I believe fats are vital for us and ‘good fats’ are not as villainous as the media would have us believe. Fats found in ‘real’ food (that’s 100% whole foods without processing) are essential. Even olive oil, well documented to be a good monounsaturated fat, is 14% saturated fat. The myth has arisen because most anti-fat arguments are really referring to trans-fats or hydrogenated fats, the ones found in all processed foods, such as biscuits and pastries. I’m unsure if they even deserve the accolade ‘foods’; they are usually simply calorie dense products that offer little in the way of nutrition.
But let’s remind ourselves of the amazing nutritional benefits of coconut oil. Extra virgin coconut oil (especially if it’s high cold pressed, 100% raw and organic) contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed directly by the liver and turned into energy straight away and not stored as fat, unlike all other types of saturated fat. These fats play a fundamental role in cleansing the body from toxins. Virgin coconut oil is ideal to purify the body and provide the energy required when less food is being consumed.
It’s crucial to those who suffer from candida or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as it’s completely free from sugar and other carbohydrates, which efficiently starve all candida in the system. It’s good for fixing all types of digestive problems and restoring healthy balance to the digestive system.
Coconut oil also contains high levels of lauric acid; its strong antiviral properties can protect against and even destroy lipid-coated viruses like flu. Lauric acid is actually one of the main components of breast milk.
Coconut oil is a superior culinary oil that is a brilliant alternative to cooking oils, is a fantastic dietary supplement, and due to the way it speeds up the metabolism, it’s an excellent aid to weight loss.
By Janey Lee Grace
Janey Lee Grace is a Radio 2 host and the author of several books on holistic living – including the bestselling Imperfectly Natural Woman. Her book is Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching The Lipstick. Visit www.imperfectlynatural.com to browse Janey’s recommended products.