Coconut Oil

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 we can put on our skin. This site aims to provide information on the health benefits of coconut products, particularly virgin coconut oil.

At one time coconut oil received bad publicity 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 helicobacter 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 undertaken on its effectiveness, and much research is currently underway on the incredible nutritional value of coconut oil.

Virgin Coconut Oil can only be achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra

How is Virgin Coconut Oil different from other coconut oils?

Most commercial grade coconut oils are made from copra. Copra is basically the dried meat of the coconut. It can be made by smoke drying, sun drying, or kiln drying, or derivatives or a combination of these three. If standard copra is used as a starting material, the unrefined coconut oil extracted from copra is not suitable for consumption and must be purified - i.e. refined. This is because the way most copra is dried is very unsanitary. Most of the copra is dried under the sun in the open air, where it is exposed to insects and moulds. The standard end product made from copra is RBD coconut oil. RBD stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. Both high heat and chemicals (e.g. solvent extractions) are used in this method.
RBD oil is also often hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. Hydrogenated oils have been shown to increase serum cholesterol levels which contribute to heart disease.
One of the main differences between Virgin Coconut oil and refined coconut oils is the scent and taste. All Virgin Coconut Oils retain a distinct fragrance and taste of coconuts, whereas the copra-based refined coconut oils have no taste or fragrance at all due to the refining process.
Why do some say that coconut oil causes high cholesterol levels?
While this claim has been widely disproved in many scientific studies and journals, unfortunately this perception is still around. The tropical oils were very popular in the US food industry prior to World War II. With the war and the shortages of imported tropical oils, an effort was made to promote local oils, like soybean and corn oil. The US is the largest exporter of soybeans. Studies were done to show that coconut oil, and all saturated fats, were bad for one's health because they raised serum cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, and all hydrogenated oils produce higher serum cholesterol levels, whether they are saturated or not. Recent research shows that it is the presence of trans fatty acids that causes health problems, as they are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the oil refining process.
In addition, numerous studies now show that the high lauric acid content of coconut oil is very beneficial in attacking viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, and that it builds the body's immune system just as human mother's milk does, which also contains lauric acid. Promising studies have been done on patients suffering from immune deficiency diseases, such as AIDS. With polyunsaturated seed oils now largely replacing coconut oil in the American and British diet, there is a huge deficiency of lauric acid that was present prior to World War II. The need for quality coconut oil, like Virgin Coconut Oil, is greater than ever!

Coconut Oil is the Healthiest Oil on Earth!

"If there was an oil you could use for your daily cooking needs that helped protect you from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, improved your digestion, strengthened your immune system, and helped you lose excess weight, would you be interested? This is what coconut oil can do for you.

What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do:

Does not increase blood cholesterol level.
Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation.
Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease.
Does not contribute to weight problems

What Coconut Oil DOES Do:
Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses.
Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions.
Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.
Supports immune system function.
Helps control diabetes.
Provides an immediate source of energy.
Supports healthy metabolic function.
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.
Supplies fewer calories than other fats.
Promotes weight loss.
Helps prevent osteoporosis.
Has a mild delicate flavor.
Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).
Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
Helps keep skin soft and smooth.
Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes.
Functions as a protective antioxidant."

Why do some say that coconut oil is bad for you? Tropical oils were very popular in the US food industry prior to World War II. The US is the largest exporter of soybeans. The well oiled marketing machinery funded by the soy bean and corn industry and supported by the American Heart Association was committed to change the American Diet, calling among others, for the substitution of saturated fats for polyunsaturates. The Prudent Diet, as it was called, left a legacy which still haunts us today. 40 years on, this conceptual change in the eating habits of Americans has negatively influenced and changed the dietary regimes of societies all around the world that were initially not even affected by America's particular meat, potato and milk diet. So determined was the pursuit of the American industries in converting their claims into magnificent billboards of health and wealth that even small island nations in the South Pacific were converted by this powerful marketing machine to change centuries of dietary traditions of tropical oils to importing polyunsaturated fats. Today heart disease is still on the increase and obesity, linked to the “new” American diet, is a major social problem worldwide that has governments worried about the health care cost of future generations. The U.K. and Australia unfortunately, are racing to catch up to their allies with a large percentage of the population being defined as overweight.

