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Why 2,500 studies defend coconut oil
The smallest details can trip you up
Kos Zharoid
December 29, 2024
The smallest details can trip you up
Many people have heard that coconut oil is harmful due to its high content of saturated fats, which supposedly lead to heart disease. The only truth here is that coconut oil contains saturated fats.
Over 2,500 studies have been performed on coconut oil, demonstrating its wide-ranging health benefits. Despite this long list of evidence, coconut oil continues to be vilified.
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Research suggests there is no significant evidence demonstrating that saturated fat clogs your arteries or puts you at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
The Polynesian populations of Pukapuka and Tokelau have a diet high in coconut and other saturated fats and low in cholesterol and sugar. In these populations, researchers found that “vascular disease is uncommon in both populations and there is no evidence of the high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect.”
Another study focused on the Kitava people of Papua New Guinea. Besides fish, fruit and tubers, coconut is also a prominent staple. None of the indigenous people in this study reported stroke, sudden death, chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease (CHD). In fact, the researchers concluded that stroke and CHD appeared to be absent in this population.
Cold-pressed or refined hydrogenated coconut oil.
Also, the problem is that people confuse cold-pressed coconut oil with fat that has undergone bleaching and hydrogenation.
The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike those in vegetable oils, meat, and cheese. Whereas those fats are long-chain fats, about two-thirds of the fat in coconut oil are medium-chain fats, also referred to as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Long-chain fats are digested slowly and absorbed through your intestinal wall, where they are combined into bundles of fat and protein called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are distributed throughout your body through your bloodstream.
Your body metabolizes MCTs such as coconut oil differently from other fats. Normally, fats taken into your body must first be mixed with bile released from your gallbladder, and second be acted on by pancreatic enzymes. Only then can fats be broken down in your digestive system.
MCTs, however, don't require bile or pancreatic enzymes to be digested. Once they reach your intestine, they diffuse through your intestinal membrane into your bloodstream. They are transported directly to your liver, which naturally converts MCTs into ketones. Your liver then releases the ketones into your bloodstream, transporting them throughout your body.
As a general rule, the shorter the carbon chain, the more efficiently the MCT is converted into ketones, an excellent, clean energy source for your body — far preferable to glucose, as ketones produce far less reactive oxygen species that produce excessively dangerous free radicals.
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Structure and beneficial properties.
Unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil stands out from regular coconut fat used for frying in several important ways.
Processing and composition:
It remains in its natural state, avoiding harsh processing methods like bleaching and hydrogenation
Main active components.
Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) are easily absorbed by the body, quickly converted to energy, and easily penetrate cell membranes.
Caprylic acid has powerful antifungal effects and is effective against Candida strains.
Monolaurin (lauric acid) is an antiviral agent that helps fight pathogenic microorganisms.
It retains valuable antioxidants called phenolic compounds, including ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and tocopherols.
Health Benefits:
Strong antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.
Natural pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce inflammation in the body.
Support for people managing Crohn's disease.
Help with thyroid function and hormone balance.
Benefits for heart health and cardiovascular function.
It provides excellent "fuel" for your body and supports a strong metabolism that can aid in weight loss.
Maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.
A study published in 2020 notes that an ointment made from coconut oil helps improve hemorrhoid symptoms in pregnant women.
For cooking: Ideal for stewing (low smoke point) but unsuitable for high-temperature frying.
Bulletproof coffee:
Coffee with added coconut oil or MCT.
Increases ketone production (important for the keto diet), reduces hunger, and boosts energy.
Beneficial ways to use: Oil pulling (oral cavity rinsing):
1 teaspoon of coconut oil on an empty stomach, rinse for 15 minutes.
Effective against pathogenic microflora in the oral cavity.
How to choose quality coconut oil? Use glass packaging and choose cold-pressed products.
From our archive:
Missed this gem? Discover the health benefits of the balance of saturated and unsaturated fats:
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Warm regards,
Kos and Helen.
Health and nutrition disclaimer: click here.
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