> > <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?

> cmd=Retrieve & db=pubmed & do

> > pt=Abstract & list_uids=12826632>

> >

> > Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and survival in a Greek

> population.

> > N Engl J Med. 2003 Jun 26;348(26):2599-608

> > Trichopoulou A, Costacou T, Bamia C, Trichopoulos D.

[Guest guest]

>>But one has to ask the question: " marginally beneficial, relative to

WHAT? " . The answer to that question is, I believe, " relative to the

overall population " .

I agree. And, from what I have seen, and from other analysis of the data from

the nurses health study, these are not people eating healthy diets, nor the

healthiest cohort there is.

>>We all know what the overall population consumes. So if olive oil is

only marginally better than eating animal fat, trans fats, donuts,

deep fried french fries etc. in quantity, then how healthy is it?

I agree, it is always easy to show one thing is better than another (butter vs

maragraine) (or perhaps less harmful than the other) but what does that prove in

relation to the essential or optimal needs of what humans need to eat.

>>My bet is that in an absolute sense olive oil is neutral.

Again, I agree 100%. In one of my presentations, thats the point i make. That

it is more of a " neutral " oil than a " healthy " oil. It has some omega 3s, but

very small quantities, especially in relation to calories. You would need about

1800 calories of olive oil to meet your bare minimum needs of olive oil. It

does contain saturated fat (14%) but in small amounts, so not enough to reakky

worry about.

>>My reason for saying this is that there is also a study from the greek island

of Crete where the population consumes huge amounts of olive oil

daily (they use it to preserve all kinds of foods at harvest time for

eating out of season, and consume the oil as well as the food when

they open the jar). These people did not have elevated CHD rates

despite all the oil they consumed and all the calories this accounted

for.

Right, I am very famaliar with the data. These people also averaged the

equivalent of walking about 9 miles a day, plus they engaged in hard physical

labor for several hours a day, and consumed large amounts of plant foods as

grown. The total fat content (mostly monounsaturated) was about 40% and all the

calories you mention were probably neccessary due to the huge amount of physical

activity. The original study on the Isle of Crete was published around 1960.

But, this no longer exists. According to recent data published from their own

records, the amount of saturated fat they consume has almost doubled, mono fat

has gone down about 33%, the amount of fiber has been cut in half , the amount

of trans fat has tripled and the amount of cholesterol they consume has gone up

over 3x. Actitivy levels are way down. Half of the island is now overweight

and the rates of diabetes and heart diseases is also going up.

>>So, as I said, my bet is that olive oil is essentially neutral.

Right. And what some populations have used to survive on , does not always

equate to what is optimal.

Jeff

[Guest guest]

Well, I looked, and while I don’t consider "google" a source of reliable scientific information, I did go to a medical database, and searched for studies on coconut oil with delimiters of studies being done on humans, and for some health effects, or adverse effects and not much came back. And what did, wasn’t very impressive. These are a few that seemed to address coconut oil speficially and not just MCTs, which is what my question originally was. In the second study below, by reducing the amount of coconut fat from17.8 to 9.3% energy intake, there was a 7.7% reduction in cholesterol and 10.8% reduction in LDL and no significant change in HDL and triacylglycerol. I dont see that as beneficial. The conclusion agreed saying that reducing coconut fat, improved lipid profile and lowered CVD risk. In addition, I am including a recent WebMD review of the health claims about coconut oil. As I originally said, no surpise that if MCTs (and not coconut oil in particular)were substituted for SFAs there might be an improvement in Lipid Profile and that they are also metabolized differently than short chain or long chain fatty acids and this might also confer some small benefit when compared to other fats. But again, I still don’t see how this would apply to anyone following CR-ON who is trying to maximize their nutrient per calorie intake, while reducing caloric intake. And, I still don’t see the benefit of adding fats once the requirement for EFAs is met.JeffFatty acid composition and possible health effects of coconut constituents.West Indian Med J. 2000 Jun;49(2):128-33Pehowich DJ, Gomes AV, JA.The link between excessive consumption of dietary saturated fats and coronary heart disease (CHD) is now well established. Because of its high content of saturated fatty acids, the consumption of foods containing coconut oil may therefore be a risk factor for CHD. While the fatty acid composition of coconut oil is well established, relatively little is known about the other constituents of coconut: the milk, water, cream and meat fractions. In this study, we show that while the water fraction is low in lipid content, the milk contains about 24% of the fat content of oil and the cream and meat fractions about 34%. The other coconut constituents contain significant amounts of medium-chain triglycerides that are formed from fatty acids of chain length 8:0 to 14:0. It is these fatty acids, primarily 14:0, that are thought to be atherogenic. On the other hand, medium-chain triglycerides may be advantageous under some circumstances in that they are absorbed intact and do not undergo degradation and re-esterification processes. As a result, medium-chain triglycerides provide a ready source of energy and may be useful in baby foods or in diet therapy. Nevertheless, the possible negative effects of the saturated fatty acids and the absence of the essential fatty acid linolenic acid from all coconut constituents suggest that the coconut milk, oil and cream should not be used on a regular basis in adults.Coconut fat and serum lipoproteins: effects of partial replacement with unsaturated fats.Br J Nutr. 2001 May;85(5):583-9Mendis S, Samarajeewa U, Thattil RO.World Health Organization, 20 Ave Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of reducing saturated fat in the diet, or partly replacing it with unsaturated fat, on the serum lipoprotein profile of human subjects. The study had two intervention periods, 8 weeks (phase 1) and 52 weeks (phase 2). In phase 1, total fat was reduced from 31 to 25% energy (polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA):saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio increased from 0.2 to 0.4) by reducing the quantity of coconut fat (CF) in the diet from 17.8 to 9.3% energy intake. In phase 2, subjects were randomised to groups A and B. In group A total fat was reduced from 25 to 20% energy (PUFA:SFA ratio increased from 0.4 to 0.7) by reducing the quantity of CF in the diet from 9.3 to 4.7% total energy intake. In group B, the saturated fat content in the diet was similar to group A. In addition a test fat (a mixture of soyabean oil and sesame oil, PUFA:monosaturated fatty acids ratio 2) contributed 3.3% total energy intake and total fat contributed 24% energy intake (PUFA:SFA ratio increased from 0.7 to 1.1). At the end of phase 1, there was a 7.7% reduction in cholesterol (95% CI -3.6, -12.2) and 10.8% reduction in LDL (95% CI -4.9, -16.5) and no significant change in HDL and triacylglycerol. At the end of phase 2, the reduction in cholesterol in both groups was only about 4% (95% CI -12, 3.2) partly due the concomitant rise in HDL. The reduction in LDL at 52 weeks was significantly higher in group B (group A mean reduction 11%, 95% CI -20.1, -2.0 and group B mean reduction 16.2% 95% CI -23.5, -8.9). In phase 2, triacylglycerol levels showed a mean reduction of 6.5% in group 2A and a mean increase of 8.2% in group 2B. The reduction of saturated fat in the diet is associated with a lipoprotein profile that would be expected to reduce cardiovascular risk. The reduction of dietary saturated fat with partial replacement of unsaturated fat brings about changes in total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol that are associated with a lower cardiovascular risk.

Coconut Oil: Diet Miracle or Fad?

Some people promote coconut oil as a healthy addition to a weight-loss diet, even though it has higher levels of saturated fat.

August 18, 2003 By Leanna Skarnulis & Brunilda Nazario, MD

Is it possible to add fat to your diet and lose weight? Yes, if it's the right fat, says naturopath Bruce Fife, ND, author of Eat Fat Look Thin. He recommends adding coconut oil and substituting it for polyunsaturated oils to suppress appetite, boost metabolism, and bring about weight loss.

"Lots of people have reported that when they add coconut oil to their diet, it was enough to promote weight loss," says Fife. "Some people don't notice a drop in weight, which often means they're simply eating too much. Calories are important." His own experience with coconut oil produced a gradual weight loss over six months of about 20 pounds, which he'd been unable to lose previously through diet and exercise.

He advises using about three tablespoons of natural coconut oil, either virgin or processed, daily. His patients use it in place of polyunsaturated fats for stir-frying and salad dressings, add it to other foods, or take it straight. The fat is also present in canned coconut milk (not the liquid inside the coconut), which can be substituted for milk in many recipes, and fresh coconut fruit, which can be eaten as a snack or grated over fruits and salads.

How Does Coconut Oil Promote Weight Loss?

"I think the real key to coconut oil and weight loss is the fact that it decreases your appetite while you're eating the meal and afterwards," says Fife. "Studies show that when these fats are added, people are satisfied sooner and eat less, and at the next meal they don't make up for it by eating more."

Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) while most other fats, such as vegetable oils and animal fat, are long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). "The length of the molecule determines how the fat is metabolized," says Fife. MCTs are rapidly broken down, and the body burns them much like carbohydrates for energy. LCTs, however, are deposited in fat cells. "With MCTs, you're eating fat calories, but you're eating fewer effective calories because metabolism rises, and you end up burning the calories, not storing them as fat. You can eat much more coconut oil than other fats before your body will convert it into fat."

Fife says that the types of oils present in coconut oil stimulate metabolism. "It promotes thermogenesis [burning of calories to produce heat], and some people with low thyroid function tell me they feel warm and their body temperature rises one or two degrees after eating coconut oil." People with low thyroid function have a low metabolism and can have a decreased ability to lose weight.

Can a Saturated Fat Be Good for You?

Coconut oil is highly saturated fat, which puts it in a class with animal fat. It's the oil banned from theater popcorn and denounced by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Foods found to contain coconut oil and other highly saturated fats end up in the CSPI newsletter's "Food Porn" category.

Six years ago, Fife says he would have agreed that all saturated fats raise serum cholesterol and cause heart disease. He advocated a low-fat diet for his patients trying to lose weight. A colleague piqued his interest in coconut oil, and he began investigating the health benefits. "Coconut oil is used in IV solutions in hospitals and infant formulas," he says. "I thought, 'If it's so bad, why is it given to sick people and babies?

"MCTs are digested much quicker than LCTs, and by the time they reach the intestinal tract they're completely broken down."

Because they're so easily digested, MCTs in coconut oil are used to provide nourishment to people, such as AIDS patients who have trouble digesting fat. There's further interest in their potential to improve athletic endurance and treat type 2 diabetes.

The limited number of studies on oils similar to that found in coconut (in the form of palm kernel oil, coconut oil, linoleate, and other oils) and weight loss show conflicting results. Two researchers at McGill University in Quebec, Marie-Pierre St.-Onge and J. H. , published a review of the literature in the March 2002 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. Animal trials show that substituting MCTs for LCTs over long periods could produce weight loss. From these preliminary studies they concluded that these types of oils produced an increase in energy expenditure and resulted in a decrease in food intake, suggesting the potential for weight control.

The American Heart Association's Position

Where does the American Heart Association weigh in on coconut oil as an aid to weight loss? "I would be very pessimistic about this, says Eckel, MD, the Association's spokesman on nutrition. He says he's concerned about the effects of high levels of saturated fat. "This is going to be a cholesterol-raising diet."

He says he also doubts claims that coconut oil can boost metabolism. "People have looked in the past as to whether MCTs have thermogenic properties, and I think the answer is pretty well negative. Generally, saturated fats tend not to be as well [metabolized], so if it does have any ability to promote heat generation, it's going to be minimal."

Eckel says coconut oil's effect on metabolism, if any, is modest compared with the potential for raising overall cholesterol and particularly "bad" LDL cholesterol. "Ingesting coconut oil for a short period of time will not do harm, but I'm concerned about the long haul."

Another Viewpoint

"I think coconut oil is promising, but I wish it weren't promoted as 'eat coconut oil and lose weight,'" says Glenn S. Rothfeld, MD, MAc, clinical assistant professor of family medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and medical director of WholeHealth New England in Arlington, Mass. He and co-author Deborah S. Romaine wrote Thyroid Balance: Traditional and Alternative Methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders. "The only problem for me is the lack of research." He says most of the studies have been on all the oils and the results are not specific to coconut oil.

He says MCTs have a small and indirect influence on thyroid function, affecting metabolism because they're an efficient fuel. He adds there's some suggestion that MCTs boost the levels of thyroid hormones, which are essential to metabolism, in people with low levels of those hormones. He also advises against taking coconut oil on an empty stomach as it may produce bloating and gas.

Even though three tablespoons of coconut oil represents 360 calories, Rothfeld says those calories needn't concern dieters because they're quickly converted to energy. "Calories aren't all alike," he says, giving an example of two groups in a study who were fed just once a day, one group in the morning and one at night. "They consumed the same 1,200-calorie meals, but the morning group lost weight."

Rothfeld says he doesn't see anything intrinsically bad in coconut oil although he wouldn't recommend it for someone with severe diabetes or a liver condition. "The business about oils has been so confusing," he says. "Thirty years ago, it was found that polyunsaturated oils were great. Now it's found they're not so great. It's fairly certain we eat too many grain-based oils, and olive oil becomes rancid if it's left on the shelf too long. I think it's going to turn out we need a balance of things."

Published Aug. 18, 2003.

SOURCES: Nutrition Action Health Letter, July-August 2000. Journal of Nutrition, March 2002. Eckel, MD, chairman, American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Council; professor of medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver. Bruce Fife, ND, Colorado Springs, Colo. Glenn S. Rothfeld, MD, MAc, clinical assistant professor of family medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston; medical director, WholeHealth New England, Arlington, Mass.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats with an unusual chemical structure that allows the body to digest them easily. Most fats are broken down in the intestine and remade into a special form that can be transported in the blood. But MCTs are absorbed intact and taken to the liver, where they are used directly for energy. In this sense, they are processed very similarly to carbohydrates.

MCTs are different enough from other fats that they can be used as fat substitutes by people (especially those with AIDS) who need calories but are unable to absorb or metabolize normal fats.

MCTs have also shown a bit of promise for improving body composition and enhancing athletic performance.

Sources

There is no dietary requirement for MCTs. Coconut oil, palm oil, and butter contain up to 15% MCTs (plus a lot of other fats). You can also buy MCTs as purified supplements.

Therapeutic Uses

Preliminary evidence suggests that MCTs are a useful fat substitute for those who have difficulty digesting fat. This makes MCTs potentially helpful for people with AIDS, who need to find a way to gain weight but cannot digest fat easily.1,2 MCTs might theoretically be helpful for those who have trouble digesting fatty foods because they lack the proper enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency), but taking digestive enzymes appears to be more effective.3

Although this may sound paradoxical given the above, some evidence suggests that MCT consumption might also enhance the body's natural tendency to burn fat.22–24 On this basis, the supplement has been proposed as a weight loss aid. Unfortunately, the results of studies have generally failed to find any weight loss benefits.25,26,29,31,32 Some studies have, however, found that use of MCTs might produce improvements in body composition (ratio of fat to lean tissue).29,31 A related supplement called structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (SMLCT) has been created to provide the same potential benefits as MCTs, but in a form that can be used as cooking oil. In a preliminary double-blind trial, SMLCT has also shown some promise for enhancing body composition.30

Athletes often sip carbohydrate-loaded drinks during exercise. MCTs may provide an alternative. Like other fats, they provide more energy per ounce than carbohydrates; but unlike normal fats, this energy can be released rapidly.14 A number of double-blind trials using MCTs for improving high-intensity or endurance exercise performance have been conducted, but the results have been thoroughly inconsistent.15–21 This is not surprising, as none of these studies enrolled enough participants to provide trustworthy results.

Larger studies are necessary to discover whether MCTs are really as useful for athletes as the supplement’s proponents claim.

What Is the Scientific Evidence for Medium-Chain Triglycerides?

Fat Malabsorption

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 24 men and women with AIDS suggests that MCTs can help improve AIDS-related fat malabsorption.11 In this disorder, fat is not digested; it passes unchanged through the intestines, and the body is deprived of calories as well as fat-soluble vitamins.

The study participants were split into two groups: One received a liquid diet containing normal fats, whereas the other group received mostly MCTs. After 12 days, the participants on the MCT formula showed significantly less fat in their stool and better fat absorption than the other group.

Another double-blind study found similar results in 24 men with AIDS-related fat malabsorption.12

The body depends on enzymes from the pancreas to digest fat. In one study, individuals with inadequate pancreatic function due to chronic pancreatitis appeared to be better able to absorb MCTs than ordinary fatty acids.13 However, this didn't turn out to mean much on a practical basis, because without taking extra digestive enzymes they could only just barely absorb the MCTs; whereas, if they took digestive enzymes, they absorbed ordinary fats as well as MCTs without difficulty.

Safety Issues

Studies in animals and humans tell us that MCTs are quite safe when consumed at a level of up to 50% of total dietary fat.28,33 However, some people who consume MCTs, especially on an empty stomach, experience annoying (but not severe) abdominal cramps and bloating.

The maximum safe dosage of MCTs in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with serious kidney or liver disease has not been established.

References

1. Craig GB, Darnell BE, Weinsier RL, et al. Decreased fat and nitrogen losses in patients with AIDS receiving medium-chain-triglyceride-enriched formula vs those receiving long-chain-triglyceride-containing formulas. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:605–611.

2. Wanke CA, Pleskow D, Degirolami PC, et al. A medium chain triglyceride-based diet in patients with HIV and chronic diarrhea reduces diarrhea and malabsorption: a prospective, controlled trial. Nutrition. 1996;12:766–771.

3. Caliari S, Benini L, Sembenini C, et al. Medium-chain triglyceride absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1996;31:90–94.

4. Bach AC, Babayan VK. Medium-chain triglycerides: an update. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982;36:950–962.

5. Jeukendrup AE, Saris WHM, Schrauwen P, et al. Oxidation of orally ingested medium chain triglyceride (MCT) during prolonged exercise [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27(suppl 5):S101.

6. O. Putting medium-chain triglycerides in your sports drink can increase your endurance. Nutr Sci News. 1994;6:6–7.

7. Signore JM. Ketogenic diet containing medium-chain triglycerides. J Am Diet Assoc. 1973;62:285–290.

8. Krotkiewski M. Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25:1393–1400.

9. Yost TJ, Eckel RH. Hypocaloric feeding in obese women: metabolic effects of medium-chain triglyceride substitution. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49:326–330.

10. Geliebter A, Torbay N, Bracco EF, et al. Overfeeding with medium-chain triglyceride diet results in diminished deposition of fat. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983;37:1–4.

11. Craig GB, Darnell BE, Weinsier RL, et al. Decreased fat and nitrogen losses in patients with AIDS receiving medium-chain-triglyceride-enriched formula vs those receiving long-chain-triglyceride-containing formulas. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:605–611.

12. Wanke CA, Pleskow D, Degirolami PC, et al. A medium chain triglyceride-based diet in patients with HIV and chronic diarrhea reduces diarrhea and malabsorption: a prospective, controlled trial. Nutrition. 1996;12:766–771.

13. Caliari S, Benini L, Sembenini C, et al. Medium-chain triglyceride absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1996;31:90–94.

14. Bach AC, Babayan VK. Medium-chain triglycerides: an update. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982;36:950–962.

15. O. Putting medium-chain triglycerides in your sports drink can increase your endurance. Nutr Sci News. 1994;6:6-7.

16. Jeukendrup AE, Saris WHM, Schrauwen P, et al. Oxidation of orally ingested medium chain triglyceride (MCT) during prolonged exercise [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27(suppl 5):S101.

17. Jeukendrup AE, Thielen JJ, Wagenmakers AJ, et al. Effect of medium-chain triacylglycerol and carbohydrate ingestion during exercise on substrate utilization and subsequent cycling performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67:397–404.

