Coconut
There are many benefits to the coconut and it's oil. It has been used in cultures for many years as a food, as a medicine and for cosmetic purposes.
Dr. Bruce Fife has provided extensive research on this superfood. As Dr. Fife says on his website (www.coconutresearchcenter.org)
"It is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a 'functional food' because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. (This superfood) is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations.
Pacific Islanders consider this oil to be the cure for all illness. The tree is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called 'The Tree of Life.' Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to it's amazing healing powers."
Why It Is Different
It differs from other oils because it's rich in medium chain fatty acids that are efficiently utilized by the body for energy. Medium-chain triglycerides are easily digested and are used by the body as a quick source of energy. But at the same time these fats give your stomach a feeling of fullness allowing you to eat less.
Benefits
Some of the benefits include:
- improves digestion and absorption of nutrients
- improves blood sugar and insulin
- improves calcium, magnesium absorption
- improves essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6)
- kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts
- supports the immune system
- reduces inflammation
- acts as an antioxidant
- improves cholesterol
- helps protect against kidney disease
- supports thyroid function
- helps prevent liver disease
- promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate
- reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
- promotes healthy complexion and hair
Here is one of my favorite coconut products!
This is a yummy combination of fresh coconut meat and oil. Because it is unrefined and raw, it contains all the enzymes and nutrition of fresh coconut. It can be added to smoothies, but it's so good that I can eat this by the spoonful!
Thyroid Support
In his book, "Superfoods," David Wolfe writes that farmers that fed their livestock corn and soy products found that their animals became overweight. But when the livestock were fed coconut oil, they remained at a healthy weight. He says that this is because processed vegetable oils and soy products slow down the thyroid, causing weight gain. It not only supports the thyroid function, but because it is a medium chain fatty acid, it tends to burn the energy instead of storing the calories as fat.
Alzheimers Disease
There is now support for the theory that this superfood helps Alzheimer's patients. It is based on the theory that for some people, glucose is unable to attach to glucose receptors in the brain. The oil is able to attach to the glucose receptors in the brain and function as glucose would function, supplying the brain with needed nutrients.
A Good Cooking Oil
Because it is able to withstand high heat temperatures, it makes a good cooking oil.
How Much To Take?
David Wolfe recommends at least a couple of tablespoons a day. For those with health challenges, he recommends up to 5 tablespoons a day.
As with all diet changes, please consult with your health practitioner to ensure that you take the best amount for you.
It is easy to incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into your diet. These products allow you to easily add them as an ingredient to other foods such as smoothies, salad dressings etc.
Fresh!
Have you ever tried a fresh one? It's delicious once you know how to break it open!
Learn more about how to open this fresh superfood
