Tuesday 16 June 2009

Twelve Creative Ways to Use Coconut Oil

In the past several years, coconut oil has become a sort of rising star in the world of health food. More and more homes have a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil on their pantry shelf. But coconut oil is more than a healthy cooking alternative. There are endless ways to use coconut oil that extend far beyond the occasional cookie or stir-fry.

Here are twelve creative uses for a classic health food:

Colds and Sore Throats - Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help you recover from a cold. Mix it with warm tea and honey for a very soothing throat remedy.

Cuts and Scrapes - Coconut oil can be used as a topical cream for common cuts and scrapes, protecting against infection while conditioning the skin to heal faster. It may also prevent scarring.

Dandruff - Several times per week, coat your fingertips with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp for an easy dandruff cure. This is an effective yet gentle method, suitable for young children or babies with cradle cap, too.

Deodorant - You can use coconut oil by itself as a deodorant that leaves underarms feeling silky soft, or you can add baking soda and cornstarch for advanced odor protection.

Detoxification - There are many methods for detoxifying the body, but coconut oil is unique because it can provide energy while cleansing the body. One popular method is to take 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil seven times per day for one to seven days to cleanse the body from toxins, impurities and candida.

Fungal Infections - Coconut oil contains strong antifungal agents, and can be used to treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush and vaginal yeast infections. You can use it internally and topically for these conditions.

Hair Conditioner - Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Allow it to soak for several minutes and then wash as usual. There is no need to use other conditioners with this method, even after washing with shampoo.

Lip Balm - Lip moisturizers are filled with chemicals, and natural products are often pricey. If you need a moisturizer for your lips, try coconut oil in a commercial lip balm container.

Make-up Remover - Coconut oil is a very effective make-up remover, so you can toss out all the chemical-laden products from the drug store. It's also a natural moisturizer, so it won't cause dryness or irritation.

Skin Conditions - Since coconut oil is moisturizing, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, it's a great natural remedy for all kinds of skin problems ranging from eczema to acne to diaper rash.

Sun screen - Coconut oil provides effective and natural sun protection without exposing your body to the toxic chemicals and metals in conventional sun block. Coconut oil protects against free radicals, which provides added protection against skin cancer.

Toothpaste - Mix an equal amount of coconut oil and baking soda for an all-natural, fluoride-free toothpaste. Add spearmint or peppermint oil with stevia for a fresh, sweet flavor.

As you can see, there is more to coconut oil that what meets the eye - or the frying pan!


(NaturalNews) Friday, June 12, 2009 by: Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist Email this author

Coconuts: explanation and uses

The poor, confused coconut. Hailed as a health savior in some circles, derided as fat-laden canker in others, the coconut has seen every end of the nutritional spectrum.

In reality, coconut can be a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. It also has a plethora of uses--one little coconut can help hyperthermia, spice up a dish, and even outdo expensive moisturizers.

But first the skinny. Or in this case, the fat. The fat content of the coconut has sparked wars between diet gurus. According to NutritionData, the calories in coconut come 80% from fat, and most of the fat is saturated.



But hold your health horses. The saturated fat in coconuts is not the same saturated fat that drips off a grilled rib eye. The fat in a coconut is comprised largely of medium chain triglycerides, which also contains lauric acid, an important fatty acid (also found in mother's milk). Although still a topic for study, many scientists believe that this type of fat can help regulate cholesterol, improve triglyceride readings, and increase metabolism.

While these are very good benefits, coconut, like all nuts, should still be consumed in moderation, as it is quite calorically dense.

People can use coconut for a variety of purposes. Just a few include cooking oil, beauty products, and baking.



Coconut Oil in the Kitchen


The most useful product of the coconut, coconut oil can be used for many tasty foods. If one wants the coconut taste and smell, choose virgin coconut oil. For no taste, choose a high quality expeller-pressed oil.


In stove-top cooking, coconut oil is useful because of its high heat resistance and long shelf life. Use it in stir-fries or sautés.

Coconut oil can also be added to smoothies, much like flax oil.

Even more creative culinary uses for coconut oil include adding it to oatmeal, spreading it on toast, and using it as a salad dressing.

Coconut Oil as a Beauty Product

Many people also use coconut oil as a beauty product. The oil makes a very good moisturizer when applied topically. One can also use it on hair, pre-wash, for added shine and a healthy scalp.

Coconut Flour


For an interesting alternative to normal flour, consider using coconut. Coconut flour contains fewer carbohydrates than regular flour. More impressively, 100 grams of coconut flour contains almost 20 grams of protein and 40 grams of fiber. However, using coconut flour will increase the fat content of recipes, and it does not provide the iron that whole grain wheat flour would.

Coconut Flakes and Shreds

A filler for candies and macaroons for years, shredded or flaked coconut can be added to a variety of foods. Other great ways to use shredded coconut are on seafood, in oatmeal, or mixed with granola.

Of course, the healthiest shredded coconut is unsweetened.



Coconut Milk

If you've ever had Thai, chances are you have tasted coconut milk. Coconut milk is not the liquid inside of a coconut. Rather, it is the liquefied meat.

Coconut milk is used in many curries, desserts, and soups, adding a rich and creamy flavor. Other cuisines that feature coconut milk are Indian, Malaysian, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Brazilian.

For those not wanting the heaviness of pure coconut milk, most stores now carry lightened versions.

Coconut Juice/Water

The actual liquid inside a coconut, coconut juice has many interesting qualities. It is a natural isotonic liquid, meaning its electrolytic balance is the same as human blood. Also containing sugar, coconut juice makes a very good sport drink.

In 3rd world countries, doctors have even used coconut juice to help severly dehydrated or hyperthermic patients.

For domestic use, coconut water tastes delicious in smoothies or by itself.

Mimi Honeycutt Houston Healthy Living Examiner June 14, 2:58 PM

Friday 5 June 2009

Tumeric and Virgin Coconut Oil to treat acne

Turmeric kills bacteria and fights infection. It's considered a blood purifier and detoxification agent, an advantage in treating acne inflammation. It only takes a few days for turmeric to show results in acne treatment. Mix turmeric powder with unrefined, virgin coconut oil and apply the paste directly over acne inflammations. Leave the dried paste on your acne inflammation overnight. Do this for two or three days and find considerable improvement in the condition of your skin.

Ancient Breaking News: South Side Times By Wendell Fowler 4 June 2009

Friday 29 May 2009

How to make your own herbal and antimicrobial oil-based mouthwash

Sacramento-Nutrition-Examiner May 24, 10:25 PM

After your dental cleaning, make a soothing anti-viral and anti-bacterial mouthwash with exotic myrrh and clove oil. Disinfect those mouth sores caused by a virus. Oxygenate away those anaerobic bacteria that create the roots of gum disease. Start by making a safe antimicrobial oil-based mouthwash using herbs, oils, minerals, non-corrosive vitamins, and water.

Mix 4 drops of clove oil, 2 drops of myrrh, one tablet of zinc, and one tablet of folic acid (that you buy in a health-food store) in 16 ounces (473 mil.) of water. Let the tablets dissolve in the water and oils mixture, and then shake well. Add anti-bacterial herbs of your choice such as sage, mint, or ginger.

Don't make a mouthwash with vitamin C powder from ascorbic acid or with any citrus oil, vitamin, vinegar, acid, or fruit that corrodes teeth. Keep your mouthwash alkaline. Don't swallow this mouthwash. Rinse, swish, and spit it out. Choose edible oils. A few drops of edible oils can be added to your home-made mouth wash.

To make a simple mouth wash, mix four drops of clove oil, 2 drops of myrrh essential oils, a folic acid vitamin tablet dissolved in water, and a zinc mineral tablet dissolved in water. You can purchase all these ingredients at a health food store.

Mix oils and tablets in a pint of distilled water until the folic acid and zinc tablets are dissolved. Use as a mouthwash. Don’t swallow any. Store your mouthwash in a covered glass jar in your refrigerator for up to a week.

Make your own mouthwash with three to five drops of natural, wild organic oil of oregano in water. Swish it in your mouth or put it in your Water Pik® that’s already filled with warm water. Move the water and oregano oil between your teeth.

If you have canker sores inside your mouth, rinse the roof of your mouth with extra virgin olive oil. Another way to soothe virus-caused canker sores in your mouth is to make a paste of monolaurin and water.

Open a monolaurin capsule and mix with a few drops of water. When you have a paste, spread it inside your mouth, on your tongue and on your hard palate. Leave it for a few minutes. You can swallow one capsule of monolaurin after it’s been moved around your mouth for a few minutes. It’s made from lauric acid, which comes from coconut oil.

Remember that your skin absorbs anything you put on it, and you never know what you’re allergic to at any time. Make a mouthwash from edible oils or extracts that are anti-viral and not acid-based. You want your mouth to be alkaline.

Your oil base for mouthwash can be extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil*, sesame seed oil, monolaurin*, clove oil, or oregano oil and water. Don’t put the oil of oregano directly on a sore in your mouth as it will burn. Keep it diluted with olive oil and water. Mix oil of oregano first with water.