18. Misell LM, Lagomarcino ND, Schuster V, et al. Chronic medium-chain triacylglycerol consumption and endurance performance in trained runners. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2001;41:210–215.

19. Satabin P, Portero P, Defer G, et al. Metabolic and hormonal responses to lipid and carbohydrate diets during exercise in man. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1987;19:218–223.

20. Van Zyl CG, Lambert EV, Hawley JA, et al. Effects of medium-chain triglyceride ingestion on fuel metabolism and cycling performance. J Appl Physiol. 1996;80:2217–2225.

21. Krotkiewski M. Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25:1393–1400.

22. Seaton TB, Welle SL, Warenko MK, et al. Thermic effect of medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides in man. Am J Clin Nutr. 1986;44:630–634.

23. Scalfi L, Coltorti A, Contaldo F. Postprandial thermogenesis in lean and obese subjects after meals supplemented with medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53:1130–1133.

24. Baba N, Bracco EF, Hashim SA. Enhanced thermogenesis and diminished deposition of fat in response to overfeeding with diet containing medium chain triglyceride. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982;35:678–682.

25. Krotkiewski M. Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25:1393–1400.

26. Yost TJ, Eckel RH. Hypocaloric feeding in obese women: metabolic effects of medium-chain triglyceride substitution. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49:326–330.

27. Geliebter A, Torbay N, Bracco EF, et al. Overfeeding with medium-chain triglyceride diet results in diminished deposition of fat. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983;37:1–4.

28. Traul KA, Driedger A, Ingle DL, et al. Review of the toxicologic properties of medium-chain triglycerides. Food Chem Toxicol. 2000;38:79–98.

29. Tsuji H, Kasai M, Takeuchi H, et al. Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women. J Nutr. 2001;131:2853-2859.

30. Matsuo T, Matsuo M, Kasai M, et al. Effects of a liquid diet supplement containing structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols on body fat accumulation in healthy young subjects. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2001;10:46-50.

31. St-Onge MP, Ross R, Parsons WD, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Obes Res. 2003;11:395–402.

32. St-Onge MP, Bourque C, PJ, et al. Medium- versus long-chain triglycerides for 27 days increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure without resulting in changes in body composition in overweight women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003;27:95–102.

33. Nosaka N, Kasai M, Nakamura M, et al. Effects of dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols on serum lipoproteins and biochemical parameters in healthy men. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002;66:1713–1718.

Last reviewed October 2003 byCAM Medical Review Board

All health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits.

[Guest guest]

Neither have I, but I think I can explain. The Indonesian word for coconut

is Klapper. Klappen is the dutch word for slapping. (klappen = to slap.

klapper = slapper). Dont ask me where the Indonesian word Klapper comes

from, but maybe because of the noise that palm trees are making in the wind

?

Saskia

(from Holland)

-----Original Message-----

From: hyppi [mailto:hyppi73@...]

Sent: vrijdag 6 augustus 2004 14:43

low dose naltrexone

Subject: Re: [low dose naltrexone] Re: coconut oil

never heard of a coconut called a 'slapper' before........dave .....baking

hot ipswich UK

> So what's the alternative Tom? A coconut that's been sleeping around?

>

> lol, sorry - had to say it.

>

> Friday

> > Audry,

> > It is my understanding that pure virgin coconut oil is best.

> > Regards,

> > Tom

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

me thinks i better clarify.....english slang for slapper...a lady of loose

morals...sorry to be sexist..just a bit of fun.......dave....hot and sticky

in ipswich UK

> Neither have I, but I think I can explain. The Indonesian word for coconut

> is Klapper. Klappen is the dutch word for slapping. (klappen = to slap.

> klapper = slapper). Dont ask me where the Indonesian word Klapper comes

> from, but maybe because of the noise that palm trees are making in the

wind

> ?

>

> Saskia

> (from Holland)

>

>>

> never heard of a coconut called a 'slapper' before........dave .....baking

> hot ipswich UK

>

>

>

> > So what's the alternative Tom? A coconut that's been sleeping around?

