Human Breast Milk Made More Beneficial With The Consumption of Coconut Oil

The unique composition of human breast milk fat includes the fatty acids, lauric acid and capric acid, which have potent antimicrobial properties. These fatty acids offer the nursing infant protection from viruses such as herpes and HIV, protozoa such as giardia lamblia, and bacteria such as chlamydia and heliocobater.

A study published in 1998 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that lactating mothers who eat coconut oil and other coconut products, have significantly increased levels of lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk. Thus, the milk supply has increased amounts of the protective antimicrobials , which will give even greater protection to the nursing infant.

Pregnant females store fat to assure successful lactation. Any lauric acid and capric acid in the diet becomes part of the adipose stores. The milk fat of a lactating mother is made up of these stores as well as her current diet. If her diet doesn't contain lauric acid, then generally her milk fat will contain around 3% lauric acid and round 1% capric acid.

When a lactating woman adds foods rich in lauric acid to her diet, the amount of lauric acid available in her breast milk increases substantially to levels three times the original level and nearly double the amount of capric acid. In countries where coconut oil is a diet staple, levels of lauric acid in the mother's milk can be as high as 21% and capric acid can be as high as 6% giving her infant even more protection against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

Coconut oil can be used instead of butter in cooking and baking. You can stir it into oatmeal or even use it as a spread. Also, this oil's antimicrobial properties are beneficial for the skin. Pregnant women in many cultures the world over rub cocnut oil on their expanding bellies to keep skin soft and prevent itching.

REFERENCES

Fife, Bruce. The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil

Francois CA, Connor SL, Wander RC, Connor WE. Acute effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acids of human milk. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1998;67:301-308.

Bach, A.C., et. al. 1989. Clinical and experimental effects of medium chain triglyceride based fat emulsions-a review. Clin. Nutr. 8:223

The Latest Coconut Oil Research

By: Mary G. Enig, PhD

One of the very useful oils in the food supply comes from the coconut. Coconut oil has suffered from unjust criticism for more than 30 years in the United States because some of the governmental and food oil organizations, as well as consumer activist organizations such as Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), have claimed that coconut oil as a "saturated fat" is shown to be atherogenic. This is not true.

There is a variety of supportive research published in 2003, 2004, and 2005, which shows the importance of coconut oil. Also, information on coconut oil is currently coming into the research literature from numerous countries, including India, Norway, Iran and the United States.

The following are some of the most recent studies showing the benefits of coconut oil. These studies contradict claims that coconut oil contributes to heart disease and also support earlier research showing an antimicrobial role for the fatty acids in this traditional fat.

BENEFICIAL FOR HEART DISEASE

Recent research contradicts claims that coconut oil causes atherosclerosis and heart disease. In a study published in Clinical Biochemistry, 2004,1 researchers looked at coconut oil as a component of diet in laboratory animals (Sprague-Dawley rats). In this study, virgin coconut oil, which was obtained by wet process, had a beneficial effect in lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and low density lipoproteins (LDL). The effects were uniformly beneficial. In serum and tissues, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels were lowered and HDL-cholesterol was increased. The polyphenol fraction of virgin coconut oil was also found to prevent in vitro LDL-oxidation. We know that oxidized cholesterol can initiate the process of atherosclerosis—the fatty acids in coconut oil prevent this oxidation. The results in this study were interpreted as due to the biologically active polyphenol components present in the oil.

LOWERS LP(A)

Another study dealing with lipoproteins and cholesterol was carried out in women. Researchers found that coconut oil-based diets lowered post-prandial tissue plasminogen activator and lipoprotein (a).2 Lp(a) is a blood marker that is a much more accurate indication of proneness to heart attack than cholesterol levels. Researchers had believed that levels of Lp(a) were unaffected by various forms of dietary fat intake. However, in this study, Lp(a) was lowered when the subjects consumed a high-saturated fat diet and somewhat lowered when they consumed a slightly lowered-saturated fat diet. The saturated fat used in both of these diets was coconut oil. The control diet was based on a monounsaturated oil.

POISON ANTIDOTE

One of the more interesting uses of coconut oil found in the human toxicology literature involves the beneficial use of coconut oil as a successful treatment for acute aluminium phosphide poisoning. This poison is used to control pests in grain storage facilities where it functions as a poisonous gas, namely phosphine gas, which is a mitochondrial poison. There is no known antidote for aluminium phosphide. The patient described in this case study survived following rapid treatment which included taking baking soda and coconut oil, as well as supportive care, and it was concluded that coconut oil had a significant use as an added part of the treatment protocol in this type of poisoning.3

ANTI-MICROBIAL

A few researchers have known for some time that a derivative of coconut oil, lauric acid and monolaurin, are safe antimicrobial agents that can either kill completely or stop the growth of some of the most dangerous viruses and bacteria. Many bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics but herbal oils such as the oils of oregano and the major fatty acid from coconut oil, lauric acid, which the body turns into the monoglyceride, monolaurin, are showing great promise as anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents. Monolaurin, in particular, is being shown to be useful in the prevention and treatment of severe bacterial infections, especially those that are difficult to treat or are antibiotic resistant. Difficult bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus as well as other bacteria have been studied here in the United States in research groups such as Dr. H.G. Preuss’s group at Georgetown University. They found that monolaurin combined with herbal essential oils inhibited pathogenic bacteria both in the petri dish (in vitro) and also in mice (in vivo).4

