A Bunch Of Reasons It Optimizes Health & Wellbeing
Most of us have been conditioned to literally cringe at the mention of the words “saturated
fat”. Images of heart disease, obesity and poor health are conjured with the very thought! However, not all
saturated fats were created equal. There needs to be an unmistakable understanding that the saturated fat contained
in coconut oil is very different in function to the saturated fat contained in animal fats. It is now known the
unique saturated fat contained in coconut oil actually helps prevent and treat a number of serious diseases and
contributes to overall good health.
Dr Howard Talbot - Bond University, Qld Australia explains the
benefits of Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is composed predominately of a group of fat molecules known as
medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The majority of fats in the western diet, however, are composed almost
entirely of long chain fatty acids (LCFA). The primary difference between MCFA and LCFA is the size of the
molecule. Medium chain fatty acids are small enough to be absorbed directly into the blood stream in the same
fashion as other nutrients are absorbed. However, long chain fatty acids are too large to be directly released
into the bloodstream and must undergo a variety of complex transformations before they can be utilised. The
other major difference is the cholesterol content; coconut oil does not contain cholesterol, while animal fats
such as lard or butter contain significant amounts.
In brief, cholesterol is generally divided into two classes: HDL is known as ‘good’ cholesterol
and LDL is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that coconut oil
consumption increases HDL levels, hence, reducing the risk of heart disease. The cholesterol-lowering properties of
coconut oil are a direct result of its ability to stimulate thyroid function.
Most commercially available (mono, poly) unsaturated dietary oils either
contain trans-fats or have the potential to mutate into them by heating these oils for long periods at high
temperatures, as in deep-frying. These trans-fats are a more recent introduction into our daily diet and are
highly detrimental to health and wellbeing. Trans-fats are developed when fatty acid chains are altered from
their original form as found in nature, by the oil refining process. Partially hydrogenated oil such as
margarine contains trans-fatty acids due to the process used to manufacture it. Just to make it a little
clearer; trans-fats may be polyunsaturated or monounsaturated but NEVER saturated.
Including cold-pressed oils in the diet would be a far better alternative to trans-fat
containing unsaturated oils, however, using coconut oil as the main source of dietary fat is THE best alternative
by far. In many aspects the human body is amazingly precise and efficient, unfortunately it is not perfect. To our
body edible fat is edible fat, whether it’s good for it or bad for it the body will use it anyway. Unfortunately we
are not programmed to recognise any difference between a healthy natural fat and an unhealthy manufactured
trans-fat or hydrogenated fat. Upon consuming these, what I call ‘hybrid fats’ (manufactured fats), the body has no
idea they are not capable of performing the functions for which nature had intended them, and therefore can lead to
disease. It is now an undisputable fact that the presence of trans-fatty acids in the diet is linked to a variety
of serious health problems such as Cardio-Vascular Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Liver Dysfunction
and Infertility, to name a few.
On the other hand, saturated fats, particularly those of vegetable origin,
play a number of very important roles in contributing to our overall health and wellbeing.
Coconut oil has been used for centuries by traditional communities of tropical regions as a
vital source of food for health and general wellbeing. Fortunately for us, the secret of this health-giving oil has
been generously passed to the rest of the world and hopefully the ignorance surrounding coconut oil will diminish
over time.
So, why is coconut oil so good for you?
Below are a bunch of reasons it optimizes health and wellbeing:
The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and help fight various bacteria, fungi
and parasites.
As it contains the antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have
antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, coconut oil strengthens the immune system.
Coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients.
Helps protect the body from harmful free-radicals that promote premature aging and other degenerative
diseases.
Assists in relieving symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Coconut oil protects against kidney disease and bladder infections.
It helps fight harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful
protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
An excellent conditioner which also assists in the re-growth of damaged hair.
Helps prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
Reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
By increasing metabolism, coconut oil is able to control weight gain.
As the small molecular structure of the oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, it is a great
moisturizer and softener, giving the skin a soft, smooth texture.
Helps improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Coconut oil has shown to be far superior compared to other vegetable oils for improving the nutritional
status in malnourished people. Yes, even in our overindulgent society there are many people with
malnutrition, thanks to the increase in factors such as poor quality fast foods and soil degradation
leading to low quality vitamin content in fresh produce.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease because it is absorbed directly into the
blood stream avoiding over-production of bile.
Other studies have clearly shown that traditional cultures who have significant amounts of coconut oil
in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases, as seen in western cultures who heavily promote
low-fat diets.
Where Do I Find The BEST QUALITY Coconut Oil?
We can point you in the right direction, check it out for yourself.
The absolute finest quality Coconut Oil comes from the tropical paradise of Fiji, in the South
Pacific.
The Banaban brand of Coconut Oil from Nature Pacific is a family owned plantation, hence their
product quality is of the very highest standard, all purchases also contribute to rebuilding this very
unique community of traditional people. So while you're improving your health, you are also improving the lives of
others!