> >

> > lol, sorry - had to say it.

> >

> > Friday

> > > Audry,

> > > It is my understanding that pure virgin coconut oil is best.

> > > Regards,

> > > Tom

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Suzi,

I believe this 'story' went around from the hydrogenated oil lobby. It is true if you hydrogenate any oil, it will raise the bad cholesterol. Unhydrogenated coconut oil is one of the best in my opinion.

Baugh

*************

Anyone ever hear of coconut oil raising the bad cholestrol??? I heard this the other day and wondered as I've never heard this or read it yet...

Suzi

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

http://suziesgoats.wholefoodfarmacy.com/

[Guest guest]

I have also heard this because coconut oil is saturated fat. However, you have to also take into consideration that although coconut oil is a saturated fat it has a very low melting point of 70 degrees, so it cannot harden in the human body like other saturated fats do. It is the hardening of saturated fats, such as animal fats, that make them clog the arteries and increase bad cholesterol. Hope this helps.

Love,

Roni

I have heard this, if you eat a lot of saturated fat, avocado, coconut cream - oil,then I heard it makes the body make more 'bad' cholesterolPersian

[Guest guest]

Hi Nikki,

I agree that coconut oil is healthy. Perhaps what I was trying to say was a little unclear, so I will try to clarify. Because coconut oil has a melting point much lower than the temperature of the human body, it does not harden in the body like other saturated fats do. This is why coconut oil, even though it is a saturated fat, does not have the harmful effects of other saturated fats. In fact, I believe coconut oil is very healthy. I use it on a daily basis and my bad cholesterol, last time I had it checked, was lower than before I was using virgin coconut oil.

Love,

RoniNikki Riggs <nikkiriggs1@...> wrote:

As I vaguely recall I think coconut got a bad name when the food giants came up with the rapeseed oil that they needed to get rid off into the food chain – so sold us out on canola oil instead which I believe is more unhealthy for us than coconut oil!

[Guest guest]

so does www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com concerning the attributes of coconut

oil.

Thanks,

Traci

Traci <tracic@...> wrote:

www.tropicaltraditions.com has some great information on the benefits of

coconut oil.

Traci

-----Original Message-----

From: gallstones [mailto:gallstones ] On

Behalf Of Waters

Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:08 AM

gallstones

Subject: Re: gallstones

I was told to use virgin centrifuged coconut oil for everything, including

cooking, by Annette, she said it would be very helpful in ridding the body

from parasites and would help remove bad cholesterol. It has been

recommended as THE oil to help lose weight. She also believes that VCCO is

excellent for cooking at high temperatures. I do take lecithin.

BTW, my cholesterol is normal.

I sure would love to see the dialog between you & Annette, to shed light in

our discussions. I respect both of your opinions, Dave, which is of course

confusing me. It would be great to see a definite agreement or some clarity

on this very confusing subject. Again I am a novice and ready to learn.

---------------------------------

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates

starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com

Waters <yaakov45@...> wrote: so

does www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com concerning the attributes of coconut oil.

Thanks,

Traci

Traci <tracic@...> wrote:

www.tropicaltraditions.com has some great information on the benefits of

coconut oil.

Traci

-----Original Message-----

From: gallstones [mailto:gallstones ] On

Behalf Of Waters

Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:08 AM

gallstones

Subject: Re: gallstones

I was told to use virgin centrifuged coconut oil for everything, including

cooking, by Annette, she said it would be very helpful in ridding the body

from parasites and would help remove bad cholesterol. It has been

recommended as THE oil to help lose weight. She also believes that VCCO is

excellent for cooking at high temperatures. I do take lecithin.

BTW, my cholesterol is normal.

I sure would love to see the dialog between you & Annette, to shed light in

our discussions. I respect both of your opinions, Dave, which is of course

confusing me. It would be great to see a definite agreement or some clarity

on this very confusing subject. Again I am a novice and ready to learn.

---------------------------------

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates

starting at 1¢/min.