You may have already heard or read about coconut oil being a ‘super-food’, but what has the humble coconut done to achieve this status? Foods that have significant health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered 'super-foods.' Coconut oil certainly lives up to this reputation. RICH IN MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES
Coconut oil is very rich in a particular type of fatty acid called medium chain triglycerides (MCT). This name refers to the length of the fat molecule –its molecular chain is slightly shorter than long chain triglyceride molecules, which make up virtually all the fats we normally eat. Such a slight difference in chain length makes an enormous difference in our bodies. EASILY ABSORBED
Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are small enough to be absorbed from the digestive tract without the need for pancreatic enzymes or bile juice and can pass straight into the bloodstream. All long chain fats need to be packaged up with protein and cholesterol (lipoproteins) to make the journey from our gut into our cells. Because MCT are so quickly and easily absorbed, they are ideal for anyone suffering from absorption or digestive problems, those with their gallbladder removed, and for babies with poor growth or gut problems. Coconut oil MCT can even be absorbed in the mouth –just eat a little and feel it dissolve as it is absorbed! USED TO MAKE ENERGY, NOT FAT
Once absorbed, MCTs travel straight to the liver, where they are rapidly used up to make energy or heat –our body does not generally use this type of fatty acid to make fat, preferring to use sugar or long chain fatty acids. Coconut oil MCTs provide us with energy about as fast as when we eat sugar, without the sugar- low afterwards! Coconut oil is therefore ideal for anyone wanting a rapid source of energy without risking hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) –great for athletes, body builders, children, frail people and anyone with low energy. CAN PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS
While providing us with a rapid source of energy, the MCT in coconut oil are also considered to be more ‘filling’ or satiating for us, compared to long chain fatty acids. Studies have shown that people who substitute coconut oil for other vegetable oils in their everyday food tend to actually eat less, because they feel more full. As if this wasn’t enough of a bonus for our systems, coconut oil MCTs contain slightly less calories per gram than ordinary fats and have also been shown to increase metabolic rate! STRONG ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIVIRAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES
Both mothers' milk and coconut oil are rich in the immune boosting lauric acid, which is converted in our body to monolaurin. Monolaurin contains extraordinarily powerful antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Unlike man-made antibiotics and antivirals these fatty acids pose no danger within our bodies, they are completely harmless to us, yet powerful at destroying harmful microbes by damaging the cell membrane of these competing organisms. This makes coconut oil one of the best foods to eat during the cold/flu season, or for anyone with lowered immunity or prolonged stress. Blue Coconut oil can also be used topically to speed the healing of cuts and bruises by destroying microbes and enhancing tissue repair. Some examples of microbes Coconut Oil has been shown to fight:
• Influenza virus
• Herpes
• HIV
• Measles
• Hepatitis C
• Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever)
• Candida
VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, HYPOALLERGENIC
Coconut oil is the only highly saturated oil that is vegan and ethically produced. During its production, there is no association with machinery used for gluten, nuts or dairy products. The incidence of coconut allergy is believed to be extremely rare. It is not classified botanically as a nut, but rather a drupe. Blue Coconut uses sustainable coconut crops and no animals have, or will, suffer from the production of our oil. EXCELLENT FOR SKIN AND HAIR
Coconut oil is fantastic for keeping skin and connective tissues strong and supple. It helps protect skin from the aging effects of free radicals and naturally reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots. It is also one of the best nutritional moisturizers for our hair and scalp. Applying coconut oil has been known to enhance texture and highlights in hair while eliminating dandruff and dry skin. For those who suffer from dermatitis or eczema, coconut oil can remarkably improve skin health. Use it as food, apply it to your skin and add a little to your bath for smooth, healthy skin. Finally, coconut oil is the best massage oil on the planet. It softens and moisturizes your skin, heals and protects skin from infection and feels beautiful to the touch. ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS
Coconut oil is the most stable of all the commonly used fatty acid sources due to its high composition of saturated fats. This stability is very important because it reduces the free radical load on our bodies. Physiologist and biochemist Ray Peat, Ph.D. considers coconut oil to be an antioxidant due to its resistance to oxidation and free radical formation. Coconut oil is also believed to protect the more delicate essential fatty acids from oxidation, both in food and within our bodies. This means that coconut oil is a fantastic accompaniment to nuts, seeds, vegetables and seafood in our diet. WHY IS COCONUT OIL SO GOOD TO COOK WITH? THE TASTE
Blue coconut cooking oil has a delicate, nutty flavour that really brings out the flavour of accompanying ingredients. It provides a crispness to your fried or roasted food, and a creaminess when added to smoothies ,porridge or baking. Because Blue coconut cooking oil has the coconut flavour evaporated, it will appeal to everyone. COCONUT OIL IS VERY STABLE
Because Blue Coconut cooking oil has a very high smoke point of 232 ° celcius, it is fantastic for high heat sautéing, roasting or frying. The stability of coconut oil means it will no go ‘off’, or rancid, as fast as other oils and it will prolong the freshness of your baking compared to other vegetable oils. With Blue Coconut cooking oil you are guaranteed a fresh, non-hydrogenated oil that will last in the pantry or kitchen without becoming rancid, or oxidised, for about 2 years! WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM USING COCONUT OIL? Blue Coconut is committed to bringing you the highest quality coconut oil, and providing you with accurate information and advice to maximise your health and enjoyment of this unique oil. Like everything in health, it is about balance. Coconut oil is an extremely beneficial oil when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish and laughter. People who are not familiar with coconut oil often question how a highly saturated fat can be so good for you. This is a very reasonable question, given that we have been told for decades that we should limit our saturated fat intake! If you want to know more about this, visit our website, www.discovercoconut.co.nz, or check out some independent advice such as Lee-Anne Wann, the fitness instructor from 'Downsize Me'.
