Coconut oil…the queen of saturated fats!

Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called “The Tree of Life.” Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut’s amazing healing powers.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is unique and different from most all other fats, as well, possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

A few of the properties of coconut oil that stand out the most are :

• while longer chain fatty acids(LCFAs), found in many many foods ,require bile salts (secreted by the gallbladder) in order to be properly digested, coconuts medium chain fatty acids(MCFAs) do not.  What this means to you, is if you, like many others, have a difficult time digesting fats, the fat content in coconut oil is easily converted into energy and does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries!
• Lauric acid converts to monolaurin which aids in the defense against viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS and other illnesses.  Monolaurin also defends against bacteria, fungi and yeast and is known to expel or even kill tapewroms and other parasites.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients ncluding vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects tehm from oxidation.
• When applied to infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external air, dust, fungi , bacteria and virus.  Coconut oil is very effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissue.
• The presence of the MCFAs helps in preventing liver disease as these substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing work load on the liver.

Without getting in depth about the significant differences between long chain fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids, I will say that MCFAs found in coconut oil is exactly what makes coconut oil so special and beneficial! They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and actually help to protect against arteriosclerosis and heart disease!

There are only a few good sources of MFCAs, but what I can tell you after doing the research, coconut oil and palm kernel oil, are by far the best!

Jeanne Cuevas

www.eastwesthealing.com