I always assumed that coconut oil was bad for you since it is a saturated fat. It turns out to be very different than the traditional saturated fats that we have been told to limit. Coconut oil is composed of different fatty acids, one of which is medium chain fatty acids. These are a preferred fuel source for the body. Instead of storing the oil as fat, our bodies burn it as a fuel source, which increases our metabolism. This process is called thermogenesis which aids in burning our own fat stores and therefore may contribute to weight loss.
Coconut has been used for thousands of years by many ethnic groups who have achieved great health and have aged gracefully. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
This was undoubtedly no accident. In the tropical countries where coconuts grow, there is a high number of fungi and bacteria due to the heat and the rain. These properties protect the coconut, but the same properties are protective of the human body. If consumed either as a cooking oil or just straight, it can help to kill bad bacteria and fungal overgrowth in the gut.
A number of digestive conditions can be helped including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, constipation, and diarrhea. Proponents of coconut oil also claim it has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels as well as metabolic syndrome, arthritis, rosacea, and acne. It is said to increase energy levels. Most importantly for us, it may help alcoholic fatty liver. How is it best consumed you ask?
Many people cook with it, but I don't, since it does have the strong taste of coconuts. I eat 1 tablespoon daily, but some people eat up to 3. You can also use it externally on your skin and hair.
Do be wary of what kind of coconut oil you buy. It should be extra virgin coconut oil. Ideally, it would also be organic, made without GMOs, and be hexane free. It can be found at your local health food store or in the organic food section of most grocery stores. I am using the brand Nutiva at the moment but there are many companies that make a high quality oil.
Start slowly with this oil as it may cause a condition called "die off" or a hexheimer reaction. It kills bad bacteria and can sometimes make the symptoms your taking it for worse for a short period. It can also cause gas and bloating at first. So, start with a small amount a day and work up.
Coconut has been used for thousands of years by many ethnic groups who have achieved great health and have aged gracefully. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
This was undoubtedly no accident. In the tropical countries where coconuts grow, there is a high number of fungi and bacteria due to the heat and the rain. These properties protect the coconut, but the same properties are protective of the human body. If consumed either as a cooking oil or just straight, it can help to kill bad bacteria and fungal overgrowth in the gut.
A number of digestive conditions can be helped including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, constipation, and diarrhea. Proponents of coconut oil also claim it has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels as well as metabolic syndrome, arthritis, rosacea, and acne. It is said to increase energy levels. Most importantly for us, it may help alcoholic fatty liver. How is it best consumed you ask?
Many people cook with it, but I don't, since it does have the strong taste of coconuts. I eat 1 tablespoon daily, but some people eat up to 3. You can also use it externally on your skin and hair.
Do be wary of what kind of coconut oil you buy. It should be extra virgin coconut oil. Ideally, it would also be organic, made without GMOs, and be hexane free. It can be found at your local health food store or in the organic food section of most grocery stores. I am using the brand Nutiva at the moment but there are many companies that make a high quality oil.
Start slowly with this oil as it may cause a condition called "die off" or a hexheimer reaction. It kills bad bacteria and can sometimes make the symptoms your taking it for worse for a short period. It can also cause gas and bloating at first. So, start with a small amount a day and work up.
Comment