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Benefits of Coconut Oil

Posted: Friday, December 04, 2009

by Howard Jamison
Jamison & Associates

Coconut oil is the healthiest oil you can consume and the smartest oil for use in cooking. We use Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil that we buy at the local health food store.

Did you know that infant milk formula is made with coconut oil? That's because coconut oil is very similar to a mother's breast milk that is rich in lauric acid. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Lauric acid is approximately 50% of the fatty acids found in coconut fat.

Research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike. The fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease. Studies have shown that traditional Asian cultures that eat significant amounts of coconut in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in western cultures that promote a low-fat diet.

Coconut oil has many health benefits such as:

Promoting heart health

The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in the case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to an increase in LDL levels.

Helps with weight loss

It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is easy to digest and helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems

Supports the immune system

It strengthens the immune system since it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Helps the Digestive System

Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system. As a result it prevents various stomach and digestion problems because saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties

Helps keep skin healthy and youthful looking

Coconut oil helps to prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties. Coconut oil is also excellent as a massage oil for the skin. It acts as a moisturizer on all types of skin.

Healing

Coconut oil is also helpful in healing. When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus.

A great deal of research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has categorized coconuts as "functional food," that provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products.

Coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as "functional food" and a powerful tool against immune diseases.

If you have never tried coconut oil, give it a try. Use extra virgin because it has not been heat processed with chemicals. Here is a site for high quality natural products: WildernessFamilyNaturals.com

We also use extra-virgin olive oil with meals and it works great for use as a salad dressing. However, due to its chemical structure, it is best not to use it for high heat cooking as it is susceptible to oxidative damage.

Howard has a keen interest in alternative and integrative health methods. His research has revealed that a person's eating habits and lifestyle can have a dramatic affect on their health. Howard has extensive background in video production and has conducted numerous video interviews with professionals in the alternative health field.

For more information visit the following websites:
AlternativeHealthZone.com
HowardJamison.com

Howard Jamison
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