This health food deal has become a real fad nowadays. It can be easy to get caught up in the popularity of it without fully understanding the health benefits of what you are eating.
Coconut used to have a very bad reputation because it is high in saturated fats. The myth that goes around is that these fats can clog your arteries which could lead to severe medical issues or even death. New research suggests that it doesn't quite work that way, however. We now know the differences between good and bad cholesterol and that there are different types of saturated fats, like those found in meats and cheese VS those found in coconut oil and other types of foods.
The saturated fat in coconut oil is called medium-chain triglyceride. Unlike it's counterpart, long-chain fatty acid, medium-chain acid metabolizes differently. According to Authority Nutrition:
"They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into so-called ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s."
The website goes on to explain how coconuts and their oil can have a very good effect on those suffering from Alzheimer's by increasing blood levels of ketone bodies, supplying energy for the brain cells, and relieving symptoms. My Grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years a go and is now facing assisted living in a nursing home. My Grandmother is still able to live on her own, but I plan on talking to her about this as soon as able. From what I looked up, very positive effects have been seen from continuing the recommended drug treatment and adding the coconut oil.
Now onto the next issue... How to cook it?!
Coconut oil can be used as pan grease in any and all recipes. They have flavored and non flavor varieties to really bring out some different flavors. Coconut oil can also be mixed into meals like oatmeal. I plan on looking into coconut oil further, because I saw a lot of physical health benefits from it as well, such as weight loss.
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As always, I recommend talking to your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle. I am not a professional, nor claim to be.
Do you have any comments, questions, or topic ideas? I would love to hear them!
Thanks for the info. My Mother has early onset Dementia and has been in a care center for nearly a year. I had no heard the benefits of coconut oil in this way, something to look into thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it that this could be potentially helpful! <3
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