Coconut Oil
Considering one-third of the worlds population depends on coconut oil it would appear this oil has a sound nutritional value. Pacific islanders have considered coconut oil to be a cure all for hundreds of years. In this country coconut oil started to get a bad reputation starting in the 1950’s. Americans were given a poor picture of this oil and and it remained this way until the 1980’s.
It is true that coconut oil carries a significant amount of saturated fat, however; the type of saturated fat is where it differs from most animal saturated fats. The type of saturated fat in coconuts is a medium chain triglyceride. MCT’s have been shown in laboratory studies to have a cholesterol lowering effect. It also was shown to protect against heart disease and lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Instead of increasing the risk of heart disease MCT’s are an immediate source of fuel and energy, plus MCT’s also aid in the body to metabolize fat efficiently. More recent studies have shown a acid in this MCT called lauric acid has the capacity to have both anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Coconut oil has also been shown to be a true asset during cold and flu season. There have been over 20 research papers on lauric acid and its antimicrobial value. In the 1930’s a dentist named Dr. Weston Price traveled through the South Pacific, examining traditional diets and the effect on dental health, and he found that those eating diets high in coconut oil were much healthier and trim, despite the high fat diet. In 1981 two more polynesian islands showed the same results.
In Asia coconut oil is used extensively in cooking, Dr. Mercola states “coconut oil is the smartest oil you can use in cooking.” Also this oil is used in soaps due to its ability to lather and moisturize the skin.
Given all the benefits of this truly magical oil, the future of coconut oil is very promising for both internal and external uses.