Take a sip of water, put a few drops of oil of oregano in your mouth, and swish it around. Take another sip of water and either swallow or spit it out. Don’t use more than one or two drops of oil of oregano with water if you plan to swallow it. If you buy essential oils in a health food store make sure you purchase oils safe to put inside your mouth, not oils meant for external massage. Never put oils that burn your mouth in any other body orifices.

Oils are for rinsing out the mouth. The only oil you could swallow safely after swishing around in your mouth would be extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil*. Some oils are toxic if swallowed, and others are toxic if swallowed while not diluted one part of oil to 25 parts of water.

Before you use any particular oil for making your own mouthwash, check the aromatherapy sites to make sure the oil you select is not toxic.

** Monolaurin is one of the main chemical components of coconut oil

Solon calls for quick action versus swine flu

by Negros Chronicle Published in Daily News Updates
By EDMUND B. SESTOSO

A partylist solon has urged the House of Representatives to immediately determine the government’s preparedness against swine flu which may develop into a worldwide epidemic.

Montemayor who represents ABA-AKO partylist was also a former secretary of the Department of Agriculture has passed House Resolution No. 1121 where he pointed out that 150 deaths have already been reported in Mexico, while cases of swine flu have also been detected in the United States, Canada, Britain, Spain, Israel and New Zealand.

The former agriculture secretary express fears that that if swine flu will hit the country, other nations may ban meat imports from the Philippines that will result to hurting not less than 2 million hog raisers and corn farmers in the country.

Montemayor visited Dumaguete City as a resource person of the farmer-leaders forum initiated by the Negros Farmers Council and the Negros Farmlands.

“Congress should also inquire if local governments and defense authorities are prepared to meet local outbreaks.

He said the House of Representatives must ascertain if anti-swine flu vaccines and other remedies are readily available or need to be quickly developed and pre-positioned in sufficient quantities in order to ensure people’s health and safety.

Virgin coconut oil: best defense versus swine flu

On the other hand, Rep. Montemayor said that the same crisis can also be turned into a big opportunity for coconut farmers and processors.

He said that the high lauric content of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is known to strengthen the human immune systems against microbes and viruses.

“Research and development of the possible use of VCO against swine flu should be accelerated” he said.


House Resolution No. 1121 directs the House committees on health, agriculture and food, science and technology, transportation and communication, justice trade, local government and national defense and security to come up with recommendations to address the problem.

Historically in 1918, a different type of swine flu brought about a pandemic that resulted to the deaths of at least 40 million people worldwide.

Ten Commandments for Wellness:

* Walk, Exercise, Breath and Meditate
* Eat moderately
* Go Vegetarian
* Drink minimum 2 Liters of Water per day
* Eat 3 hrs before Sleeping
* Check Your words before talking (Mind yr words)
* Vibrate Love : Love everyone : Universal Love
* Be Thankful and express the same : Show Gratitude : Thanks giving
* Care for Mother Earth
*Manage your stress

Few tips to live longer and live healthier..

· Human system is not designed to digest Non Vegetarian food. Our teeth are not designed for NV. The sooner we shift to Vegetarian food the better. Most NV food have toxins which harm us. Dead food even if it is fresh is harmful. Eat living food like fresh fruits, fresh vegetables. The more the food is stored / even in a frig, the poorer it is. All the food decay over time. NV Food decays faster. In a way Japanese Raw Fish food is a smarter choice if it is fresh. But avoid fish as well.

· Man kind knows cooking only in the past 1,000 or 1,500 years. Man kind existed millions of years eating fresh food without cooking.

· Fruits are the best food possible as they are pre digested. The early humans in the jungle were eating fruits only; not even vegetables. Vegetables probably came after civilization. Nuts are OK.

· Do not drink RO Water as there are no minerals. Do not use bottled water also. Use UV Filtered water after boiling. When we use RO or Bottled water, they take away the minerals from our body and the same is lost via Urine. Hence they are doubly harmful. We need minerals: we can drink mineral water or UV / Boiled water.

· We need minimum 2 liters of water to cleanse the toxins in our body- sort of auto detox.

·The whole body’s daily biological function can be divided into 3 zones: 4 am to 12 noon : Cleaning or Cleansing ; 12 noon – 8 pm : Digestion / energizing ; 8 pm – 4 am : Regeneration / relaxing. Hence we should eat multiple meals of very small quantities during the energizing cycle only (12 noon to 8 pm). For breakfast, it is ideal to eat only Fruits ; any fruits : only fresh fruits ; seasonal and regional fruits are designed by nature basing on the climate and seasons. So prefer seasonal those available / grown in your area. Quantity is not an issue. Settle down with your own comfort level – but use moderation. Diabetes is not an issue.

· Strictly No food after 8 pm. Passing bowls after every meal is good. Passing bowls only once in the morning is not as healthy as one thinks.

· Do drink water during eating any food. We need the concentration of the digestive juices. Water will dilute the same. Drink water either 30 minutes before eating or 60 to 120 minutes after eating.

· Mental and spiritual Wellness is a pre requisite for the physical wellness and hence mind your words as you can never take back the words once spoken. Think twice before speaking. Your words may make or break a relationship. Better make than break.

· Hatred and anger are always counter productive. It is very important you love and show the love. Love is not just between two persons. Love everyone universally. Express your love to everyone you meet. This also helps you mentally for the well being. Don’t be shy in expressing your love.

· Show gratitude and say thanks. Thanks-giving is a part of all religions. Be grateful for what you have. Thank the earth, your parents, your boss and whom so ever gave something to you. Do not take anything for granted. Expression of thanks pleases all. Don’t be shy in saying thank you.

· We need to give something back to earth. Care for your mother earth like you will care for your own mother. When you care for earth, she will care for you. You will get back what you give.

· Manage your stress. Manage anger. Face the stress and learn to manage stress. Read the book ‘ the Secret’. Understand the laws of attraction. If you keep thinking of something all the time, that is what will be given to you. So don’t think of stress.

Ten Poisons we consume regularly:

White Milk
White Sugar
White Sea Salt
White Rice
White Flour : any processed / packaged flour – even colored
Refined / hydrogenated oils
Coffee and Tea
Carbonated drinks including Soda or sparkling water
Ice Cream
Non Vegetarian food

· Even animals do not drink milk after they grow out of the childhood. Only children need mother’s milk. Not goat’s milk. Milk is the most poisonous food we take. It is the Milk Industrial lobby which has created the myth about Milk. Avoid milk and your wellness is guaranteed. Auto Immune system in our body works when milk enters our body and destroys good cells as it is misled. Almond milk, Dates Milk, Banana Milk, fresh Coconut may be substitutes. Persons with Asthma will feel the relief immediately after stopping milk consumption.

· White sugar can cause about 136 diseases. So may harmful chemicals are used to bleach and double refine the sugar. Use Brown sugar or unrefined sugar.

· To refine the salt, again many chemicals are used. Salt causes high BP. Use un refined Rock Salt.

· White rice : there is nothing left as every nutrient is polished away. Use brown rice or unpolished rice moderately.

· Wheat Flour or any packed flour contains Glutton which is harmful. Most processors use Potassium Bromide which is very harmful. Bread or Roti or Nan are all harmful if made out of packed flour. If natural grain is powdered at home, you may use. Eat fruits, vegetables instead of breads. We need about one tenth of water to grow fruits or vegetables when compared to rice or wheat. This is eco friendly.

· Refined oils are very harmful because of the chemicals used. Use 4 different oils by changing them on a daily basis: like use one oil today oil 2 on next day etc. Or use only Virgin Olive oil or Virgin Coconut oil. These are the only two oils which are good. Never Reheat the oils. Throw away after the first heating. Do not give the used oils to the poor as you are spoiling their health.

· We all know about the ill effects of caffeine. Alkaloid nature of Coffee and tea are harmful. Use Green tea, herbal tea, ginger tea, Brown tea etc. You can create an exciting new range of tea drinks which are tasty and create a wealth of well being.

· All carbonated drinks have CO2 and we all know it. Most contain sugar and lots of it. They have enough chemicals to act as pesticides. Avoid all carbonated drinks

· Ice creams contain flavors which are from Oil. They also have phosphoric acid which destroys the stomach lining. Avoid all ice creams. If there are some ice creams with natural flavors from natural fruits and without phosphoric acid, then it is ok. But still remember all ice creams contain the WORST poison : milk.

· Natural cocoa is ok. But processed cocoa is not ok.

· Most junk food is harmful. Potato finger chips are the worst. They use an acid and a chemical to make the finger chips crisp, straight and long.

Other Important Tips:

· Never take Fruits after Dinner or any meal. Take them before the meal. Try for a month and you will feel the difference. Fruits are predigested food. They do not need much time in the stomach and the stomach tries to send them on to send to the intestines. Fruits do not need energy for digestion and in fact are ready to give out energy immediately to our system. Whereas the regular meal we take needs time and energy to be digested. Thus we are creating a conflict by taking fruits after food. Some times, fruits manage to push the regular food through the intestines before they are digested.

· Chew the food – any food properly ; not only to grind them. There are sensors in our tongue, mouth and teeth which pass on the signal to our glands as to what digestive juice and quantity and when they are required. When we do not chew, we are not giving enough time for these sensors and glands.

