Coconut Oil

Research has now shown that one oil in particular, coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that supports immune system function.  Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a proven antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent and it is easily digested and absorbed. This is why it works well for conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease where digestion is a problem for many people.

The anti-fungal aspect of coconut oil helps to kill candida in the gut which is common problem for people with digestive issues. The great benefit of coconut oil is that it helps the body eliminate toxins as well as improving digestion and assists with the absorption of beneficial nutrients from our food. When more nutrients are absorbed this aids the body at cellular level and supports the immune system.

The most damaging fats and oils for the body are man-made hydrogenated fats (trans-fats) and polyunsaturated fats and vegetable oils. These fats and oils are damaging to your entire body because they affect the structure of cells and severely depress the immune system due to the hydrogenation processes they have undergone, resulting in an extremely toxic product that the body finds difficult to process. When your body is working in over drive trying to process toxic products it cannot function effectively.

Coconut oil is reported to enhance metabolism and for many people this helps them to achieve their ideal body weight in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Because metabolism is enhanced, the thyroid gland which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, by using coconut oil, this can be helpful in treating Hypothyroidism an underactive thyroid.

There are a number of published studies about the effect of coconut oil on metabolism.  Dr. Ray Peat, a biochemist and proponent of coconut oil for thyroid patients says;

“An important function of coconut oil is that it supports mitochondrial respiration, increasing energy production that has been blocked by the unsaturated fatty acids. Since the polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit thyroid function at many levels, coconut oil can promote thyroid function simply by reducing those toxic effects. It allows normal mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, without producing the toxic lipid peroxidation that is promoted by unsaturated fats. Coconut oil added to the diet can increase the metabolic rate.”

The best coconut oil to buy is one that is cold or expeller-pressed and unrefined. It’s a safe oil to use it for cooking as it has a high burning point. . Enhancing the natural flavour of foods, its consistency and great taste make it a useful oil when sautéing, or frying or used with curries and Thai style dishes. You can also use it in dessert dishes and baking or in your morning smoothie!

**Can be purchase online at www.vitalianaturalhealth.com.au**