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Answers to the Negative Information on Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is 92% saturated fat and for this reason, coconut oil was considered "bad oil." Doctors and nutritionists have generally taken the position that mono-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats are the good fats and saturated fats are the bad fats. The distinction between saturated fats from animal and from coconuts and palm oil was lost. Furthermore, most of the research on coconut oil was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been transformed to produce trans fatty acid. Transfats form even on mono-saturated and poly-saturated oils.

Recent research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil are medium-chain fats which can be metabolized by the liver into energy and do not reach the blood vessel to raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease.

The other properties of coconut oil, particularly its lauric acid content, were ignored. The anti-bacterial effect of lauric acid is of recent findings. Coconut oil is becoming recognized as a "functional food" that is a powerful tool against immune diseases.

Health Functions of VCO: (Bruce Fife, The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Studies have been done on its effectiveness in lowering the viral load of HIV/AIDS patients. Most bacteria and viruses are encased in a coat of coat of lipids. Lipid-coated viruses and bacteria are easily killed by MCFA, which primarily destroy these organisms by disrupting their lipid membranes. Medium-chain fatty acids, being similar to those in the microorganism's membrane, are easily attracted to and absorbed into it. The membrane literally slits open, spilling its insides and killing the organism. Our white blood cells quickly clean up and dispose or the cellular debris. MCFA kill invading organisms without causing any known harm to human tissues.

Coconut oil is also being used by thyroid sufferes to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight.

Coconut oil and palm oil are the only plant oils that are medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Even the "good oils" such as soya oil, olive oil, corn oil, etc. are long -chain fatty acids. MCFA are digested and utilized differently. They are not packaged into lipoproteins and do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted into energy. As a consequence you can eat much more coconut oil than you can other oils before the excess is converted into fat. Replacing LCFA with MCFA results in a decrease in body weight gain and a reduction in fat deposition.

MCFA also shift the body's metabolism into higher gear, so that you burn more calories.
MCFA are dietary fats that can actually promote weight loss.

Virgin coconut oils also used for making natural soaps and other health products, as it is one of the healthiest things one can put on their skin. The surface of the skin consists of a layer of dead cells. As these dead cells fall off, new cells take their place. As we are, this process slows down and dead cells tend to accumulate, giving the skin a rough, flaky texture. Coconut oil aids in removing dead cells on the outer surface of the skin, making the skin, smoother, creating a healthier, more youthful appearance. The removal of excessive dead skin and the strengthening of underlying tissues are two of the key advantages of using virgin coconut oil.

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