· Head aches : Don’t take pain killers. The pain is in your mind; not in the head. Rest and close your eyes and ask yourself : where is the pain; what is its color, what is its shape, how deep or wide it is, how much is the pain on a scale of 1 to 10 etc. Ask these questions repeatedly till you realize that there is no pain.

· Read the book “What the Doctors Don’t Tell you”

- This was the lecture given by Dr. Peter (Founder of Divine Noni India) during his visit to Thailand couple of weeks back. He made a research on this and you can get to know about his product NONI in the following websites : www.devinenoni-international.net ; www.worldnoni.org ; www.devinenoniinternational.net

(Thanks to Mr. Devadoss of Lucky Spinning for this nice narration!)

If you want to attend Dr. Peter's forthcoming Seminors in Bangkok or you want him to conduct a seminar in your group, you may contact Mr. Vijay @ 086 338 1613

Common-sense solution: Virgin coconut oil

By Cory Quirino
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 20:50:00 05/11/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide disease alert to phase 5—a strong signal that a pandemic or a worldwide epidemic was imminent. Countries such as the United States and Mexico have set up extensive measures to control the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

Already, a public health emergency has been declared in the US and many countries. There have been measures to produce the prescription anti-viral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. And the world’s medical scientists are urgently working on a new vaccine against the virus, but this mission could take five to six months.

Common sense

In the meantime, what else is to be done besides waiting? There is no known drug today that can effectively combat the swine flu virus. Anti-viral drugs are expensive, not everyone can afford them. There is not enough supply of these drugs.

Simple as it may seem, there is a food supplement that can quickly boost the immune system—virgin coconut oil (VCO). There are scientific studies validating that the major component of VCO, lauric acid, is an effective anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compound. A natural derivative of lauric acid, monolaurin, has been shown to be a potent disease fighter.

Coconut oil is made up of 60-percent medium-chain triglycerides, which is an efficient source of energy for the body. This non-fattening oil is converted by the liver into energy (and not fat) within 20 minutes of ingesting it.

While there is no direct proof of VCO’s effectiveness against the A(H1N1) virus, there is, however, evidence of its success against regular influenza, cold, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, etc.

There is more to virgin coconut oil than meets the eye or stimulates the palate. Countless testimonials of users from across generations support several health claims:

The story of Karen, a 50-year-old homemaker whose husband was a chain smoker. He had the nasty habit of smoking before bedtime and for 25 years, she was a victim of second-hand smoke. Fearful that she may contract cancer, since second-hand smoke is more toxic for non-smokers, Karen went for an executive check-up with her husband.

Doctors were surprised to find her in good health. But her husband had stage 2 lung cancer. When asked what her regimen was, she replied that her strictest regimen was two tablespoons of VCO daily before breakfast. This, plus mega doses of Vitamin C.

George, a 35-year-old businessman, was born asthmatic. All his life he survived on antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics. Three years ago, he discovered VCO through a friend who swore he never caught a cold or the flu since consuming it. After a month of taking three tablespoons of VCO a day, he noticed he had not had a single asthma attack. He is now a VCO advocate.

There are many other success stories of people with chronic fatigue, yeast infections, hemorrhoids and skin problems who not only drank VCO but used it as topical treatment. All of them, including myself, are proponents of a healthier life through virgin coconut oil.

Take one to three tablespoons of VCO on an empty stomach before breakfast. Or mix it in your juice or oatmeal. Great as a drizzle over salads too.

Beauty oil


For scalp: Rub a few drops of VCO on your scalp for dandruff problems, just before bedtime. The itchiness and flakiness will disappear in 24-48 hours. Falling hair will stop within one week with Nubo Hair, available at Mercury and World of Wellness.

For face and body: After a shower, massage into the skin a few drops or a mist of cocogen VCO. Get more supple skin within minutes. Call World of Wellness.

Affirmation for the week:

“I am a powerhouse of energy and happiness.”

Love & light!

Monday 27 April 2009

'Anti-diet' uses simple diet, exercise to change your life

Reported by: Jennifer Harrington
Email: jharrington@abc15.com
Last Update: 23 Apri 2009

Are you ready to ditch dieting for good? Who isn’t? Then maybe it’s time to go to Plan D.

Dee McCaffrey is the certified diet counselor who created Plan-D: The Amazing Anti-Diet That Will Change Your Life Forever.

She says Plan-D is a comprehensive health plan designed to enable your body to function at its optimal level.

She claims it provides followers with a basic yet solid education in the fundamentals of nutrition, in addition to teaching them what to look for on ingredient lists, how to shop organic on a budget, tips for eating out and traveling, sample menus, and over 50 healthy and delicious recipes.

The plan itself is very detailed, telling readers exactly what and how much to eat each day, with a list of foods and portions sizes in each category.

McCaffrey says what makes her Plan-D different from some of the other diet plans on the market is that its focus is to get people to really value their health now, so that they can improve or avoid degenerative health conditions later.

Its focus is on eating foods in their closest to natural form as possible along with moderate exercise, which she says allows the body to do what it will naturally do-lose weight, get strong, and stay healthy.

The Plan incorporates what McCaffrey calls several all-natural secret weapons that help speed up the body's metabolism and assist in fat burning.

She says the inclusion of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar and extra virgin coconut oil in the daily meals provide not only an increase in calorie burning, but they also help to lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, and prevent heart disease and cancers.

There is also an exercise plan with the “anti-diet.” It focuses on stimulating a little-known circulatory system, called the lymphatic system, which McCaffrey claims flushes fat and toxins from our bodies when you jump on a rebounder or walk while swinging our arms rigorously.

She created Plan D to provide ways for you to participate in the care of your own health, and set you on a path of lifelong learning about nutrition and the healing effects of whole foods.

If you have intuitively turned to nutrition as a means to better health, if you want to understand how and why foods affect us, and if you want to learn more about the place of food in the human story-McCaffrey hopes Plan-D will help you.

She believes an understanding of food can lead to increased health and happiness, and has the potential to become a profound catalyst for improving nearly every aspect of your life

ABC 14.com - Your Health segment

Sunday 19 April 2009

Coconut Oil Helps Improve Thyroid Function

By Darren Craddock Ezine Articles

Many people who are looking into coconut oil may be asking does it really work when it comes to coconut oil and thyroid function but there are studies that show that coconut oil helps thyroid function. If you are unsure based on this, take a look at what coconut oil contains and what effect it has on the body. To do this you need to understand what the thyroid effects and what it does. The thyroid is what controls the metabolism of the body. It is what decides how fast energy and food are processed in the body. Healthy thyroid processes equal a metabolism that promotes body health. Environmental factors also have an effect on thyroid function so you need to take this into account as well.

Coconut oil helps to increase metabolism. This means it helps to increase the processed by which food is processed into energy and those things, which are considered waste products, are removed quickly from the body. This promotes over all health and well being. Many people do not have the energy to cook healthy meals and rely on frozen dinners or fast foods to get by. They do not have the energy even if they can find the time for exercise and as a result the functions of the body slow down including the thyroid. By adding coconut oil to the body you can get the benefits of it when it comes to thyroid function. It is true coconut oil helps thyroid function and there is a direct correlation between coconut oil and thyroid effectiveness.

If you could give your body the energy to exercise even after a long day at work, to cook a good healthy meal instead of having to rely on fast food you would surely see an increase in your health and well being and a decrease in the feeling of tiredness and a decrease in your weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the essential things to having energy, feeling young and being able to do the things that you want to do when you want to do it.

The thyroid is an essential for the body to function correctly and the elements that are found within coconut oil, the MCTs or medium chain triglycerides, the omega-3 fatty acids, the various other nutrients creates the perfect balance needed for the body to reach its maximum potential. There are plenty of research studies and various findings that can tell you the mechanics of how the coconut oil chemically affects the body but the best way to tell if something works for you is to try it and talk to others who have tried it and hear first hand how it has helped them in their lives.

As well as see for yourself how coconut oil can help you in your life. You can cook with it, add it to just about any type of food and you can enjoy all the benefits that coconut oil can bring to your life. Luckily coconut oil has recently become readily available over the internet and you can have it shipped right to your door. It is not difficult to add this to your diet and see the benefits for yourself.

Strengthen your immune system and Improve Thyroid function with Coconut Milk Powder, a rich source of healthy Coconut Oil Darren Craddock shares his Secret to staying Energized for life in this Free http://www.enerhealthbotanicals.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Craddock

How to lose weight with virgin coconut oil

by Kevin Lee SelfGrowth.com

Are you tired of endless fad diets that don't work? There are thousands of books and gadgets out there claiming to help you lose those unwanted pounds. One problem with a lot of diets is they're hard to stay on for long periods of time. We end up 'falling' off our diets and we gain back the weight we might have lost. Not only that, we feel frustrated and feel that we’ve failed when we can't 'stick' to a diet.

Low-fat diets have been around for years. Unfortunately, low-fat diets eliminate a very important nutrient that our bodies need...fats! Our bodies need fats to absorb certain minerals and vitamins. Fats are also used to make cellular membranes and important hormones. Cutting fats completely from your diet can really affect how well your body functions.

