Virgin Coconut Oil Raw Coconut Oil

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In our effort to locate tools to battle against immune system diseases, we are always on the lookout for products the medical community is embracing.

Coconut oil, once on the hit list for its high levels of saturated fat, is now back in good graces as studies have shown that the fatty acids in Virgin Coconut Oil do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the fatty acids found in seed oils. Much research is currently being done on its incredible nutritional value

A LOW-FAT FAT?

All fats, whether saturated or unsaturated, contain the same number of calories. However, the fatty acids in coconut oil contain less--only 6.8 calories per gram versus the 9 supplied by other fats. The fat in Coconut Oil is also digested and utilized differently; it doesn't circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, it is sent directly to the liver where it is immediately converted into energy. So whenever you ingest Virgin Coconut Oil, your body uses it immediately to make energy rather than storing it as body fat!

Additionally, this oil may be the best skin lotion available! Ever admire a Polynesian woman's skin or hair? The secret may be in the oil!

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One-quart glass jar

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral and antibacterial. Studies have been done on its effectiveness in lowering the viral load of HIV/AIDS patients. Coconut oil is also being used by thyroid sufferers to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products, as it is one of the healthiest things one can put on their skin.

At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease like the long chain triglycerides found in seed oils. Also, most research done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form.

Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products:

"Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil.