Coconut Oil - (long post)

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Coconut Oil and Its Healing Miracles

Most of us grew up in

this society thinking that coconut oil is a source of

“artery-clogging” saturated fat. However, a few years ago, when I

read Udo Erasmus’ book, “Fats that Heal/Fats that Kill,” I

switched to coconut butter for cooking. I learned from his book that for

browning or frying, which can heat food up to 375 F, coconut oil is the best

type of oil to use.

Most of the images and metaphors relating to coconut oil that circulate in our

culture are false and misleading. This article will offer you a counter image

of this wonderful food. Most of the information you’ll read is a summary

of Bruce Fife’s wonderful book; “The Healing Miracles of Coconut

Oil.”

How did coconut oil become a despised “artery-clogging” villain?

The credit for the negative media blitz in the 1980's against coconut oil goes

to the American Soybean Association (ASA). Coconut oil was portrayed as a

health threat. Coconut oil, the media proclaimed, was a saturated fat that

would cause heart attacks. ASA wanted to eliminate competition from imported

tropical oils. During the 1960’s and 1970's, research indicated that some

forms of saturated fat increased blood cholesterol. Since elevated cholesterol

was recognized as a risk factor in the development of heart disease, saturated

fat was, consequently, regarded as an undesirable food component.

Capitalizing on the public’s fear of saturated fat, the ASA set out to

create a health crisis. The crisis they planned would be so terrifying it would

literally scare people away from using tropical oils. Many misguided public

interests like the Center for Science in the Public Interest joined in the

battle against tropical oils.

Because of the frenzy stirred up by the ASA, the fictional message they

trumpeted against tropical oils won out over scientific facts.

What is the scientific truth about coconut oil?

Over the years the tropical oils have been replaced in most foods by hydrogenated

and partially hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenation is a process where an

unsaturated vegetable oil is chemically altered to form a more saturated fat.

Increasing the saturation makes the oil less susceptible to spoilage.

Hydrogenation involves heating oils to high temperatures while bombarding them

with hydrogen atoms, thus creating toxic trans fatty acids. These artificial

fats are structurally different from natural fats. Our bodies can process

natural fats, but trans fatty acids have no place in our bodies and are linked

to many health problems. Shortening and margarine are two hydrogenated oil

products which should be completely eliminated from your diet.

Coconut oil is a highly saturated fat. One distinct advantage that all

saturated fats have over unsaturated fats is that they don’t have any

missing hydrogen atoms. This means that they are not vulnerable to oxidation

and free radical formation like unsaturated fats are. Food manufacturers have

known this for decades. They’ve added saturated fats (often coconut) to

foods because they help prevent spoilage caused by free radicals. Saturated

fats can be exposed to heat, light, and oxygen without undergoing any

appreciable degree of oxidation or free-radical formation. For this reason,

they are preferred in use with food, especially if the food is going to be

cooked or stored for any length of time. Saturated fat remains stable even when

heated to normal cooking temperatures.

Replacing the refined vegetable oils you may now be using with coconut oil can

help eliminate the many health problems caused by consuming oxidized oils.

While coconut oils apparent harmlessness is a definite advantage, it is not the

primary reason it is considered a remarkable health promoting food. Following

is a list of its most incredible healing properties.

Nature’s Marvelous Germ Fighter:

One of the most amazing aspects of coconut oil is its ability to fight

infections. When coconut oil is consumed, the body transforms its unique fatty

acids into powerful anti microbial powerhouses capable of defeating some of the

most notorious disease-causing microorganisms. Even the super germs are

vulnerable to these lifesaving coconut derivatives. Coconut oil is, in essence,

a natural anti bacterial, anti viral, anti fungal, and anti protozoal food.

Coconut oil’s anti microbial effects come from its unique composition of

medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Coconut oil is composed of 48 percent lauric

acid, 7 percent capric acid, 8 percent caprylic acid, and .5 percent carproic

acid. These medium-chain fatty acids give coconut oil its amazing anti

microbial properties and are generally absent from all other vegetables and

animal oils with the exception of butter.