REFERENCES

1. Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil on lipid parameters and in vitro LDL oxidation. K.G.Nevin and T. Rajamohan, Clinical Biochemistry 37,2004;830-835).
2. A Diet Rich in Coconut Oil Reduces Diurnal Postprandial Variations in Circulating Plasminogen Activator Antigen and Fasting Lipoprotein (a) Compared with a Diet Rich in Unsaturated Fat in Women. H. Muller, A.S. Lindman, A. Blomfeldt, I. Seljeflot and J.I. Pedersen. Journal of Nutrition. 133:3422-3427, 2003.
3. Successful treatment of acute aluminium phosphide poisoning: possible benefit of coconut oil. S. Shahin, R. Mojgan, P. Abdolkarim, R. Mmohammad-Hosein, A. Mohammad. Human & Experimental Toxicology, 24:215-218, 2005).
4. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of herbal essential oils and monolaurin for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Preuss HG, Echard B, Enig M, Brook I, Elliott TB. Molecular Cell Biochemistry, 2005:272:29-34).

The Need For Healthy Fats in Your Diet

Nutritionists recommend that 30 percent of our diet comes from fats. Our cells require fats to work properly. Each cell membrane in our body is made up of 50 percent saturated fat. When we do not take enough saturated fats, our cells stop functioning properly.

People often think that the less fats we eat, the better. However, you do not necessarily need to reduce your fat intake. You only need to choose a fat that doesn't contribute to weight gain, a fat that is beneficial to you. Yes, you can lose fat by eating fat. Having the right type of fats makes you feel full and stops you from craving for food.

The reason why most low-fat diets don't work is that people cannot stay on the diet for long. They will have cravings for food and ultimately go on eating binges. All that hard work going on a low-fat diet then goes down the drain. The coconut oil diet can help you as it has the right type of fats.

Organic extra virgin coconut oil is known as the "energy fat" and is favored by dieters, athletes, and body builders. It is slightly lower in calories than most other fats and oils and is processed in the liver and converted directly into energy. The body needs fats to function properly. Taking most of the fats in your diet from organic extra virgin coconut oil will make you more energetic and lower your calorie intake. Talk about killing two birds with one stone with the coconut oil diet.

Why is the fat in organic extra virgin coconut oil so good? The reason is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. One system of classifying fatty acids is based on the molecular size or the length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA).

Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). The vast 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. These MCFAs and MCTs make the coconut oil diet beneficial.

Medium chain fatty acids are more easily digested than the long-chain fatty acids found in other oils. This is because they are processed directly in the liver and immediately converted into energy. There is therefore less strain on the liver, pancreas and digestive system and, being easily digested, they also tend to improve the absorption of other nutrients. Therefore, the body functions more efficiently when you take the coconut oil diet.

Protect your immune system and nourish your health with Organic extra virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil Heals Digestive Conditions

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows, the local people have learned of the importance of coconut oil use in effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut oil products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Modern medical science is now confirming coconut oil use in treating many medical conditions. Coconut oil, in one form or another, is used in hospital formulas to nourish seriously ill patients who cannot take solid food. Instead of food, the patients take formulas containing coconut oil. Quick nourishment is delivered to these patients as coconut oil is rapidly absorbed. They get nutrients from the formulas containing coconut oil, thereby speeding up their healing process.

Coconut oil is an important ingredient in the baby formulas that hospitals use to feed new-born babies. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut nourish babies and help them to grow. They also serve the purpose of protecting babies from virus and bacteria while their immune system is still weak.

Coconut oil is also recommended by medical doctors for people with digestive problems. The fat in coconut oil is easily absorbed without the need for digestive enzymes. This is critical as the cells in our body require fats to function well. People with digestive disorders can still get their supply of fats from coconut oil for their cells. Coconut oil also improves vitamin and mineral absorption.

Protect your immune system and nourish your health with virgin coconut oil.

Saturated Fat in Coconut Oil is A Good Fat

In the past, saturated fats as a whole were called bad fats that can cause all kinds of heart related diseases. Did you know that humble coconut oil is 92% saturated fats? Then why is it that there are many advantages of taking coconut oil as a health supplement?

Supporters of extra virgin coconut oil argue that coconut oil helps them to improve skin condition, have more energy, and even to lose weight. Huh? consuming saturated fats to lose weight? How is that possible?

These advocates hail extra virgin coconut oil as one of the hottest new nutritional supplements to hit the health and nutrition industry in years. This logic flies against conventional wisdom, doesn't it?

Saturated fats were the main culprit for heart disease. When hydrogenated vegetable fat (trans fat) was invented like in margarine, it was supposed to replace "unhealthy" saturated fat like in butter and was thought to be a healthier form of fat. Only until it was discovered in the last few years that hydrogenated vegetable fat(trans fat) basically sticks to artery walls and harden. This causes the blockages which lead to all kinds of heart disease. So hydrogenated vegetable fats are more dangerous to your heart health than the saturated fat found in coconut oil and butter.