Introducing virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is gaining popularity as a healthy way to lose weight. Now before you jump the gun and say that coconut oil is bad for you, listen to this...What we're talking about is 'virgin' coconut oil. Regular coconut oil is highly refined and loaded with cholesterol. Virgin coconut oil is a completely different form of coconut oil by the way it's processed. It's one of the healthiest dietary oils on the planet.

Polynesian societies have been using virgin coconut oil for centuries. They've enjoyed excellent cardiovascular health and vitality by consuming coconut oil and coconut food products.

Here's why virgin coconut oil is so good for you:

1. Virgin coconut oil is not bleached, refined or deodorized

2. Virgin coconut oil is a stable, healthy saturated fat - completely free of dangerous trans-fatty acids.

3. Virgin coconut oil contains no cholesterol or hydrogenated fats

4. Virgin coconut oil is made up fats that are digested more efficiently than regular saturated fats

Virgin coconut oil is different than other fats. Traditional fats from butter, meats and whole milk are stored in your body cells; waiting to be burned for energy at a later time. This can lead to increased fat stores, increased body weight, and higher cholesterol levels.

Virgin coconut oil is made up of special fats called medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). When you eat MCFAs, they're immediately sent to your liver and converted into a rapid source of energy. This means more energy levels for you. Increased energy levels means you'll burn even more calories - leading to faster weight loss.

Another good thing about virgin coconut oil is that it reduces your food cravings. One problem with low-fat diets is they don't supply you with enough dietary fat for normal metabolic functions and growth. This makes your body crave fat....Did you ever notice how a low-fat diet always seems to leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied? This is your body's way of telling you that it's missing something from your diet. These food cravings may cause you to snack throughout the day, leading to more weight gain and frustration. Adding virgin coconut oil to your diet may help reduce food cravings you might get with a low-fat diet. Eliminating food cravings means you won't be snacking as much during the day. This lowers your total calories which can lead to faster weight loss for you.

How much virgin coconut oil should you take to lose weight? Most literature suggests you start with 1 tablespoon per day and work your way up to 2 - 3 tablespoons per day. Since you're getting a healthy source of dietary fat in your diet, you need to cut back on all other saturated fats in your diet. Most of your healthy fat calories will be from the virgin coconut oil, which are digested and metabolized faster than traditional fats. A great way to take virgin coconut oil is by mixing it into fruit smoothies or protein shakes.

Virgin coconut oil is also one of the healthiest oils to use for frying foods in. Most vegetable oils can suffer heat damage when used during high heat frying. Oils such as olive oil make great salad dressings, but may suffer oxidative damage from high heat frying. Virgin coconut oil is not affected by high heat or experiences chemical changes during frying.

How much weight can you lose with virgin coconut oil? This is a good question and a hard one to answer. It will depend on your general level of health and your overall metabolism. Every body is a unique individual and will respond differently when they try to lose weight. I believe the key to successful weight loss is by eating a healthy diet, along with consistent moderate exercise. Please remember to consult your physician before beginning any weight loss/exercise regimen.

In conclusion, virgin coconut oil is a healthy alternative to traditional vegetable oils that can help you lose weight. Your body gets a great source of dietary fat for optimum health. This leaves you feeling full and satisfied after each meal, reducing food cravings. The medium chain fatty acids in virgin coconut oil are rapidly converted to energy. This speeds up your metabolism and you burn more calories.

Don't forget that virgin coconut oil isn't refined, bleached or deodorized. It's a healthy oil with no cholesterol or hydrogenated fats. What more could your body ask for?


Author's Bio
Kevin Lee is owner/operator of http://www.healthy-oil-planet.com a website dedicated to the health benefits of fish oils, emu

Friday 17 April 2009

7 Secrets to Speeding Up Your Metabolism

The key to speeding up your metabolism is to re-ignite the furnace inside of you through proper nutrition and exercising.

For many of us, busy and stressful lives have slowed down our metabolism, leading to sluggishness, weight gain, and a long list of health issues. In honor of National Nutrition Month, I’d like to remedy this situation by offering seven helpful tips.

The key to speeding up your metabolism is to re-ignite the furnace inside of you through proper nutrition and exercising. Eating is vital, a key to a healthy metabolism; it’s impossible to jumpstart your metabolism by not eating.

And it’s crucial to adapt a healthy eating style before beginning any exercise regimen, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a while. By improving your nutrition before incorporating any type of strenuous exercise (other than walking), you’ll ensure blood flow to the heart is smooth.

7 helpful tips to speed up your metabolism through good nutritional practices:

Eat protein at each meal to keep your body in calorie-burning mode and your glycemic index as low as possible. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Focus a little less on meat, and more on protein-containing vegetables, since meat is harder on the digestive system and non-organic meats may contain hormones, steroids, and other unwanted ingredients. Protein-containing foods include red meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and green vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, and green cabbage. Spirulina, or blue-green algae is an excellent source of plant protein.

Drink plenty of water. Half your body weight in ounces daily will help your body’s detoxification process. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water each day (i.e. nine or ten 8 oz. glasses).

Eat at least two large servings of uncooked dark, leafy greens daily. Raw green vegetables clean and deodorize the blood, tissues, cells, and organs. In addition to fresh, uncooked, green vegetables, you can also buy green powdered drinks at the health food store and/or green tablets such as Perfect Food by Garden of Life.

Incorporate good fat at every meal. Contrary to what most people believe, good fats don’t make you fat; instead, they help burn fat. Good fats include extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocados. In addition, organic butter, extra virgin coconut oil for cooking and frying, and almond butter. Good fats can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar, ward off depression, and provide natural anti-inflammatories. Good fats also help to keep blood sugar in check. A small amount with each meal is all it takes.

Eat unprocessed, natural whole foods as much as possible. Processed foods sustain life, but do nothing to promote health. Eat as much living food – foods without labels – as possible: organic leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, seaweed, grasses and sprouts. These foods energize because they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes; they also help bring down inflammation, the root cause of every disease.

Eat organic foods whenever possible. They’re free of antibiotics and growth hormones, which is crucial to good health. Antibiotics push out the good bacteria in your body, and lower your line of defense against other toxic invaders like alcohol, tobacco, sugar, coffee, and products that contain chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides and the like. This, in turn, lowers your immune system, and the bad bacteria can begin to multiply causing a host of health problems such as chronic yeast overgrowth.

Avoid Shellfish. They’re called bottom feeders because they absorb all the sea’s pollutants, and are high in mercury and other contaminants. Shellfish have no excretory system, so by eating them, you’re ingesting all the nasty, dead, polluted things they’ve ever eaten.

These 7 ways to speed your metabolism can revolutionize your nutrition, and result in much improved health. Of course, there’s more to good health, including exercise, supplements, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and making sure you’re emotionally healthy. But as far as nutrition goes, simply implement the above tips, and you’ll be on your way to a much healthier you!

Media ContactsKrystal CollazoWDC Media PR1-786-566-2452KCwdcmedia@gmail.comhttp://www.wdcmedia.comSusan M. ZahnWDC Media PRToll-Free: 1-877-862-3600E-Mail: office2@wdcmedia.comWebsite: www.wdcmedia.com

Can The Recession Cause You to Pack on the Pounds?

7 Ways to Eat Healthily and Save During the Recession

This Op-ED Submission is ready to be published by the media in full.
Contact: Krystal Collazo, WDC Media PR, 786-566-2452, KC@wdcmedia.com, KCwdcmedia@gmail.com

OPINION, April 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Lisa Buldo:
Consumers are used to buying cheap cereals and processed foods in order to save money. And in the midst of a recession, this unhealthy habit may seem more crucial than it was before. But the reality is these are the very foods that are causing obesity, inflammation, and sickness.
According to some nutrition experts, a recession can make you fat...but if you get the junk out of your kitchen and start buying healthy food, any extra money spent will even itself out; you'll become healthier, too.

These tips can help you shed pounds quickly, easily, and safely, and -- as you will see -- the process doesn't have to be a pain in the pocketbook.

7 Tips to Eating Healthily and Economically

1. Buy vegetables and fruits from your local farmer's market. While they may not stock "certified organic" products because of the expense involved obtaining that label, they will have organically grown foods. Be sure to wash produce thoroughly with water and lemon juice.

2. Invest in a water filtration system for your home. In this way, you can drink as much pure water as possible without the expense of buying bottled water. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems eliminate the need for big, heavy plastic jugs, and it's a much healthier option for about the same price. Try adding a lemon or lime wedge to your water, or a splash of juice with no sugar added, for flavor.

3. Buy inexpensive sources of good protein. Since you should eat protein and good fat and fiber at every meal, try healthy, inexpensive sources such as organic canned beans; organic eggs; boneless, skinless salmon; sardines or mackerel in olive oil from the can; and perhaps organic chicken once or twice a week.

4. Do not cook with vegetable oils. They turn to transfat when they reach high temperatures; transfat can clog the arteries and cause plaque buildup. Extra virgin olive oil is wonderful for a quick sauté and on salads. Extra virgin coconut oil is the most stable at high temperatures and will not turn to transfat, which is why I recommend it for cooking and frying food.

5. Cut down on the caffeine. When you drink coffee by itself for energy, it's a false form of energy, a toxin, and it can raise your stress level by causing you to become excited and more anxious. To cope, your body releases a stress hormone called cortisol, which can cause you to gain weight and store belly fat. Opt for green tea instead, which has less caffeine and an abundance of antioxidants.

6. Make supper the smallest meal of the day. Supper is supposed to be the "supplemental" meal of the day. It should be eaten early in the evening to allow for digestion before going to bed. If you do, you'll wake up in the morning feeling small. Trust me -- it works.

7. Enjoy your treats once or twice a week. If you love pasta, eating it once a week is not going to thwart your weight loss efforts. Eat whole grain pasta such as Barilla Plus. You can make a great pasta dish with some broccoli, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and basil. It's yummy and healthy! If you have a social event to attend, go for it -- really enjoy yourself -- and don't beat yourself up. Just get back to eating healthy at your next meal.

There's more to good health including exercise, supplements, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and making sure you're emotionally healthy. But by incorporating these 7 tips, you can be sure that you will not gain weight during the recession. Instead, you can lose weight and improve your health tremendously.

Lisa Buldo888-853-0333 New York City, NY info@LisaBuldo.com

Lisa Buldo is a holistic health counselor, biblical health and life coach, author, and speaker. She specializes in weight loss, type 2 diabetes, acne and digestive issues. Lisa also helps people who struggle with emotional issues such as fear, anger, and depression through the biblical principles of God’s word. She has been featured on national television and radio, and is the author of the brand new book, IT CAN BE DONE! You Can Live in Victory 24/7, which is helping to transform the relationships, health, and finances of people everywhere. Lisa also has a deep passion for the things of God. Her mission is to help people to know that God loves them, to bring understanding in the areas of health and total wellness, and to empower everyone to live in victory! For more information, visit www.LisaBuldo.com.

Why Pacific Islanders don’t get heart disease - Part 1

By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE
Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp
April 10, 2009, 6:03pm

With the permission of Bruce Fife, the author of the book titled “Coconut Cures” to reprint certain portions of his book, I am reproducing hereunder some interesting information about the healing power of virgin coconut oil.

“A century ago, heart disease was almost unheard. By 1950 it had become the leading cause of death in the United States as well as in many European countries. Like a plague it has spread to every corner on earth and is now the world’s number one killer. Traditionally, the islands of the Pacific have been relatively immune to this menace. Where people still depend on their traditional coconut-based diet, heart disease continues to be a rarity.

“Most medical professionals believe that heart disease is a consequence of diet and lifestyle. So, if you eat the right types of food, you can prevent a heart attack.

In this respect, coconut, and particularly coconut oil, appears to be an effective weapon against heart disease.

“Epidemiological (population) studies have shown that coconut-eating populations around the world have a remarkable immunity to heart disease. This immunity isn’t genetic but diet related. Shorlandand colleagues showed that Polynesian populations with high coconut consumption have lower blood cholesterol levels and lower incidence of atherosclerosis that Europeans and islanders who consume a Westernized diet.

“A major study was done on the populations of two remote Pacific Islands – Pukapuka and Tokelau. The entire populations of the islands took part in the study. The foods the people ate were carefully analyzed and their health evaluated. These people were chosen because they have remained relatively isolated from Western influences and maintained their traditional coconut-based diet. Coconut was their primary source of food and was eaten in one form or another at every meal and as a snack between meals.

The two populations derived 63 and 34 percent of their calories from coconut. The coconut oil they consumed in their diet amounted to over 100 grams a day, the equivalent to about half a cup. The researchers found that there was no evidence of coronary heart disease nor was there any evidence of diabetes, cancer, hypothyroidism or other health problems common in Western society.

“Despite the high amount of saturated fat in the islanders’ diet, their cholesterol levels were much lower than expected. Using the Key’s equation, which calculates cholesterol levels as a function of dietary fat intake, cholesterol levelswere predicted. The islander’s actual cholesterol levels, however, were on average 76 mg/dl lower than the predicted values - a huge difference.
“Coconut plays a central role in the diet of the people in the South Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. As with other island populations these people have been eating coconut for generations without a single reported case of a heart attack. If coconut oil contributes to heart disease, as many people have been led to believe, these people should be riddled with heart attacks and strokes, yet heart disease was completely unknown here until 1964 when the first case was reported. As the country has become more Westernized, coconut consumption has declined and heart disease cases have increased. All of these cases have been confined to major urban areas where dietary habits have become Westernized.

“A series of studies on relatively isolated populations in Papua New Guinea that have maintained their traditional coconut-based diets have found these people to be completely free from all signs of heart disease. For example, in one of the studies with 203 individuals, researchers reported the “nonexistence of stroke and ischemic heart disease” even in people as old as 86 years of age.

(To be continued)

Have a joyful day!

Friday 13 March 2009

Researchers validate coconut water as nature's 'energy' drink

COCONUT has been known for its essential oil and milk, but the water inside the seed could be the healthful sports/energy drink researchers have been looking for. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.

In recent times, the sports and energy drinks industry has been shrouded in a lot of hype and controversy. While the demand is soaring, medical experts warn that some of these drinks could be harmful because they contain abnormal quantities of sugar and caffeine, and could hasten the onset of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and stroke.

However, researchers have discovered a natural alternative that does not just boost energy levels in joggers and athletes, but lowers blood sugar levels/diabetes risk.

Researchers, with support from the United Nation Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have validated a natural and safe alternative to conventional sports and energy drinks: Coconut water.

Nigerian researchers have also confirmed the blood glucose lowering effects of coconut water, and have recommended it for the management of diabetes. They, however, say that coconut water does not actually have any protective effect on the liver against toxicity of paracetamol over-dosage.

Cocus nucifera (coconut) is traditionally recognised for its medicinal properties among several other uses. The use of coconut water to counteract poisons is a common practice in Africa as well as India. It has severally been used as an immediate remedy for drug overdosage.

Coconut water, the liquid endosperm of green coconuts abounds in essential nutrients such as proteins, amino acids, sugars, vitamins, minerals and growth factors, that support healthy cell growth and hydration, and finds versatile applications in cosmetics and nutricosmetics.
Until now, coconut water has been used for rehydration and as a health and beauty aide in tropical regions around the world for centuries.

A cup of coconut water from the young green coconut has been shown to be low in calories, has no fats or cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium (about 600 milligrams, that is more than a banana), calcium and magnesium- making it a healthy electrolyte drink. It has even been used intravenously, directly into the human blood stream, to stabilize electrolytes or treat people who were severely dehydrated.

In fact, during the Pacific War of 1941 to 45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water - siphoned directly from the nut - to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.

Studies have shown that coconuts are anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. It is recommended that mixing coconut water with other juices for a tasty blend, increases the health benefit and decreases the amount of calories and sugars in the drink.

Previous studies indicated that coconut water lowers arterial pressure, eliminates swelling in hands and feet, normalizes the intestinal function and raise metabolism, relieves spasms and stomach pain, eases burns, rehydrates naturally because it is free of added sugars or chemicals, and heals damage induced by antibiotics and toxins in the digestive tract.

Indeed, players in the world's $1 billion market for 'sports and energy beverages' may find themselves facing an unexpected new competitor in coconut water. FAO has taken out a patent - its first ever - on a new process that would allow manufacturers to bottle coconut water that is biologically pure, very tasty and full of the salts, sugars and vitamins demanded by both sweating urban joggers and serious athletes.

The process was invented by Morton Satin, Chief of AG's Agricultural Industries and Post-harvest Management Service (AGSI), whose previous food inventions include high-fibre white bread and wheatless bread.

"Fresh coconut water is already highly valued in tropical countries," he said. "A young coconut between six and nine months contains about 750 ml of water - really, its juice that eventually becomes the flesh.

"It is a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It is the fluid of life, so to speak."

Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical coastal areas - once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and begins to ferment. But the production of coconut beverages, particularly as a byproduct of processing operations such as coconut cream processing and coconut dessication, has long interested food manufacturers.

Most commercial production today is carried out in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, using high-temperature/short-time pasteurization (the same technology used in UHT long-life milk). But thermal processing has a drawback - it eliminates not only the risk of bacteria, but some of coconut water's nutrients and almost all of its delicate flavour. This severely limits the product's marketability.

"The way we saw it, coconut water only had a future if we could invent a new cold sterilization process that retained its flavour and all its nutritional characteristics," Satin explained. "The answer was microfiltration technology: you filter the water through a medium - such as porcelain or a polyacrylic gel - that retains all microorganisms and spores and renders the permeate commercially sterile."

Drawing on his experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Satin conceived the new process "in about five minutes" and tested it on four coconut varieties with the help of an Italian consultant food technologist, Giuseppe Amoriggi. They also processed coconut water with added sucrose and L-absorbic acid, to approximate the vitamin and energy content of major sports drinks. When the inventors noticed some discoloration in the water of one coconut variety - albeit an "attractive pink" - they added lime juice to retain its original transparency. Finally, they called in a panel of tasters, who could detect no difference between fresh coconut water and what came out the other end of the FAO filtering laboratory.

