Coconut oil: It’s okay, oil right!
June 1, 2004 | 12:00am
Fact is, Dr. Bruce Fife in his book The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil says, "I believe that coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth."
A certified nutritionist and doctor of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Fife belies all the bum rap this oil has been given by the press all this time. "It does not contribute to heart disease and, in fact, if you want to prevent heart disease, you should be using coconut oil," stoutly asserts Dr. Fife.
According to the good doctor, coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid which produces energy instead of fat. "They are broken down and used mainly for energy production. Therefore, they very rarely end up as fat deposits on the hips or other parts of the body or clog the arteries."
Author of 18 books, Dr. Fife is reportedly the first person to research and compile medical data on the health benefits of coconut oil, including its use in hospital IV solutions, baby formula, OTC drugs, sports drinks and energy bars.
Dr. Bruce Fife was a recent guest of the Virgin Coconut Oil Association of the Philippines and the Center for Trade Expositions and Missions of the Department of Trade and Industry. At the presscon held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Dr. Fife shattered the myth perpetuated by the US pointing to coconut oil as the richest source of saturated fat and a leading cause of heart diseases.
Coconut oil is saturated, all right, but according to Dr. Fife, "The saturated fat in coconut oil is unlike the fat found in meat or other vegetable fats. It is identical to a special group of fats found in human breast milk which have been shown to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and protect against bacterial, viral and fungal infections."
Research shows that ordinary coconut oil is quite unique and provides many health benefits that no other oil can.
Dr. Fife, drawing from his extensive research, enumerates a litany of what coconut oil can do, to wit: It reduces risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease; 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; promotes weight loss; supplies fewer calories than other fats; improves digestion and nutrient absorption; helps prevent osteoporosis; and helps keep skin soft and smooth. If we may add, coconut oil is the favorite home remedy to achieve smooth, shiny hair – and even thicker hair for those suffering from HIV (Hair Is Vanishing). Please pass the coconut oil bottle!
The beauty of it all is we have an overflow of coconut oil right here in the Philippines.
In the same conference, noted Filipino pharmacologist Dr. Conrado Dayrit heartily agreed with Dr. Fife and shared his own findings on the beneficial effects of coconut oil, particularly virgin coconut oil, on HIV-infected and SARS patients.
"Dr. Bruce Fife should be commended for bringing together in this very readable book the positive health benefits of coconut oil. The inquiring reader will have a new and more balanced view of the role of fat and especially saturated fats in our diet," says Jon Kabara, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Michigan State University.
Oil you need to know about coconut oil is in Fife’s book, says Dr. William Campbell Douglas, who strongly prescribes that "you get a copy of the book and study it for yourself."
If you’re not using coconut oil, you’re missing half of your life – quite literally!
Writes Mary Enig, Ph.D., "Coconut oil has a unique role in the diet as an important physiologically functional food. The health and nutritional benefits that can be derived from consuming coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. Although the advantage of regular consumption of coconut oil has been underappreciated by the consumer and producer alike for the recent two or three decades, its unique benefits should be compelling for the health-minded consumer of today. A review of the diet/heart disease literature relevant to coconut oil clearly indicates that coconut oil is, at worst, neutral with respect to atherogenicity of fats and oils and, in fact, is likely to be a beneficial oil for prevention and treatment of some heart disease. Additionally, coconut oil provides a source of antimicrobial lipid for individuals with compromised immune systems and is a nonpromoting fat with respect to chemical carcinogenesis."
So, as the street-smart old folks would say, "Use your coconut!"
Dear Consumerline,
I would like to inform you that, as a result of the increase in calls to Crisis Line, we have added a second number in order to accommodate our callers. The additional Crisis Line number is 893-7606, aside from the existing 893-7603. Thank you for your support.
Best regards,
MEENA SEHWANI
Crisis Line coordinator
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