Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."

The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

• Helps protect against osteoporosis.

• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

• Improves digestion and bowel function.

• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

• Reduces inflammation.

• Supports tissue healing and repair.

• Supports and aids immune system function.

• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

• Functions as a protective antioxidant.

• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

• Reduces epileptic seizures.

• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

• Dissolves kidney stones.

• Helps prevent liver disease.

• Is lower in calories than all other fats.

• Supports thyroid function.

• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

• Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.

• Helps control dandruff.

• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Coconut Coir

Coconut husks contain elastic and extremely strong fibers. These husks are harvested and soaked for many months, and then beaten, washed and dried. Finally, the pale yellow fibers are spun into yarn. After further processing it is then woven into beautiful floor coverings. Coir can be fitted into any area of your home except for kitchens and bathrooms, and is a very durable hard wearing floor covering. Fitting either be by sticking directly to the floor, or by sticking to an underlay which has been stuck to floor

and this is coir carpet.

"Coconut Coir Sheet " Cococoir The Best Growing Media Plant

Coco coir is a relatively new growing medium available these days for the hydroponics soil less culture. It is being produced as a bi-product of the coconut tree. Coconut husk is processed to produce fibrous material for use as a growing medium.

Coco coir as a proven best alternative to any growing media. Its soft structure promotes easy root penetration and healthy growth. Coco coir is 100% environmentally friendly. It is a renewable resource that is consistent in quality. Coco coir has the best physical and chemical properties to promote better plant growth.

1. Coco has high water-holding capacity. It can hold water up to eight times of its weight and release it over a period of time.
2. Coco has ideal pH in the rang of 5.5-6.7
3. It has excellent drainage and air porosity for better plant growth.
4. Coco is very low in EC and carries mostly potassium salts, which is an essential major plant nutrient.
5. Cation exchange capacity is very good.
6. Coco coir has some anti-fungal properties that help plants to get rid of soil borne diseases. It inhibits pathogens like Pithium.
7. Coco is very easy to re-hydrate after being dehydrated.
8. It is a biodegradable source that degrades very slowly and has a life of three to four years.
9. Contains significant amounts of phosphorous (10-50ppm) and potassium(150-450ppm).

As mentioned above coco coir is not just a natural product with very good properties for plant growth, it also has some winning advantages over other growing mediums.

The Advantages of coco coir

1. It is a 100% renewable resource
2. Coco coir is light in weight
3. It is consistent in high quality
4. Coco coir is completely environmentally friendly
5. The top of the product layer in grow bags/pot always remain dry, leaving behind no chances of fungal growth
6. Coco coir never shrinks, cracks or produces crust
7. It promotes better root systems in a short time
8. Coco coir is odorless, pleasant to handle and uniform in composition

How To Lose Weight With Virgin Coconut Oil

Are you tired of endless fad diets that don't work? There are thousands of books and gadgets out there claiming to help you lose those unwanted pounds. One problem with a lot of diets is they're hard to stay on for long periods of time. We end up 'falling' off our diets and we gain back the weight we might have lost. Not only that, we feel frustrated and feel that we’ve failed when we can't 'stick' to a diet.

Low-fat diets have been around for years. Unfortunately, low-fat diets eliminate a very important nutrient that our bodies needs...fats! Our bodies need fats to absorb certain minerals and vitamins. Fats are also used to make cellular membranes and important hormones. Cutting fats completely from your diet can really affect how well your body functions.

Introducing virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is gaining popularity as a healthy way to lose weight. Now before you jump the gun and say that coconut oil is bad for you, listen to this...What we're talking about is 'virgin' coconut oil. Regular coconut oil is highly refined and loaded with cholesterol. Virgin coconut oil is a completely different form of coconut oil by the way it's processed. It's one of the healthiest dietary oils on the planet.

Polynesian societies have been using virgin coconut oil for centuries. They've enjoyed excellent cardiovascular health and vitality by consuming coconut oil and coconut food products.

Here's why virgin coconut oil is so good for you:

1. Virgin coconut oil is not bleached, refined or deodorized
2. Virgin coconut oil is a stable, healthy saturated fat - completely free of dangerous trans-fatty acids.
3. Virgin coconut oil contains no cholesterol or hydrogenated fats
4. Virgin coconut oil is made up fats that are digested more efficiently than regular saturated fats

Virgin coconut oil is different than other fats. Traditional fats from butter, meats and whole milk are stored in your body cells; waiting to be burned for energy at a later time. This can lead to increased fat stores, increased body weight, and higher cholesterol levels.

Virgin coconut oil is made up of special fats called medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). When you eat MCFAs, they're immediately sent to your liver and converted into a rapid source of energy. This means more energy levels for you. Increased energy levels means you'll burn even more calories - leading to faster weight loss.

Another good thing about virgin coconut oil is that it reduces your food cravings. One problem with low-fat diets is they don't supply you with enough dietary fat for normal metabolic functions and growth. This makes your body crave fat....Did you ever notice how a low-fat diet always seems to leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied? This is your body's way of telling you that it's missing something from your diet. These food cravings may cause you to snack throughout the day, leading to more weight gain and frustration. Adding virgin coconut oil to your diet may help reduce food cravings you might get with a low-fat diet. Eliminating food cravings means you won't be snacking as much during the day. This lowers your total calories which can lead to faster weight loss for you.

How much virgin coconut oil should you take to lose weight? Most literature suggests you start with 1 tablespoon per day and work your way up to 2 - 3 tablespoons per day. Since you're getting a healthy source of dietary fat in your diet, you need to cut back on all other saturated fats in your diet. Most of your healthy fat calories will be from the virgin coconut oil, which are digested and metabolized faster than traditional fats. A great way to take virgin coconut oil is by mixing it into fruit smoothies or protein shakes.

Virgin coconut oil is also one of the healthiest oils to use for frying foods in. Most vegetable oils can suffer heat damage when used during high heat frying. Oils such as olive oil make great salad dressings, but may suffer oxidative damage from high heat frying. Virgin coconut oil is not affected by high heat or experiences chemical changes during frying.

How much weight can you lose with virgin coconut oil? This is a good question and a hard one to answer. It will depend on your general level of health and your overall metabolism. Every body is a unique individual and will respond differently when they try to lose weight. I believe the key to successful weight loss is by eating a healthy diet, along with consistent moderate exercise. Please remember to consult your physician before beginning any weight loss/exercise regimen.

In conclusion, virgin coconut oil is a healthy alternative to traditional vegetable oils that can help you lose weight. Your body gets a great source of dietary fat for optimum health. This leaves you feeling full and satisfied after each meal, reducing food cravings. The medium chain fatty acids in virgin coconut oil are rapidly converted to energy. This speeds up your metabolism and you burn more calories.

Don't forget that virgin coconut oil isn't refined, bleached or deodorized. It's a healthy oil with no cholesterol or hydrogenated fats. What more could your body ask for?