Coconut Oil

You may have heard that coconut oil is over 90% saturated fatty acids (SFA), and believe you should avid it as an unhealthy oil.  However, there are two kinds of saturated fats-long chain and medium chain.  Long chain saturated fats (LCT's) are associated with "bad" cholesterol, medium chain saturates or triglycerides (MCT's) are found in coconut oil.  Medium chain triglycerides provide energy, are easily digested and do not clog arteries like the long chain group.  MCT's help your body metabolize fat efficiently, so that the fats provide energy instead of being stored.  MCT's are easily digested so coconut oil is useful for people who have trouble digesting fat.  Natural practitioners use a formula with coconut oil MCT's for patients with malabsorption problems, like those with eating disorders.  Infant formula with coconuts MCT's can be a lifesaver for premature babies.

Common misconceptions of coconut oil are that it raises blood cholesterol, causes heart disease and obesity.
However, coconut oil does not cause heart disease nor raise blood cholesterol in a normal diet.  Studies show coconut oil has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol.  Coconut oil is actually a good choice if you are a dieter, body builder or athlete concerned about weight and body fat.  It's less likely than other oils to cause obesity, because the body easily converts its calories into energy rather than body fat.

Coconut oil is good cooking oil with a sweet, tropical flavor.  Compared to flax oil, which has alpha-linolenic acid easily oxidized by heating, the SFA's of coconut oil are 300 times more resistant to oxidation.  It is a healthy alternative to refined oils and hydrogenated vegetable oils, like margarine.  It may be used in place of butter-use three-quarters the amount of coconut butter to obtain the same baking results.  Try Omega Nutrition Coconut Butter-100% organic, unrefined coconut oil.

Linda Page's  Healthy Healing  Eleventh Edition.