The exotic coconut: The 'super nut' Part 8

(MENAFN- Arab News) In Part 7 I wrote about the benefits and healing properties of coconut oil on skin health and problems like acne eczema psoriasis insect bites
and superficial wounds and burns. Now I shall talk about other aspects of this healthy oil.
Virgin coconut oil's medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) have different healing actions on many areas of the body. We saw how it produces powerful ketogenic effects on the brain cells (neurons). Ketones improve and could reverse once thought to be hopeless conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other disorders such as Parkinson's multiple sclerosis (MS) personality disorders. VCO also enhances cognitive skills as was shown in recent studies done by Dr. Newport. Depressive and mental disorders could also benefit from the oil.
According to studies the MCTs in the oil cause the body to produce ketones which help to feed brain cells that are unable to uptake glucose. Giving neurons alternative fuel may assist in treating mental illnesses and personality disorders as well as enhancing mental clarity and cognitive performance. A study published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging showed that a single dose of coconut oil gave immediate positive cognitive response and memory improvements in older people with memory issues compared to the placebo group.
Through its ketogenic cleansing virgin coconut oil (VCO) can also starve cancer cells which thrive on sugar and fermented amino acids. Cancer chokes body cells and coconut oil's potent ketogenic effect starves cancer cells to death.
Coconut oil plays an important role in the digestive tract by enhancing the liver function and lowering inflammation. Recent lab studies have demonstrated the effects of lauric acid on colon cancer which seemed to destroy 93 percent of cancer cells (Caco-2) in a very short time after the starting of the treatment. By increasing glutathione levels in the cells to fight oxidative stress it causes cancer cells to die. Glutathione is a very potent antioxidant that is found in garlic and other powerful condiments as well as some spices. It has been found to destroy cancer cell ability to propagate and prosper in the body. While oxidative stress decreases glutathione in the cells coconut oil stops the loss of glutathione and helps its synthesis in the body. It is a protector of cells against cancer and other disorders.
In a study in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia it was found that virgin coconut oil had antioxidant agents similar to green tea. They are the potent polyphenols which fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
In studies lab rats were ovariectomized (removing ovaries) to be studied for bone loss. Removing the ovaries in mammals can lead them to lose bone mass and develop osteoporosis. However those who were fed VCO increased their bone mass. VCO protects and helps in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) thus preventing lipid peroxidation which leads to osteoporosis such as found in rats without ovaries.
According to another research coconut oil was found to lower oxidative stress in the testes of lab rats by boosting their levels of the hormone testosterone. On the other hand the oil was shown to reduce swelling in enlarged prostate in lab rats induced by elevated testosterone. VCO seems to have corrective and balancing effects in the body.
Coconut milk which contains the same compounds as the oil produces healing effects on stomach ulcers and related inflammation. It also acts on the stomach lining and reduces acid reflux and heartburn resulting from rising acidity which erodes the lining of the esophagus.
The milk also disperses stomach and intestinal gas and bloating and reduces events of constipation food allergies and intestinal problems. Moreover it is a good dietary supplement in all its forms for nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.
Virgin coconut oil's lauric acid is very bioavailable and easily digested. Not only it nourishes a sluggish digestion (difficulty to process fats) MCFA medicinal properties help cure digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) chronic indigestion and constipation gas bloating and more.
The oil should also be given to patients recovering from serious debilitating illnesses and injuries to benefit from its nutrient-dense properties. When used in cooking the oil helps the assimilation of nutrients like vitamins minerals and amino acids and helps break up other fats.
By improving the digestibility of food and boosting the metabolism VCO could promote the body's ability to lose excess weight or fat. Sally Fallon and Dr. Mary Enig prescribe the oral intake of the oil with hot water or herbal tea or bone broth twenty minutes before every meal to lose excess body fat. The oil has a thermogenic property the ability to burn excess fat hence helping in the process of weight loss. They recommend taking 1 tablespoon of the oil for 90-131 lbs. 1-1/2 tbsp. for 131-180 lbs. and 2 tbsp. for over 180 lbs. Fat intake gives the feeling of satiation thus reducing the urge for overeating and gaining unnecessary weight and harmful fat.
Nutritious fats are satisfying to hunger and filling whereas carbohydrates especially refined ones and simple sugars keep the body craving for more food because they are void of nutrients. The body requires nutrients to become healthy and balanced thus nutrient rich foods like healthy fats lean proteins and vegetables fit the criteria of giving the body satisfaction and curb appetite. With nutrient empty foods one feels a gnawing hunger all the time and the urge to eat all the time looking to satisfy body needs. Simple sugars and refined carbs deny the body such satisfaction. That is why a low-fat diet turns against the body and makes it stock more fat instead.
The body and brain need different types of healthy fats to perform different important functions such as to make hormones and neurotransmitters for brain signaling. Without fat in food the body cannot make use of the fat-soluble vitamins A D E and K which can get flushed out of the body without providing benefits.
One example is fat-free or skimmed milk. Without fat the body does not benefit from the calcium and other nutrients in the milk thus the body packs calories without enjoying the nutrients resulting in obesity along with nutrient deficiency. Often obese individuals end up becoming vitamin and mineral deficient.
Healthy fats in olive and coconut oils avocados nuts (almonds walnuts hazelnuts cashew fish oils seeds such as flax seeds chia sesame sunflower and pumpkin seeds) legumes and whole grains are required by the body and brain for their healthy essential fatty acids whether they are monounsaturated fatty acids medium chain triglycerides or omega-3 or -6 fats (polyunsaturated fatty acids). The brain (80 percent fat) and the body need them to make neurotransmitters and hormones (for the glandular and reproductive systems) and for other uses and functions. Each kind offers different benefits to achieve optimum health and performance. Even healthy individuals can benefit from them.
Today I covered some of the healing effects of coconut oil and its importance to both the brain and the body to make them function optimally. VCO should not replace the other healthy fatty acids like olive flaxseed and fish oils. It should be added to the list of healthy fats. Each type provides different benefits and functions in different parts of the body and the brain. Next week I shall tackle other health aspects of the oil.
References:
Coconut Water Nutrition Facts
Dr. Mary Enig's writings found in Weston A. Price Foundation publications
CoconutOil.com
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/the-best-home-remedy-for-joint-inflammat...
http://coconutoil.com/AlzheimersDiseaseDrMaryNewport.pdf
http://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-alzheimers/
Graciela E Hurtado de Catalfo Maria J T de Alaniz Carlos A Marra Dietary lipids modify redox homeostasis and steroidogenic status in rat testis. Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):163-8. PMID: 18549927
Maria de Lourdes Arruzazabala Vivian Molina Rosa Mas Daisy Carbajal David Marrero Victor Gonzalez Eduardo Rodriguez. Effects of coconut oil on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague-Dawley rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007 Jul:59(7):995-9. PMID: 17637195
Mark A Reger Samuel T Henderson Cathy Hale Brenna Cholerton Laura D Baker G S Watson Karen Hyde Darla Chapman Suzanne Craft. Effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate on cognition in memory-impaired adults. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. 2004 Mar;25(3):311-4. PMID: 15123336

N.B.:
Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.

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