The Hype about Coconut Oil: Properties

In 2007, I visited the Samoan village at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. We watched this guy climb all the way to the top of a coconut tree! He had incredible strength, dexterity, and balance, and can you say.....guts! In Samoa, the coconut tree is known as the "tree of life" for its many uses. The oil of the coconut has brought a lot of hype, so let's talk about this controversial topic!

First, I want to emphasize that I think many oils have an important place in our diet. I specifically want to share the discussion regarding dangerous free radicals when HEATING oils. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, making them unstable and highly reactive. When mono-saturated or poly-saturated oils are heated to high levels, free radicals can form and attach. Why is this unsafe? Free radicals have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and inflammation.

I'm talking olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, etc. But wait, olive oil?? Yes, olive oil is a great addition to our diet, but it has been recommended to be used cold or at low to medium heats. Coconut oil is a medium chain saturated fat and doesn't allow free radical formation. Translation.....It seems like coconut oil is a better way to avoid these dangers while cooking. Just watch the label for the appropriate heating temps for that product.

But, Em, what about all the fat? Docs are still dogging all saturated fats despite the new revelations of coconut oil, which is a different kind of saturated fat. Coconut oil carries AMAZING antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It can decrease total and bad cholesterol and can decrease oxidative stress. Research this more and decide what's best for you!

Stay tuned for the next blog in two weeks! I'll have practical information about starting your diet with this impressive oil!

*This is an informational blog only and shouldn't be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, and/or treatment, and that you should see a medical physician, chiropractic doctor, or other health care specialist to address concerns that are outside the massage therapist's scope of practice.