The coconut palm tree is grown in many tropical regions around the world and it has not only been a food staple to the indigenous people, but it's also been used as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments and the coconut fibers are used to make twine and rope.
History
Although people in the tropics have been consuming coconut oil for centuries, it wasn't until the 19th century that it became a common food ingredient in North America.
Primarily comprised of saturated fat, coconut oil became widely used for baking because it remains stable at high temperatures and is solid at room temperature, which extended the shelf life of a variety of popular baked goods such as cookies and crackers.
By the early part of the 20th century coconut oil began facing some stiff competition from the domestic vegetable oil industry who claimed that their products were better for baking because they were cheaper and healthier than coconut oil.
A targeted media campaign was launched warning the public of the "dangers" of consuming coconut oil and the final nail in the coffin came when researchers announced that saturated fats cause heart disease. Suddenly coconut oil was public enemy number one and imports to North America fell dramatically.
Although this allegation against coconut oil would later be proven false by several scientific studies, nevertheless the damage was done and to this day vegetable oil remains the "heart healthy" choice for millions of mislead consumers.
Health Benefits
Recent research has not only exonerated coconut oil as being detrimental to heart health, but also saturated fats in general. Saturated fats have been shown to lower two substances in the blood called Lipoprotein (a) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), which are now thought to be important indicators of heart disease.
Coconut oil in particular actually improves the ratio of HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") to LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") by raising HDL levels.
Saturated fats are also vital for good health because every cell membrane in your body is comprised of about 50 percent saturated fats, which gives them the necessary integrity to carry out their functions.
Coconut oil is made up of predominately saturated fats in the form of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), which possess a unique biochemistry in that they don't need to be emulsified by bile salts like other fats. This allows them to be easily metabolized by your body and instead of being stored as body fat, they are readily used for energy production.
Coconut oil is thought to play a role in healthy weight loss by optimizing thyroid gland function, because it creates a "thermogenic effect" by increasing body temperature and metabolic rate.
The main fat in MCFA is called Lauric Acid (also found in human breast milk) which is converted in your body into Monolaurin, a substance that strengthens your immune system and is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral.
Lastly, the saturated fats in coconut oil are needed to enable your body to absorb and utilize essential fatty acids such as Omega 3's and the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, which help to optimize brain function, maintain healthy vision, boost immunity and prevent cardiovascular disease as well as Osteoporosis.
Preparation and Usage
The best form of coconut oil to consume is unrefined virgin oil, because it's the purest form produced with minimal processing. Since coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is solid at room temperature and can be safely stored for up to two years in a kitchen cupboard without going rancid.
Unlike vegetable oils, coconut oil is highly stable and will not oxidize at high temperatures, making it the perfect oil for cooking or baking. It can also be added to smoothies or protein shakes to increase the healthy fat content or it can simply be eaten directly from a spoon as a tasty treat.
Coconut oil can also be used externally to moisturize dry skin and hair, as well as the scalp to reduce dandruff build up.
It's no wonder that the coconut palm tree is considered the most important nut crop in the world and that Polynesians call it "The Tree of Life". By adding just 1-3 tablespoons to your daily diet, you'll soon discover the amazing health benefits that people in the tropics have enjoyed for centuries!
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