Late in 1997, FAO officially submitted the new process to patent offices in Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom patent was granted in May 2000. The Organization is developing a licensing policy so that the process can be made freely available to a wide range of manufacturers. The main beneficiaries - apart from sportspeople - will be tropical countries that process or export coconuts, and small farmers who grow them.

Morton Satin sees coconut water as a natural contender in the sports drink market. "Just think of it," he said. "What could be better than a natural beverage product with the delicate aroma, taste, drinking characteristics and nutritional value of pure, fresh, tender coconut water, plus all the functional characteristics required of a sports drink?"

The new process was conceived and tested on four coconut varieties with the help of a consulting Italian food technologist, Giuseppe Amoriggi. They also processed coconut water with added sucrose and L-absorbic acid, to approximate the vitamin and energy content of major sports drinks. When the inventors noticed some discoloration in the water of one coconut variety - albeit an "attractive pink" - they added lime juice to retain its original transparency. Finally, they called in a panel of tasters, who could detect no difference between fresh coconut water and what came out the other end of the laboratory.

Miracle Group has developed coconut water-based sports drink for the global market.
Nigerian researchers have examined the blood sugar lowering effect of coconut water. The researchers include: Salihu M. Ajao, O. J. Oshiba, Rabiu O. Jimoh, Sikiru A. Jimoh, Ayokunle Olawepo and Adesola I. R. Abioye of the Department of Anatomy; and Luqman A. Olayaki of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

The study is titled "Comparative study of the hypoglycemic effects of coconut water extract of Picralima nitida seeds (Apocynaceae) and Daonil in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats."
The study compared the hypoglycemic (blood glucose lowering) effects of coconut water extract of Picralima nitida seeds to that of Daonil in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats.
According to the study published in African Journal of Biotechnology, 25 albino rats weighing between 170 - 200 g were randomly divided into five groups after allowing the rats to acclimatize for seven days and were made diabetic by intraperitoneal administration of 150 mg/kg of alloxan.

The rats were giving different volumes of the extract and Daonil as per their groupings. All the substances were given for five days by oro-gastric tube. The blood glucose level were measured daily in the rats. There was an initial inactivity in the rats following administration of the extract mixture and their appetite was low except for the control group.

The researchers concluded: "Therefore, coconut water extract of P. nitida seeds have a significant hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar) effects in alloxan-induced diabetes comparable to that of the Daonil, hence, it could be an effective adjunct in the management of diabetes mellitus."


In another study, Nigerian researchers have established that the common use of coconut water as a palliative for drug over-dosage is contraindicated.

The new study provided a scientific basis with which to validate the claims of this practice. It also investigated the safety of this practice by testing the effect of coconut water on the liver of patients who have taken overdose of paracetamol.

Harrison U. Nwanjo and Emma A. Nwokoro of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Imo State University Owerri; and Okey A. Ojiako of the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, have investigated for its possible effect on the acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdosage-induced hepatotoxicity (damaging to the liver) in three groups of albino Wistar rats.

The study is titled "Enhancement of acetaminophen overdosage-induced hepatotoxicity by coconut water."

The study was published in the journal of the Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology, Biokemistri.

The researchers wrote: "In concluding therefore, we posit that coconut water does not actually have any protective effect on the liver against toxicity of paracetamol overdosage. Rather, it could enhance the hepatotoxic effect of paracetamol overdosage. The practice of administering coconut water immediately following known or accidental poisoning by paracetamol may therefore be said to be an erroneous practice which should be discouraged.

"We recommend that more verification be done and the results of such findings be given wider publicity in order to educate people on the potential dangers of such improper therapeutic practice. This is particularly important in the rural areas of Nigeria where this practice is rampant. It is hoped that the findings of this study would pave way for further research possibilities on the therapeutic uses of coconut water owing to its availability."

Before now, researchers have found that virgin coconut oil, added to antibiotic therapy, may help relieve the symptoms of community-acquired pneumonia in kids faster than antibiotic therapy alone. The study's findings were reported in the Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

In another study, D. O. Ogbolu, A. A. Oni, O. A. Daini, A. P. Oloko of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, discovered that coconut oil at 100 per cent concentration was more active than conventional anti-fungal drug, fluconazole, against Candida albicans. The researchers in the study published in Phytotherapy Research recommended that coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species.

Nigerian researchers have also found that coconut milk offered stronger protection on indomethacin-induced ulceration than coconut water in rats. The study titled "Antiulcerogenic effects of coconut extract in rats" is published in Phytotherapy Research by R. O. Nneli , O. A. Woyike of the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University.

Traditionally, a decoction of the bark of Coconut is taken orally in Nigeria for scabies, while a decoction of the root is taken orally for uterine diseases, urethritis, bronchitis, liver ailment and dysentery.

Folkloric writings are replete with accounts of the efficacy of the coconut for many ailments -from the cure of wounds, bums, ulcers, lice infestations to dissolution of kidney stones and treatment of choleraic dysenteries.

Researchers have now confirmed some of these claims opening new frontiers in the management of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Specifically, they have demonstrated in research spanning over a decade, the efficacy of the coconut oil as a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent.

THE GUARDIAN - Natural Health, Nigera

Friday 6 March 2009

Treat eczema with coconut oil

Eczema is a dermatological term for extra dry or inflamed skin. Its also known as: atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and infantile eczema. Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery.

Eczema is usually a persistent, itchy skin condition consisting of skin dryness and inflammation (manifested by redness of the skin, crusting and thickening of the skin). Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and may be associated with an allergic reaction, although the cause is often unknown. Eczema is a commonly inherited condition; it often affects people with a family history of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Research into the cause of eczema is still in the beginning stages.Many people do not realize that eczema is not contagious and a child might be unnecessarily sent home from school. Atopic eczema is a chronic, recurring condition with flares (which are active or new patches of eczema) and remissions (when eczema is not as active). An attack of eczema is usually described as acute or chronic, but the only distinction lies in the greater or less intensity of the inflammation at the time of description.

It doesnt have anything to do with the length of time that the disease has lasted. A severe attack of eczema is usually accompanied by some slight constitutional disturbance, but the general health seldom suffers appreciably, unless, as occasionally, the itching is so bad as to make sleep impossible. However, eczema is actually dermatitis that is in advanced, more serious stages.Childhood eczema is sometimes found behind the knee or in the bend of an elbow and will often completely clear up by the time the child reaches puberty. Irritant Contact Eczema is caused by contact with a substance that could be encountered daily, such as soaps, certain chemicals, and detergents. Varicose Eczema is a condition found in the lower leg.

In adults, eczema is commonly located on the inner elbow or behind the knee. Other more serious types of eczema include nummular, discoid and dyshidrotic.The use of coconut oil is found beneficial for healing eczema or dermatitis. Unprocessed organic virgin coconut oil soothes immediately and goes to work on healing eczema, dermatitis or just about any skin condition.

Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). It is the MCFA that give coconut oil its healing benefits. The majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have any negative effect on cholesterol and hence, protect the body against from any form of heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.Lauric acid, known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, contributes about 50% of the fatty acid in coconut fat. Lauric acid, which is also contained in mothers milk, is the most essential fatty acid for the building of an immune system.

In the body, it is converted to monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride that destroys lipid-coated viruses (such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, herpes, and influenza) as well as pathogenic bacteria.Coconut Oil To Heal Eczema Skin The MCFA help restore damaged skin, by penetrating into the cell structures of the connective tissues. Hence, it is excellent as a natural eczema treatment, for other skin disorders as well as for anti-ageing purposes. It also helps prevent the skin from developing liver spots, by destroying free radical formation.MCFA in coconut oil help to prevent fungal and bacterial infections in the skin. At least one type of bacterium feeds on the sebum of our skin, breaking down the tryglycerides of the coconut oil into free fatty acids. When they are broken apart into free fatty acids, they become powerful antimicrobials, killing disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The combination of the slightly acid pH of the skin and the MCFA provides a protective chemical layer on the skin that prevents infection from disease-causing organisms. When you bathe or shower, ordinary soap tends to wash off the acid mantle of your skin. Applying coconut oil helps to restore the protective layer of your skin. It helps to reduce any inflammation and is healing to wounds, blood blisters and rashes.

(Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX)
Karachi, Mar 04, 2009

Thursday 26 February 2009

Break Out the Coconut Oil: It is Good for You

Natural News
Tuesday , February 24, 2009 by: Amie Sugat, citizen journalist

If you could make one change in your current diet which would positively affect all other areas of your life, would you do it? If you knew that just three tablespoons of a saturated fat would positively benefit your current health condition, would you take those three tablespoons of medicine?

The Secret Fountain of Youth

The secret Fountain of Youth, of health and longevity, has been located. No, it`s not actually water, but the fountain-like tree of the Coconut Palm or Cocos nucifera, which is a member of the Arecaceae family. This family also includes the famous acai fruit, dates, and other drupe fruits which are popular in tropical and subtropical regions.Many common products and foods are derived from the palm family. In fact, all through history palms have become symbols of life, victory, peace, fertility, and sustenance.

The Coconut Palm, in particular, is often called the tree of life in the many cultures which rely on it for sustenance. Virtually every part of the Coconut Palm is used for something - from roof thatch to boats, from clothing to firewood, from garden mulch to a variety of culinary uses. In Sanskrit the name is kalpa vriksha, which means "the tree which provides all the necessities of life." While those in Malay refer to it as pokok seribu guna, or "tree of a thousand uses." In the Philippines, the coconut is affectionately termed "The Tree Of Life."

Wherein Coconut is The Main Course

If a person were to take a look at the countries in which coconut oil and milk were staples of the diet, they would notice that those who have not adopted any part of a western diet are beautiful and robust. If you were to take a trip to Sri Lanka, where coconut products are used in every meal and the population consumes an average of 120 coconuts per year, you would notice the health and fitness of the inhabitants. A little more research would show you that merely one or two deaths of every 1,000 are contributed to heart disease, compared to heart disease in America, which contributes to nearly half of all deaths.Other countries which rely heavily on coconut include most parts of India, the Philippines, and most islands of the Pacific.

You would notice that these people who have not adopted the modern Western diet - which contains unsaturated margarine and vegetable oils - and who consume this saturated fat of the coconut oil also have low instances of any major illnesses. Heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and many other common complaints of the Western World are virtually nonexistent. Their secret is coconut oil. When people of these regions have adopted the Western diet, researchers have found that the instances of these diseases became comparably close to that of Americans. In fact, a major study was performed on the remote islands of Pukapuka and Tokelau. The entire populations of these islands took part in the study. Before the study, coconut oil, milk, and meat was the main staple in the diet contributing to 60% or more of the populations` daily intake of calories from fat, while the American Heart Association only recommends that up to 30% of daily calories consumed come from fat and that no more than 10% of that fat should be saturated.

Despite this recommendation, those populations were consuming 50% of their calories are from saturated fat from coconut products. Yet, these people showed no evidence of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, or any other immunological or degenerative disease common in the Western World. In fact, atherosclerosis and arthritis were not even heard of!When researchers had half the population in the study begin eating a Western diet, they began to develop the disease found in the Western world within days to weeks of adopting the new Western diet. When they returned to their traditional coconut-based diet, the diseases disappeared.

The Right Kind of Fat

Make no mistake; this article is not discussing hydrogenated coconut oil. Refined and/or hydrogenated coconut oil, just like other refined or hydrogenated oils, should never be consumed. Refined or hydrogenated oils of any kind contain harmful metals and toxins as well as nonmetabolizable and indigestible fats, which promote diseases. When you hear reports about studies which claim that coconut oil does raise cholesterol levels and promote heart disease, they are leaving out the crucial point that the study was done with hydrogenated coconut oil.

No, this article is discussing pure, unrefined, organic, coconut oil. Dozens of studies over the past few decades have shown that natural coconut oil, the organic extra virgin kind, has no adverse effects on cholesterol levels. In fact, researchers have found quite the opposite is true. The fact is if unrefined coconut oil was the cause of disease, then these countries which rely heavily on it would show evidence of disease. In reality, quite the opposite is true.

Bad Publicity

Unfortunately, the fallacy of the reported negative research has slipped up many reporters and by and large the misinformed writers, healthcare professionals, and the public. While the reports were accurate, the conveyed information left out that refined and hydrogenated coconut oil was used in the studies, which developed diseases in the participants. This problem is compounded because everybody recites and repeats each others` false statements. If the public and health care professionals were only to read the new research and the full reports, they would find that they were in the dark ages of nutritional knowledge. So, if you hear about negative aspects of coconut oil and product, realize that the person is misinformed and kindly do some research of your own.On the other hand, research performed with unrefined coconut oils resulted in some amazing findings.

People who consumed the unrefined and non-hydrogenated coconut oils were healthier at the end of the study than those who consumed the refined and hydrogenated coconut and/or vegetable oils or a low fat diet. Manufacturers have become so pleased with the health benefits of coconut oil that they have begun to use it as a "secret" ingredient in their baby formulas and adult nutrition formulas used in hospitals for tube feeding. Research has now confirmed that coconut oil is one of the most nutritious and healthful foods available. It is recommended to everyone, including those with health problems, to include unrefined coconut oil into their diets daily.

The Miracle Non-Nut

While coconuts are called nuts, they are not actually nuts. Rather, they are the monocot seed of the palm family. It is rare that anyone has allergies or adverse reactions to the coconut. So rare, in fact, that none have been reported. However, many report the positive reactions they have felt from the coconut. Those who have diabetes have reported lower blood sugar counts. Those which have high cholesterol have reported lowered cholesterol. Those who experience lethargy or low body temperatures have reported their energy levels rising and their body temperature normalizing.

Even those experiencing common addictions have reported quitting smoking and drinking without even realizing it. Those who suffer from obesity have reported a reduction in food cravings and astounding weight-loss of around 2 pounds per week. They claim that the weight melts right off!How much do you need to take to receive health benefits? The recommended daily dosage is three tablespoons. Of course, you can feel free to take more than that. Coconut oil is heat-stable oil. You can cook with it, fry with it, bake with it and even eat it right out of the jar. It is a delicious butter replacement and melts easily onto your toast. It adds a delicious, light flavor to everything it complements.Since it is solid at room temperature and liquid at body temperature, it is shelf stable for months, even years, in the right conditions. Unlike other oils, even olive oil, it does not develop cancer-causing chemicals at moderately high heat. So, go ahead, replace your butter and cooking oil. You can even replace your favorite skin cream and lotion. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and provides excellent health benefits both outside and in.

Resources:

1. Eat Fat, Look Thin By Bruce Fife http://www.piccadillybooks.com/eat-...
2. Wikipedia: Coconuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut
3. Wikipedia: Arecaceaehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecaceae
4. The Coconut Diet By Banahaw Health Products Corp.http://www.coconutdiet.com/
5. Nutiva Nourishing People & PlanetCoconut Info Pagehttp://nutiva.com/coconutinfo.php

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Cancer's Best Medicine - including Virgin Coconut Oil

Apollo Publishing Releases "Cancer's Best Medicine," Second Edition Latest News Wall Street Journal

PORT ORCHARD, WA, Feb 19, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Mauris Emeka has published a groundbreaking work on cancer, titled "Cancer's Best Medicine -- A Self-Help and Wellness Guide," second edition. "We are losing the war on cancer; our approach is all wrong," says Emeka. He points out that the malignant tumor commonly thought to be 'the cancer' is but a symptom of cancer. The book notes that cancer itself is the process that causes the tumor symptoms. It further notes that conventional treatment almost always ignores one proven fact: the fact that cancer is a chronic metabolic disease arising from dietary deficiencies.




This 64-page self-help book explains what individuals can do to stop the process of cancer, and in turn prevent malignant tumor symptoms from forming. Since cancer develops because of a problem with the body's metabolism, it is most important to understand that this dreaded disease is closely linked to diet and lifestyle. According to Mr. Emeka, the cure for cancer will continue to be a mystery as long as it is insisted that cancer is solved by simply shrinking or removing the malignant tumor(s). Upon reading this book it becomes clear that less attention should be given to the local nature of cancer and more focus put on the malfunctioning process that causes malignant tumors to form.

Topics covered in "Cancer's Best Medicine" include the benefits of deep green leafy vegetable juicing, Essiac tea, apricot kernels (the source of laetrile), flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, UNREFINED VIRGIN COCONUT OIL , and stress reducing measures, to mention a few. It also discusses how to accomplish the following: 1.) make the body chemistry less acidic and more alkaline, 2.) strengthen the immune system, and 3.) introduce more digestive enzymes and oxygen into the body. These things are said to be crucial for creating an environment where the process of cancer cannot thrive. This book is a 'back to basics' approach for nourishing the body to enhance its own healing power. And the good news is that each person can choose to nourish his or her body with foods and lifestyle practices that fortify it against the ravaging affects of cancer.

"Cancer's Best Medicine," second edition, is Mr. Emeka's third book on the subject of cancer and diet. It includes an index, a recipe section, bibliography, and an extensive Q & A section. Read it and discover a wealth of information that can help unleash the body's healing power. It is available from:

Apollo Publishing,
P.O. Box 1937,
Port Orchard, WA 98366,
porter41@silverlink.net,
www.cancernomore.com

also available from bookstores, including Amazon.com.

Thursday 29 January 2009

Three Reasons to Love Coconut Oil

Natural News
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 by: Matt Monarch, citizen journalist

If you can manage to buy truly raw, unheated, unprocessed coconut oil, you will love it as if it were your own child. Granted, yes, that may be a slight exaggeration, but for a raw foodist, or somebody that likes to eat and live as naturally and healthily as possible, coconut oil is a must-have. Here are four ways in which you can successfully use coconut oil.

On your skin: Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is 100% natural. Even if you wash your face solely with water, the natural oils can still be lost from the skin, due to the various pollutants that are in the air and to extreme weather conditions. Coconut oil puts the protective oil back into the skin, and although it's not your own oil which your skin produces, the coconut oil has its own protective qualities. Our skin needs oil to remain elastic, and normal clinical moisturizers have mainly water and only a small amount of highly refined oil, which will not have any natural protective qualities. Also, coconut oil has antiseptic qualities, warding off bacterial and fungal infections.

In your raw desserts: coconut oil is the perfect addition to many raw desserts. Because raw foodists don't cook anything in order to bind them, they must find other ways to bind the ingredients in a raw dessert. Coconut oil is liquid at room temperature and solid below 76 degrees F (24.5 degrees C), so you can let it sit out for a few hours before making your dessert and then mix it up with whatever the other ingredients are (e.g. hazelnut meal, cacao powder and dates). Then, just pop the mixture in the fridge. The end result will be a fudgey type consistency with a faint taste of fresh coconut.

For weight-loss: most people who are aware and up to date with their nutritional facts do know that there are fats which the body needs in order to function correctly, and also that fat consumed does not necessarily lead to an increase in body fat. Saying that, fat does have more calories than protein and carbohydrates, so you have to go a little bit easy. However, it is thought that the fat in coconut oil actually behaves differently to most other plant fats and can actually lead to weight-loss. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, as opposed to long chain fatty acids, which is said to be burned up by the body for energy, instead of being stored as fat. Furthermore, study conclusions are also telling us that the fat in coconut oil may lead to an increase in metabolism.

One jar of coconut oil can have multiple uses, but make sure that it's raw and extra-virgin coconut oil, so that it retains all of its health giving properties.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconu...
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/prod...

Down streaming of coconut encouraged in Solomons

SOLOMON STAR - National News
Wednesday, 28 January 2009

SOLOMON Islanders have been encouraged to engage in the coconut down stream processing as the country prepares to cease copra export next year.

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority’s (CEMA) Development and Extension Officer Alfred Ramo uttered the encouragement at the handing over of a manual coconut pressing machine to the Ontong Java Farmers Association, in Honiara, last week.

A local distributor, Set Marketing & Advertising Agency, provided the equipment to the association at the cost of $20,000. The equipment will allow farmers to extract pure virgin oil.

Mr Ramo told the association members that there would be no more copra exports as of next year.
He encouraged local farmers to venture into downstream processing of coconut product.

"One of the products is pure coconut virgin oil," he said.

Mr Ramo commended the association for its initiative to produce pure coconut oil over the years. It is a step in the right direction in preparation for the changes.

"This is a right move and a step into achieving what CEMA wants to see in the country as of next year," he said.
Throughout the world, he said, many countries have ventured into producing their own pure coconut oil.

If more rural farmers produce pure coconut oil, he said, the country would not import coconut oil overseas. In return, the farmers would earn money from the export and sales of their products.

The export of copra was halted because coconut mills in Europe, which usually buy copra from Solomon Islands, have closed down and concentrated on importing coconut oil.

Solomon Islands has no option but to be part of this world-wide undertaking. Solomon Islands will be processing copra to produce oil to attract higher prices.

The coconut oil production, he said, will also benefit exporters in terms of volume, freight and monetary returns. This process attracted higher returns compared to copra production.

Mr Ramo said the move is in line with CEMA's plans. CEMA had previously established six copra crashing mills throughout the country.

The mills were established in Tenaru on Guadalcanal, Gojoruru on Isabel, Kaonasughu on Makira, Malu'u on Malaita, Lata in Temotu Province, Tarakukure on Choiseul and Noro in the Western Province.

By MOFFAT MAMU

Friday 23 January 2009

Why is Coconut oil unique and unlike any other fat?

NATURAL NEWS - Natural Foods, Natural Living
Friday, November 30, 2007 by: Teya Skae, citizen journalist


Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s). Two-thirds of the saturated fat in coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fat. This important fact deserves clarification as MCFA’s actually helps us to lose weight, lower cholesterol, improve diabetic conditions and reduce the risk of heart disease.

One of the most outstanding benefits of consuming MCFA’s is that they do not require the liver and gallbladder to digest and emulsify them. This means instant energy and increased thermogenesis (increased metabolic rate in the body) which leads to more heat production as well as improved circulation. For anyone with impaired fat digestion or a removed gallbladder, coconut oil is the only oil to consume as it is very easily digested.

MCFA’s are also known for having antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, so they are beneficial to our immune system. In addition, coconut oil assists people with under-active thyroids by increasing the metabolic rate of the body and creating more energy.

Ray Peat Ph.D., a physiologist who has worked with progesterone and related hormones since 1968, says that the sudden surge of polyunsaturated oils in the food chain post World War II has caused many changes in hormones. He writes:

Their [polyunsaturated oils] best understood effect is their interference with the function of the thyroid gland. Polyunsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. When the thyroid hormone is deficient, the body is generally exposed to increased levels of oestrogen. The thyroid hormone is essential for making the ‘protective hormones’ progesterone and pregnenolone, so these hormones are lowered when anything interferes with the function of the thyroid. The thyroid hormone is required for using and eliminating cholesterol, so cholesterol is likely to be raised by anything that blocks the thyroid function (http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/efatox.rtf)
It is very interesting to note that high cholesterol is not a sign of eating too much saturated fat. High cholesterol in a lot of the cases is due to an under-active thyroid which affects the liver as well as the many loops and feedback systems within the endocrine system. Stress and the over consumption of carbohydrates/sugars also form high levels of cholesterol.

What are saturated fats and why do we need them?

Saturated fats are semi solid at room temperature and are found in animal products such as meat, poultry, lard, poultry skin, whole milk, cheese, eggs, butter and tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil.

Our body actually needs saturated fats to stay healthy. Why?

1) Saturated fats constitute at least 50% of our cell’s membranes - the phospholipid component of every cell. Saturated fatty acids are what gives our cells structural integrity, so the cell walls are not weak and can protect the inside of the cells.

2) Saturated fatty acids play a vital role in the health of our bones. For calcium to be effectively utilized by the bones, at least 50% of the dietary fats should be saturated.

3) Saturated fatty acids actually lower Lipoprotein (a), a substance in the blood that leads to heart disease, whereas excess consumption of vegetable oils increases it.

4) Saturated fatty acids protect the liver from alcohol and other toxins, including Tylenol, a pain reliever.

5) Saturated fatty acids are needed for the proper utilization of omega-3 essential fatty acids because omega-3’s are better retained in the tissues when the diet is rich in saturated fats (particularly organic virgin coconut oil)

6) Saturated stearic acid found in beef and cocoa, and palmitic acid found in coconut oil are the preferred foods for the heart; which is why the fat around the heart muscle is highly saturated. The heart draws on this reserve of fat in times of stress.

7) Saturated fatty acids such as caprylic acid found abundantly in coconut oil, is anti fungal and helps combat candida (yeast overgrowth that is common in our society).

8) While saturated fats raise both the bad and the good cholesterol, TFA’s as well as excess consumption of omega-6 fatty acids raise the bad Low Density Lipo-protein (LDL) and suppress the good High Density Lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol, making it even worse.

In conclusion, avoiding TFA’s is a must. There are no tolerance levels. They are serious culprits of degenerative conditions disguised in some of the most tempting foods to date. Avoiding over consumption of polyunsaturated oils (omega-6 fatty acids) such as flax oil and completely avoiding corn, soy, safflower and canola is a great start, as polyunsaturated oils have been shown to contribute to heart disease, inflammation, under-active thyroid and weight gain.

Use virgin organic coconut oil. I stress the importance of using only virgin organic coconut oil because the refined version of coconut oil no longer has the same structure and same health benefits as the virgin organic coconut oil. In fact, consuming plain coconut oil can even give someone a headache or nausea.

The food manufacturers will not willingly return to using naturally saturated fats such as coconut oil, palm oil, butter and lard because they are more expensive. Only a concerted demand by educated consumers will bring traditional healthy fats back into our commercial food supply and restaurant cooking.

Using organic coconut oil in all cooking and baking is the best choice for a healthy alternative. Because virgin coconut oil is completely saturated and no TFA’s can be made from it, it is therefore harmless. In addition, it does not oxidize, even at 170degrees Celsius.

Virgin Coconut oil is the fat of fats as it also helps us burn body fat for energy because of its unique molecular structure of medium chain fatty acids. So do enjoy eating more organic virgin coconut oil, drinking organic coconut milk/crème in your teas as well as pouring it over your porridge and munching on macaroons made from organic cocoa and desiccated organic coconut for health and longevity.

References

Keys, A., "Diet and Development of Coronary Heart Disease", J. Chron. Dis. 4(4):364-380, October 1956
Rekha Balu, “Trans Fat: Taste Buds Cry ‘Yes!’ but Arteries Demur,” The Wall Street Journal, June 8, 1998
Lynn Roblin, “Not all fats are created equal,” The Toronto Star Health Talk, June 24, 1998
Fred Tasker, “A Churning Controversy,” The Washington Post Health, June 2, 1997
Mary G. Enig PhD. Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol(Bethesda Press 2000)
Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats (NewTrends Publishing 2000, www.newtrendspublishing.com
www.mercola.com/2006/dec/26/the-health-harming-confusion-about-saturated-fats.htm
The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil, by Bruce Fife (Piccadilly Books, 2001).
Eat Fat Look Thin by Bruce Fife (Piccadilly Books, 2002).