Studies were done to show that coconut oil, and all saturated fats, were bad for one's health because they raised serum cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, and all hydrogenated oils produce higher serum cholesterol levels, whether they are saturated or not. Recent research shows that it is the presence of trans fatty acids that causes health problems, as they are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the oil refining process.
Although many studies at the time had also shown research to the contrary, the mud stuck and by the mid 60’s the reputation of all saturated oils in America had been destroyed. This reputation later extended to the rest of the western world.

Lauric Acid (found in coconut oil) is necessary for good health says Dr. Mary Enig, a Ph.D. nutritionist/biochemist and one of the world’s leading authorities on fats and oils. She states, “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."

Coconut Oil and its Wonderful Health Benefits

Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a vital source of food for health and general well being in traditional communities of tropical regions. Recent research verifies traditional beliefs that the coconut palm is “The Tree of Life” and that, just like any other pure, whole food, coconuts and virgin coconut oil have a significant role to play in a well balanced, nutritious diet. Abandoning unhealthy lifestyles and reverting to natural foods can help to reverse many of the diseases that have manifested in our bodies through the highly refined diet of our modern society. This website provides information on the researched health benefits that can be derived from using coconuts and virgin coconut oil in conjunction with a well balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Coconut oil as a "functional food".

Medical research is in agreement that at least 30% of our daily nutritional intake should be made up of fats or oil. However, the structures of different oils are as diverse as nature itself and even a basic knowledge of what defines the different classification of fats will help us understand why this classification is so important when choosing oil to augment and support a healthy lifestyle for our children, families and ourselves.

Research shows that replacing other cooking oils with virgin coconut oil generally creates a more favorable HDL/LDL ratio. This oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties and, like all whole foods, contains nutrients for a healthy body.

Saturated Fat ~ A Vital Ingredient for a Healthy Body: Over many decades coconut oil received bad publicity due to its saturated fat content, but research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and coconut oil is unique in its structural make-up. It is not only the highest source of saturated fats (92%) but included in this is the highest source of saturated medium chain triglycerides (62%) of any naturally occurring vegan food source.

Furthermore around 50% of these MCT’s are made up of lauric acid, the most important essential fatty acid in building and maintaining the body’s immune system. Apart from coconut oil, the only other source of lauric acid found in such high concentrations is in mother’s milk.

Tropical oils and mother’s milk are by far the richest food sources of medium chain fatty acids available. The closest other source of these vital building blocks for our immune system would be milk fat and butter, comprising around 3% of its content. Any other vegetable oil is completely deficient in these medium chain fatty acids.It should also be remembered that the negative research done on coconut oil in the past was the result of one study conducted four decades ago, using hydrogenated oil (which has been processed and altered from its original form), not on virgin coconut oil.

Research shows that some saturated fat is in fact necessary for human health and modern research shows that the medium chain fatty acids help to increase metabolism and are more easily digested than fats 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 these MCFA provide the body with a wonderful, quick source of energy.

Virgin v. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Don't be mislead by the term "extra virgin" when used in conjunction with coconut oil. This term is borrowed from the olive oil industry and there is no such product or existing standard that can be applied to coconut oil production. If you see the term "extra virgin" be assured that it is simply a marketing ploy to encourage you to believe that the oil has something more to offer than virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil Capsules

There are a number of companies now selling coconut oil capsules. In many cases it is recommended that people consume 2 - 4 tablespoons of coconut oil per day. This would equate to approximately 28 x 1000mg capsules PER TABLESPOON! The companies selling these coconut oil capsules are recommending anywhere from 3 to 6 capsules a day, which is only a few drops of coconut oil. To ingest a therapeutic dose of oil using coconut oil capsules is going to be prohibitively expensive and also means that you would consume a large amount of gelatine.

"Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of Lauric Oils. The medium chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical effects." Jon J. Kabara, PhD - Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University

"The doctor of the future will give little medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease." Thomas A. Edison

Quotations About Life's Purpose

The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.Thoreau, Henry David

Look and you will find it-what is unsought will go undetected.Sophocles

You are a child of the Universe, no less than the moon and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.

Ehrmann, Max

Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives.Anonymous

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

Schweitzer, Albert

The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.