MCFA are natural substances the body knows how to use for its benefit. They are

harmless to us while they are deadly to certain microorganisms. For example,

most bacteria and viruses are encased in a coat of lipids (fats). The fatty

acids that make up this outer membrane or skin hold together the

organism’s DNA. Lipid coated viruses and bacteria are easily killed by

MCFA, which primarily destroy these organisms by disrupting their lipid

membranes. MCFA, being similar to those in the micro-organisms’ membrane,

are easily attracted to and absorbed into it. Unlike the other fatty acids in

the membrane, MCFA are much smaller and, therefore, weaken the already nearly

fluid membrane to such a degree that it disintegrates. The membrane literally

splits open, spilling its insides and killing the organism. Our white blood

cells quickly clean up and dispose of the cellular debris. MCFA kill invading

organisms without causing any known harm to human tissues.

The potential coconut oil has in treating and preventing a wide assortment of

infections is truly astounding, ranging from the flu to life-threatening

conditions such as AIDS.

A new weapon against heart disease:

Probably the most dangerous dietary substances to the heart and arteries are

oxidized lipids (fats). When fats go rancid they oxidize, during this process

free radicals are formed. It is interesting to note that only oxidized fats and

oxidized cholesterol are found in arterial plaque. Non-oxidized fats and

cholesterol do not accumulate in plaque. Only those fats that have been damaged

by oxidation are harmful to the heart and arteries.

The only way to stop a free radical is with an antioxidant. If antioxidants are

readily available in the bloodstream they can protect the arteries from free

radical injury and reduce risk of heart disease.

We can get antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables, but most people

don’t eat enough of these to provide significant protection. Another way

to fight free radicals is with coconut oil. Coconut oil is chemically very

stable and is not oxidized easily. In fact, it is so resistant to free radical

attacks that it acts as an antioxidant helping to prevent the oxidation of

other oils. Coconut oil can help protect the heart and arteries from free

radical induced injury and, therefore, helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Some research also shows that there is a relationship between chronic infection

and atherosclerosis. It appears that there is a cause and effect relationship

associated with persistent low-grade infections and heart disease. The herpes

virus is one such viral infection and also the ulcer causing bacteria;

helicobacter pylori. The MCFA in coconut oil are known to kill these

atherogenic organisms.

Coconut oil is not only heart friendly, but provides some degree of protection

against atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Better digestion and nutrient absorption:

For at least five decades researchers have recognized that the MCFA were

digested differently than other fats. This difference has had important

applications in the treatment of many digestive and metabolic health conditions

and since that time MCFA have been routinely used in hospital and baby

formulas.

MCFA are broken down almost immediately by enzymes in the saliva and gastric

juices so that pancreatic fat-digesting enzymes are not even essential.

Therefore, there is less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. People

who suffer from malabsorption problems such as cystic fibrosis, and who have

difficulty digesting or absorbing fats and fat soluble vitamins, benefit from

MCFA. They can also be of importance for people suffering from diabetes,

obesity, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatic

insufficiency, and some forms of cancer.

Unlike other fatty acids, MCFA are absorbed directly from the intestines into

the portal vein and sent straight to the liver where they are, for the most

part, burned as fuel much like a carbohydrate. In this respect they are more

like carbohydrates than like fats.

Another advantage of using coconut oil is that the MCFA help with the

absorption of calcium and magnesium. This is why hospitals include coconut oil

in baby formulas to give to premature and sick infants and treat children

suffering with rickets which involves a demineralization and softening of the

bones similar to osteoporosis in adults.

Losing weight with coconut oil:

Using coconut products to lose weight! Sounds impossible isn't it! But, if you

replace the fats you now eat with coconut oil you can lose unwanted body fat.

How is that possible?

