Coconut Oil Benefits
You Should Know About

First, little background information…

The use of coconuts for eating and healing goes way back in time. According to Dr. Bruce Fife (who has done great research and written enlightening books about coconut), about one third of the world’s population is dependent on this nut for food and it’s a part of their economy.

There has been controversy regarding the healthiness of eating coconut, however, because much of coconut oil consists of saturated fat, which is considered unhealthy by Western nutritionists and medicine.

Another way of classifying fats—besides the saturated-unsaturated classification—is by the length of the carbon chains within each fatty acid. For example, coconut oil is mostly medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA).

Interestingly, the medium chain fatty acids are similar to the fats in human breast milk.

Lauric acid is the most common MCFA in coconut oil.

In meat, eggs, dairy, and plants (including just about all vegetable oils), both the unsaturated fat and saturated fat are made of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA).

LCFAs and MCFAs are very different. Read on…

If you eat a lot of foods that contain LCFAs, you might be interested to learn that they are typically stored in the body as fat. Medium chain fatty acids, however, are burned for energy. Quickly. These medium-chain fatty acids are believed by some researchers to be a secret to weight loss and good health.

Here are some other coconut oil benefits, many of which are supported by research:

• One reason that this saturated fat has long been used by traditional cultures is that it doesn’t easily turn rancid (oxidize), even in the tropics at room temperature. However, the highly refined vegetable oils that many Americans use are not stable and turn rancid easily. Free radical damage can result from consuming oxidized oils.
  
  
• This oil is believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, shown to destroy several types of bacteria and viruses, as well as yeast infections such as Candida.
  
  
• It’s good for your skin, helping to prevent wrinkles and fine lines, reduce dryness, contribute to smoother skin by exfoliating the dead outer cells, and afford protection from the damaging effects of the sun.
  
  
• Coconut oil can help heal burns, cuts, and bruises.
  
  
• It also helps with the healing of broken bones, and because of its property of improving the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, including calcium and magnesium, it is important in osteoporosis prevention. This would indicate its usefulness in keeping teeth healthy and strong.
  
  
• In India, one of the famous coconut oil benefits involves hair: It helps to maintain the original color of hair and prevent hair loss. It also keeps dandruff from forming (massage the oil into your scalp).
  
  
• Weight loss is said to be aided by consuming coconut oil.
  
  
• This oil is easy to digest and actually improves the digestive system, contributing to better all around health, in addition to specific digestive system-related conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcers.
  
  
• It boosts the immune system due to its antioxidant properties.
  
  
• Even though coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is said to help prevent heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol levels.

How to Use Coconut Oil

So, now you’ve read just some of the wonderful coconut oil benefits and you may be wondering how you can use it.

First of all, look for a jar that says extra virgin and raw. The label on my coconut oil also says: cold pressed, no trans fatty acids, no cholesterol, unrefined, vegan, non GMO, 100% organic, high in antioxidants, high in lauric acid and caprylic acid. It has a delicious, mild aroma and flavor.

You can use it for sautéing foods and in baked goods. Use it as a substitute for butter on your morning toast.

Recipe – Coconut Oil Spread: Here’s a recipe for a delicious spread for toast, or just eat it by the spoonful. Combine these ingredients in quantities to suit your taste: Raw coconut oil, raw coconut butter (made by Artisana, contains coconut flesh, not just oil), raw honey, a little cinnamon and nutmeg, and a pinch of good Celtic sea salt. Mix well and pack into a covered dish or jar. It doesn't need to be refrigerated, unless the weather is very hot, in which case it will assume a more liquid state; you may find it easier to spread if it's solid from being refrigerated.

I understand the controversial aspect of this coconut oil benefits subject with regard to low-fat healthy eating programs such as Dr. McDougall’s and The Rave Diet. I don’t have the answer and am staying open minded, presenting this information in that spirit of exploration and education for those who are interested in this unique food.

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