Coconut Oil

coconut oil

At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US
because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern
research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike
and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain
triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute
to heart disease, but are in fact very healthy. Also, some
negative studies done on coconut oil in the past was done
on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from
its original form.

Other studies have clearly shown that traditional Asian
cultures that eat significant amounts of coconut in their
diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in western
cultures that promote a low-fat diet. Much research on the
nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has
surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been
done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as
a "functional food," which provides health benefits over
and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically
identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut
products: "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut
fat are lauric acid.

Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the
additional beneficial function of being formed into
monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the
anti-viral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride
used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses
such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various
pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and
heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of
the free lauric acid." As a "functional food," coconut oil
is now being recognized by the medical community as a
powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have
been done on its effectiveness, and much research is
currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of
pure coconut oil. "Coconut oil is the healthiest oil on
earth" says Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic doctor and the
author of the book The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil.

Modern research seems to back up this bold statement. Once
wrongly accused of increasing cholesterol levels, coconut
oil is now actually being used by doctors in the treatment
of a variety of disorders. Clinical studies have shown that
coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties,
and is now even being used in treating AIDS patients.
Studies conducted in the Philippines last year showed that
coconut oil does indeed reduce the viral load in AIDS
patients.