Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
Does a low fat diet really help improve your health? Does eating saturated fat cause heart
disease? Depriving your body of essential fats increases cravings of other
foods, such as refined carbohydrates, that lead to weight gain. One of those
naturally occurring healthy fats that have been demonized by the medical
establishment is coconut oil.
Now, all saturated fats are not the same. There is a big
difference between naturally occurring saturated fats in coconut oil, avocados
and olive oil, and artificially manipulated, man-made fats found in junk food
and cooking oils. These are called hydrogenated oils, and are terrible for you.
These “trans fats”, as they are called, should be avoided for your good health.
Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of medium chain
triglycerides (MCT’s), not counting breast milk. Virgin coconut oil is very
stable, and does not oxidize or break down quickly. It has a shelf life of more
than 2 years.
Coconut oil actually increases metabolic rates that lead to
weight loss. MCT’s promote thermogenesis, making heat or energy in your body,
which burns calories.
One of the most common underlying physical conditions found
today is a low functioning thyroid. Have you heard of anyone who has the
symptoms of a low functioning thyroid (can’t lose weight, memory loss,
depression, sleeplessness, fatigue, dry skin and brittle nails, hair loss,
muscle cramps and the list goes on)? These same people have their blood thyroid
levels tested, and are reported as “normal.” There are very few options for
those people these days. One of the latest scientific finds is that as these
people lower polyunsaturated oils from their diet, and start incorporating
coconut oil, their body temperature starts increasing, they have more energy,
and some can actually start losing weight.
Another great use of coconut oil is with a myriad of skin
conditions. Here in the United States, this is the most popular use of coconut
oil. You eat it and put it on your skin for the best results. Coconut oil has
the most positive affect on fungal skin infections. Coconut oil, as a medium
chain fatty acid actually disrupts the lipid membranes of organisms with its
high lauric acid content. Monolaurin is the actual compound found in breast
milk which enhances a baby’s immunity. Capric acid, found in smaller amounts,
is also a source of antimicrobial components found in coconut oil.
Coconut oil can also be used to help fight diabetes. Medium
chain fatty acids, like coconut oil, are sent directly to the liver to use as
energy. This makes coconut oil a quick source of energy, a function most think
is served by simple carbohydrates. Have you ever heard of athletes who
carbohydrate load before a big event? Here is the big difference between the
two. Coconut oil does not produce an insulin spike in your blood stream, so
diabetics can safely use it for quick energy.
In fact, a study done way back in 1980, by Geliebter, showed
that by adding coconut oil to the diets of diabetics and pre-diabetics, it had
a weight stabilizing effect, which dramatically decreased the likelihood of
getting adult onset type 2 diabetes.
Did you know that in the Pacific Island population, where
cardiovascular disease is nearly nonexistent, 30 to 60% of their total calories
come from fully saturated coconut oil? Despite all the propaganda and hype over
saturated fats in medicine, the truth is that unsaturated fats are primarily
involved in heart disease, not the naturally occurring saturated fats. Dr.
Barry Groves in, “Second Opinions: Exposing Dietary Misinformation: The
Cholesterol Myth,” found this to be true, along with multiple other suppressed
studies.
The polyunsaturated fats in vegetable and seed oils
encourage blood clots by increasing platelet stickiness. Coconut oil helps
promote normal platelet function.
Coconut oil is superiorly safe to use. Make sure to buy virgin organic coconut oil.
This medium chain fat is used in baby formulas, in hospitals to feed the
critically ill (those being tube fed and those with digestive problems, and
even in treating aluminum poisoning.) It is exceptionally helpful for pregnant
and nursing moms, the elderly, athletes and those concerned about digestive
health and overall wellness. One to two tablespoons per day is a good
recommended amount to obtain the healthful benefits.