Traditional communities in tropical regions have for centuries used virgin coconut oil as a vital source for food, health and general well being.
New research is verifying these traditional beliefs that the coconut palm is “The Tree of Life” and that organic virgin coconut oil has the potential to cure many of the ailments that have manifested in our bodies through the highly refined diet of our modern society. This site is dedicated to bringing you the wonderful health benefits and uses of organic virgin coconut oil.
It is still believed that eating fat, of any kind, makes you gain weight. Research has now shown that it is the type of fat you eat that can potentially cause weight gain.
There are studies suggesting that a diet high in polyunsaturated fats has adverse effects upon the thyroid grand, causing hypothyroid-like symptoms, such as: fatigue, weight gain, edema, and hypercholesterolaemia. When farmers in the 1940s fed pigs a diet high in soybean and sunflower oil, as opposed to coconut oil, the pigs gained a substantial amount of weight; whereas, pigs fed a diet high in coconut oil stayed lean. The Standard American Diet (SAD) increases one’s risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and especially, weight gain and obesity. A slowed metabolism results from the fact that SAD is high in unsaturated fats and refined carbohydrates. On the other hand, tissue response to thyroid hormone (T3) is actually enhanced by saturated fatty acids, specifically short chain fatty acids. 4 Theoretically, caution may be warranted in cases of hyperthyroidism against the use of short chain saturated fatty acids. On the other hand, increased tissue sensitivity to T3 may actually help to optimize one’s body weight.
The length of the fatty acid chain determines the caloric value per gram of fat. Shorter chain fatty acids have fewer calories per gram than longer chain fatty acids. Hence, it is incorrect to say that all fats have 9kcal/g. The shorter chain fatty acids can also assist with weight loss because of their lower caloric value and most importantly, for their ability to help people feel satiated.
It has been suggested that people on low fat diets, as opposed to diets balanced in fat and protein, actually end up consuming more calories at the end of the day, making it more difficult for them to lose weight. In studies comparing different types of fats it was found that shorter chain saturated fats decreased fat synthesis and storage capacity. Hence, dietary supplementation with coconut (Cocos nucifera) or butter which are high in short and medium chain saturated fat can be of great benefit in those wishing to lose weight.
Studies have shown that athermoas, the precursor to atherosclerotic plaques, are composed primarily of polyunsaturated fats. Upon analysis of the fatty acid composition of arterial plaques, it was found that the level of saturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters was only 26% compared to 74% unsaturated fatty acids.
Of the 74% unsaturated fatty acids, 38% was polyunsaturated and 36% was found to be monounsaturated fat.To date, evidence is lacking in support of the belief that short and medium chain saturated fats cause coronary heart disease, unless the oils have been previously processed by hydrogenation. When animals were fed hydrogenated coconut oil, it increased cardiovascular disease.
Currently the Atkins Diet, which is particularly high in saturated fat and low in carbohydrates, appears to be getting more and more positive press. In a six month study by researchers from Duke University, the Atkins Diet was compared to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Results of this study showed that the Atkins diet was more effective at improving serum levels of HDL and triglycerides. In this study, the Akins Diet increased HDL levels by 11% compared to a 1% improvement for people on the low-fat, high carbohydrate diet. Furthermore, triglycerides decreased 49% on the Atkins Diet. There was no significant change in the LDL marker between the two groups. Evidence is mounting that a low fat diet and/or a diet high in only polyunsaturated fatty acids may be detrimental to one’s health.
There are numerous articles with many different studies cited on the benefits of saturated fats which are heart protective.In a study comparing many types of fats, palm kernel oil appeared to be the most protective against the development of cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, platelet aggregation was reduced by palm kernel oil and increased by sunflower oil, which is high in the polyunsaturated w-6 fatty acids.In another study, cardiac necrosis caused by unsaturated fats were prevented by the addition of cocoa butter to the subject’s diet.Cocoa butter is composed of 35% stearic acid (C18) and 25% palmitic acid (C16), which are both saturated fatty acids. It also appears that cocoa butter has a neutral effect on cholesterol, which is thought to be due to the high content of stearic acid.
Shorter-chained saturated fats have been used by physicians as conjunctive treatment in liver disease. Short and medium chain fatty acids, are directly absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the liver. Their short chain length allows these fats to be directly converted into energy. This reduced metabolic load allows the liver to optimize its function of detoxifying, producing bile, and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
- Studies have shown that the short and medium chain saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil provide protection against carcinogenic compounds.
- In a study comparing the benefits of fatty acids in protecting against ethanol-induced liver damage, one group of animals was fed ethanol and tallow (saturated fat from animals) and a second group was fed ethanol and the unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid.
- Results concluded that the animals fed tallow were protected from ethanol induced liver damage, whereas, animals fed linoleic acid developed fatty liver necrosis and inflammation.
- Conclusion
Healing effects from saturated fatty acids can be powerful if used appropriately. Naturopaths and other health care providers should not only be prescribing oils that are high in essential fatty acids, specifically the w-3 polyunsaturates, but also saturated fats found in food products like butter, coconut, palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter.
Incorporating these foods into one’s diet appears to invigorate the life force that permeates the human body.