All fats, whether they be saturated or unsaturated, from a cow or from corn,

contain the same number of calories. The medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in

coconut oil, however, are different. They contain a little less. Because of the

small size of the fatty acids that make up coconut oil, they actually yield

fewer calories than other fats. Medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT), which is

derived from coconut oil and consists of 75 percent caprylic acid and 25

percent capric acid, has an effective energy value of only 6.8 calories per

gram. This is much less than the 9 calories per gram supplied by other fats.

Coconut oil has at least 2.56 percent fewer calories per gram of fat than

long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). This means that by using coconut oil in place of

other oils your caloric intake is less.

This small reduction in calories is only part of the picture. The amount of

calories coconut oil contributes is in effect closer to that of carbohydrate

because it is digested and processed differently than other fats. The MCFA are

not packaged into lipoproteins and do not circulate in the bloodstream like

other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately

converted into energy-just like a carbohydrate. So when you eat coconut oil,

the body uses it immediately to make energy rather than store it as body fat.

It has been well documented in numerous dietary studies using both animals and

humans that replacing LCFA with MCFA results in a decrease in body weight gain

and a reduction in fat deposition.

Dr. n Whitaker, a well-known authority on nutrition and health looks at

coconut oil as a diet-induced thermogenesis (fat-burning food). In one study

researchers found that coconut oil given over a six-day period can increase

diet-induced thermogenesis by 50 percent. When combined with a high-fiber diet,

using coconut oil and coconut products can have a remarkable effect on your

weight and your health.

Coconuts and coconut products:

For cooking, nothing beats coconut oil. It isn’t absorbed into foods as

much as other vegetable oils. However, it is not recommended that you cook

foods beyond 375 F. If you overheat, any oil, including coconut oil, it will

produce toxic byproducts.

Coconut oil is very stable and does not need to be refrigerated. It will stay

fresh for at least two or three years unrefrigerated. If kept in a cool place

it will last even longer.

Buy virgin coconut oil which is made from fresh coconuts. Virgin coconut oil is

not hydrogenated. Of course, cold pressed virgin coconut oil is the best.

Besides pure coconut oil, another source of the oil comes directly from eating

the fruit or nut of the seed. Fresh coconut meat is about 33 percent oil.

Coconut is a good source of fiber. One cup of dried, shredded coconut supplies

9 grams of fiber.

Besides fiber, coconut supplies a wide variety of nutrients necessary for good

health. It contains as much protein as an equal amount of green beans, carrots,

and most other vegetables. It contains vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, folic acid

and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and

zinc, among others.

Another common coconut product is coconut milk which is a good source of MCFA.

It contains about 24 percent oil. It makes a wonderful substitute for

cow’s milk and cream in most recipes. You can use it to make creamy fruit

smoothies, rich sauces, gravies, and soups, or you can pour it over a bowl of

fruit or breakfast cereal.

How much coconut oil do you need?

Coconut oil is essentially nontoxic to humans or animals. You can consume more

than 3 1/2 tablespoons a day of coconut oil without worry.

Even one tablespoon a day can be beneficial. It has been shown that the

equivalent of 1 tablespoon a day can significantly reduce the viral load in

HIV-infected patients.

The oil will solidify under 76 degrees. You can easily scoop some of the oil

from the jar for your use. Or you can place your coconut oil jar under hot

water for a couple of minutes and you’ll get enough melted oil available

for your daily use.

You could get a daily dose of MCFA by taking coconut oil like you would any

other liquid dietary supplement, by the spoonful or mixing it in a beverage.

Another way to get coconut oil into the body is by applying it on the skin.

Oils are readily absorbed by the skin. Spreading a thin layer of coconut oil

over the entire surface of the body after a shower is one convenient method you

can use, especially if one is very sick and may not be able to take coconut oil

orally.

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This article is a summary of Dr. Bruce Fife’s book on coconut oil; The

Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil. His book is a great resource if you wish to

obtain more details. He supplies the reader with some great recipes that

include coconut meat, milk and oil. If you want to acquire his book, the ISBN

number is 0-941599-51-5.

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