Borysenko, Joan

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.

Elliot, George

We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart.

Ruskin, John

Life is a promise; fulfill it.Mother Theresa
An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it.

Michener, James

Great minds have purposes, little minds have wishes

Irving, Washington

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose

Leider, Richard

If you can not find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

Dogen

Belief consists in accepting the affirmations of the soul; unbelief, denying them.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

"I have done my best." That is about all the philosophy of living one needs.Yutang, Lin

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.

Miller, Henry

You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny.

The Upanishads

That is happiness: to be dissolved into something complete and great.Cather, Willa

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.

Shakespeare, William

Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.

King, Martin Luther

Each small task of everyday is part of the total harmony of the universe.

St. Theresa of Lisieux

Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth.Anonymous
The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.

Aurelius, Marcus

If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.

Newton, Isaac

I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that will ultimately fail.

Wilson, Woodrow

Long years must pass before the truths we have made for ourselves become our very flesh.

Paul Valery

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. It's thin current slides away, but eternity remains.

Henry David Thoreau

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

Henry David Thoreau

Intense feeling too often obscures the truth.

Harry Truman

The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Fortune is like glass--the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken. Publius Syrus
We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.

George Bernard Shaw

There are no eternal facts, as there are no absolute truths.

Friederich Nietzsche

Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.

Euripides

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Malcom Forbes
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin

Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.

Benjamin Franklin

The education of the will is the object of our existence.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

.Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret.

Benjamin Disraeli

There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.

Disraeli

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.

George Eliot

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.

Edward Phelps

The days that are still to come are the wisest witnesses.

Pindar

However gradual the course of history, there must always be the day, even an hour and minute, when some significant action is performed for the first or last time.

Peter Quennell

"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."

Marcus Aurelius (121-180)

"Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved."‚ D.H. Lawrence

If you don't have time to do it right you must have time to do it over. Anonymous

You cannot teach a crab to walk straight. Aristophanes

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold. Aristotle

.Nature does nothing uselessly. Aristotle

A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one. Aristotle

.Half the work that is done in the world is to make things appear what they are not. E.R. Beadle
Success is never final. Winston Churchill

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge. Confucius

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors. Confucius

A good book has no ending. R.D. Cumming

There is only one way to come into this world; there are too many ways to leave it.

Donald Harington

The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

.So much of our time is preparation, so much is routine, and so much retrospect, that the path of each man's genius contracts itself to a very few hours.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing endures but change. Heraclitus

There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision. William James

Luxury is more deadly than any foe. Juvenal

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

Clarence Buddinton Kelland

It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Thomas Paine

Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.

George Santayana

It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have everything one wants.

Blaise Pascal

Life is but a moment, death also is but another.

Dr Robert Schuller
no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn -jim

I would rather be ashes than dust; I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brillant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot; I would rather be in a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow than in a sleepy and permanent planet; the proper function of man is to live, not to exist; I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them; I shall USE my time. ---

Jack London

You see the Earth as a bright blue and white Christmas tree ornament in the black sky. It's so small and so fragile - you realize that on that small spot is everything that means everything to you; all of history and art and death and birth and love.----Russell Schweikart, astronaut contributed by Heath Batz

Such as we are made of, such we be.---William Shakespeare contributed by Edmund

You only live once- but if you work it right, once is enough. --- Joe E. Lewis contributed by Sara Grunden

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved -- loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -- Victor HugoContributed by Carol

We teach what we live.--unknown Contributed by Bill

In men whom men condemn as ill, I find so much of goodness still,In men whom men pronounce divine,I find so much of sin and blot, I do not dare to draw a line , Between the two where God has notunknown contributed by Lesa

"From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax, to be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, and enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth." -- Thich Nhat Hanhd

Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.T.S. Elliot

In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life; it goes on!-----Leo Buscaglia--contributed by Kathleen

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didnt get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.---Buddha----contributed by Kathleen

It is better to deserve an honor and not receive it, than to receive one, and not deserve it!----- Mark Twain----contributed by Tom

Never does a man portray his character more vividly than his proclaiming the character of another.-- Winston Churchill-- contributed by kathleen

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced; live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.--- Cherokee Saying contributed by Krystal

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else. --- Emily Dickinson