Coconut oil, for many years, received a bad reputation simply because it is part of the saturated fat category. What distinguishes a saturated fat from a mono- or polyunsaturated fat in appearances is the ability for a saturated fat to be solid at room temperature. Coconut oil is a medium-chain (triglyceride) fat and; therefore, doesn’t need much energy to break down unlike its long chain animal-based saturated fat counterparts.
Our brains are 60% fat and require fat in the diet to replenish. Coconut oil also reduces inflammation throughout the body, unlike the plant-based fats such as safflower, grapeseed, corn and vegetable oils, and is being used successfully to slow the progression of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Coconut oil is also more heat stable and oxidizes less; thus being heart healthy instead of heart sabotaging.
Back in the 1950’s The Heart Association started pushing a fat free diet. In 2013 we are sicker, fatter and our IQ’s have dropped significantly as a population. If you have any of the following symptoms you may have a fat deficiency in your diet:
- Dry, scaly or flaky skin (e.g., feet/face/general)
- Cracking/peeling/calloused fingertips & skin (e.g., heels)
- Small bumps on back of upper arms
- Hair loss, dandruff, dry, lackluster, brittle or unruly hair
- Dry eyes/mouth/throat
- Menstrual cramps/premenstrual breast tenderness
- Excessive thirst
- Crave fats/fatty foods
- Stiff or painful joints
- Brain Fog and/or inability to concentrate
Remember that there are good fats to add to your diet and there are bad fats to eliminate. If you have questions or want more information about your particular situation give me a call to make an appointment for a consultation.