It is with this thinking that proponents of coconut oil is now arguing that not all forms of saturated fat may be bad and the coconut oil may be one of them. Dr. Bruce Fife, a US based naturopath and author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle" remarked during a press conference in Singapore last month, "Not all saturated fatty acids act in the same way. The fat in coconut oil is different from most other fats and has many health giving properties".

He further added that, "The Lauric acid (in coconut oil) boosts immunity, has antioxidant properties and is being investigated in reducing viral load in HIV patients. You should also take into account the size of the carbon chain in the fatty acid. Most of the oils and fats we consume are long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is the richest source of medium-chain fatty acids, which actually behave very differently from the long-chain versions."

"Medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil boost the body's metabolic rate and promote weight loss. They are broken down immediately in the liver to produce energy and are not stored as fat," he added. Coconut oil also stays liquid above 76 degrees, so it will not harden and cause blockages in the arteries like hydrogenated oils do. Coconut oil has been referred to as the "oil from heaven". There's good reason to believe that consuming Extra Virgin Coconut Oil may change your health for the better.

Effectively Fight Viral Infections with Coconut Oil

Viruses are a headache for doctors because there are no drugs that are effective against them. Doctors are only able to prescribe anti-viral drugs to reduce the severity of the viral infections and the symptoms.

The only real defense against viruses is our body's own natural defenses. Upon entering the body, a virus triggers the body's immune defenses. These defenses begin with white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which learn to attack and destroy the virus or the cells it has infected.

If the body survives the virus attack, the lymphocytes "remember" the invader and are able to respond more quickly and effectively to a subsequent infection by the same virus. This is called immunity.

A cold, flu, herpes and mononucleosis are viral infections. When most people get hit by a cold or flu, it usually lasts a few days to a week or more. There is no medicine or cure for the common cold or flu. Your body's immune system has to fight the virus by itself. That is why it takes a long time to recover from flu.

Coconut oil has medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that can kill lipid-coated viruses. MCFAs are easily absorbed into the lipid membranes of viruses. MCFAs weaken the membrane so that it disintegrates. The membrane splits open, spilling its insides and killing the virus.

Coconut oil strengthens your immune system by providing a good source of energy and stimulating metabolism. An increased metabolism makes the immune system more efficient. The body can heal and repair itself faster. White blood cells are more efficient at fighting invading viruses.

Coconut oil is not a cure for viruses nor is it guaranteed to make you feel better when you are down with the flu. However, there are many instances when people suffering from flu infections recover faster by taking dosages of coconut oil daily.

2 to 3 tablespoons a day are ideal for general health, you may need to up your intake when you're fighting an infection or trying to overcome a disorder. Indeed, one can try taking coconut oil to speed up recovery from illness. After all, coconut oil provides many nutritional benefits. In this age of super viruses, we cannot depend on medications to protect us. Coconut oil is a food we can take daily to boost our immune system and fight viral infections effectively.

Protect your immune system and nourish your health with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Advantages of Coconut Oil Dieting

People who use coconut oil products know of it's many benefits, especially when it comes to dieting. Even though it's a fat, it's not an unhealthy fat. Research has shown that it can assist you in losing weight rather than gaining it.

Nutritional evaluations of coconut oil that were performed over 25 years ago were on hydrogenated coconut oil instead of the organic product. This is how the confusion about saturated fats was started. Extra virgin organic coconut oil is completely pure, and will improve any diet. Coconut oil is beneficial because it has medium-chain fatty acids instead of long-chain fatty acids found in most other oils.

Because medium-chain fatty acids have smaller molecules, they are digested a lot quicker and not stored in the body as fat. Therefore, this form is thought to increase metabolism and burn fat, if ingested at the recommended amounts. Over half of the fatty acids that are in Coconut Oil diet are in the form of lauric acid. The body turns this fatty acid into a chemical called monolaurin, which is found in human breast milk and is a potent virus-fighting agent. It's been shown to fight bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections.

Another benefit of coconut oil is it's ability to regulate thyroid function. Nutrition expert Bruce Fife, ND has said that intake of about three tablespoons per day of extra virgin coconut oil can help reverse hypothyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. He also cites a study by the University of Colorado that says that coconut oil dramatically increases the rate of calorie burning. This means that coconut oil can be beneficial whether your thyroid is sluggish or normal.

Despite their reputation, some fats are always necessary...even in weight loss diets. So, extra virgin coconut oil is a delicious and healthy way to get healthy fats in your body. It can be used as an addition to smoothies and shakes, or for cooking and baking. Since it tolerates heat without oxidizing, it can be used in frying. Furthermore, it comes from completely organic sources.

Coconut oil can also promote healthier looking skin. Studies show that the right kinds of fat can decrease the chance of wrinkles in the skin, which is wonderfully appealing to anyone, especially younger people attempting to maintain their current looks. Users have reported that it also lowers sugar cravings and eases some digestive problems. Supplement your diet with extra virgin organic coconut oil, and get the advantages of coconut oil dieting.