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Fatty

.Acids

Darlene Booth
R.H.N.

.....Taking charge of your health is a full time job and one where it does well to be somewhat of a skeptical detective. You have to stay current with the latest and greatest findings while at the same time sift through the reported facts and read between the lines. Always keep in mind that what is touted as the miracle food today, may well be the opposite tomorrow. The same in reverse.
.....For years we were lead to believe that eating fat is bad for you. Many of us bought this hook line and sinker and the heart healthy and dieting communities ate it up. Low fat diets became the latest and greatest tool for weight loss and many staunch followers soon found their health deteriorating as a result. We tend to operate in the extreme don't we? Where is the balance?
.....In the decades that followed, the fat story has changed somewhat. While it is true that some fats are detrimental to our health there are other fats that are essential to our overall well being. Included in this group are fats known as essential fatty acids. EFAs are fats that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. These beneficial fats are components of cell membranes, hormones and the nervous system. They are best derived from whole food sources such as nuts, seeds, fish and whole grains. Of all the bad fat publicity, saturated fats have probably been deemed one of the worst offenders and the awareness that saturated fat is a health hazard is deeply ingrained in our current culture. This is unfortunate. Not all saturated fat		 ...
centuries and when these cultures were studied in relation to their native diets the people were much healthier than us. It would be wrong to attribute this solely to coconut oil. There are always other factors.
.....Lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid is abundant in coconut oil and believed to be responsible for the healthy attributes of the oil. These medium chain fatty acids are also found in human breast milk. It is reported that lauric acid contributes to the antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil as well as helping to promote a healthy metabolism.
.....For many years we have been told to eat polyunsaturated oils. These oils are primarily made up of long chain fatty acids. Traditionally, polyunsaturated oils have been added to animal feed to promote weight gain. A number of decades ago, farmers opting to use coconut oil in their animal feed because it was cheaper, found that instead of gaining weight their livestock were leaner and more active. Of the reports I have read, medium chain fatty acids convert to energy more efficiently in the body rather than go directly into fat storage. This is a bonus. There are also reports that consuming coconut oil actually stimulates thyroid function whereas other fats and oils actually may contribute to sluggish thyroid function.
..... So remember what I said earlier about balance? You can't just bulk up on coconut oil and expect amazing benefits to follow. The key to optimal health is not always about what we add it is also about what we eliminate. There are unhealthy fats in our food chain. Especially in manufactured and processed foods. It is essential that we strive toward a wholesome, whole food diet. Start to use coconut oil in moderation to replace the other oils in your diet. One researcher recommends up to 4 tablespoons per day to supply enough lauric acid to enhance your immune system. I say to be informed, do your research and find what works for you.
.....I am inspired by these findings and intrigued by the research. It is truly food for thought. All fat is not created equal. Coconut oil can be a healthful and delicious addition to your diet.
.....Be well, be happy and Good health to You!
..... is created equal and while coconut oil is indeed a saturated fat, this plant based saturated fat is different from fat derived from animal origins. Studies and research are finding that by adding unrefined coconut oil to our diet we can boost our immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases, improve digestion and actually boost our metabolism. Wait a minute! Does that mean I can lose weight by eating coconut fat? There are popular
researchers who believe just that. Tropical cultures worldwide have been using coconut oil for