Part of the reason coconut oil is such a powerhouse superfood is its unique nutritional profile. It was avoided and shunned for years because of its 92% saturated fat content but recent research is showing this stigma was unwarranted.
Here's why:
Most of the fats in coconut oil are saturated but they are in the form of MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides, also called MCFAs), which affect the body differently than short and long chain fats. The MCTs are composed of:
Most of the fats we consume are long chain fatty acids that must be broken down before they can be absorbed. Coconut oil is high in short and medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production.
Because MCFAs are sent right to the liver for digestion, no bile or pancreatic enzymes are needed for digestion, making coconut oil a healthy food even for those with diabetes or those who have gallbladder problems.
MCFAs can help increase metabolism since they are sent directly to the liver and give the body an instant source of energy. Most of the MCFAs in coconut oil are the highly beneficial Lauric Acid.
Benefits of MCFAs (MCTs)
All of these MCTs are beneficial to the body. They are metabolized differently than longer chain fats, going straight from the digestive system to the liver. This provides a quick source of energy and brain fuel.
These rare oils are naturally free of cholesterol and hard to find in nature.
This may be part of the reason that coconut oil is so beneficial to the brain and for weight loss. It isn't digested or stored in the same was as other fats and is more quickly available for use.
Coconut oil is also a decent source of several fat soluble vitamins (mainly A and K) as well as healthy polyphenols.
Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is found in abundance in human breast milk and converts to a substance called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease.
One study combined lauric acid-rich coconut oil with oregano oil, and found it effective in fighting the staph bacteria than antibiotics. It has also been shown to be preventative against some cancers.
Coconut Oil is over 40% lauric acid, the richest source naturally available.
Allergic to Coconut?
So coconut is great, but many people are allergic or intolerant to it.
What is the alternatives to coconut products for those who are allergic.
Those who can't tolerate coconut may find these alternatives helpful:
Coconut Oil Nutrition
If you've been around the real food community much, you've probably noticed the rapid widespread popularity of coconut oil. Once ostracized by the medical community for it's saturated fat content, it seems that coconut oil might finally be making a comeback in the mainstream health community.
Coconut oil is the most nutrient dense part of the coconut. It is solid at room temperature like butter and doesn't break down in heat or light.
For years, "health" advice has warned against consuming saturated fats, and coconut oil has gotten thrown out with the rest without good reason!
What Can't Coconut Oil Do?
Still working on this one! As if all the above uses weren't enough, studies have linked coconut oil to the following health benefits: