TIANA is the only Certified Fair trade Organic Virgin Coconut Oil available
There are several types of coconut oils such as refined coconut oil (refined, bleached and deodorised), semi-refined coconut oil, virgin coconut oil expeller pressed or produced by centrifuged methods, virgin coconut oil cold pressed from fresh coconuts or coconuts which were dried first for up to one hour - all of them can provide different levels of benefits.
If you buy in a supermarket refined coconut oil then do not expect a miracle - this coconut oil should be used as a cost effective cooking oil (3-4% of lauric acid and with 0% of antioxidants). The same applies to virgin coconut oil produced by different methods either from coconut that were first dried or from fresh coconuts - the level of lauric acid fluctuates between 40% - 57%. If virgin coconut oil is produced at the temperatures higher than 45 Degree Centigrade - then nutrition of such oil will be poor as you know that high temperatures will destroy antioxidants, click on the following links below to learn about it further:
Information on Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil
Why does virgin coconut oil vary in smell, taste and price?
Dr. Linda Kennedy MS SLP ND wrote these interesting articles using her expertise and recent clinical study results on health benefits of coconut oil.
There are very few foods or medicines that have the ability to prevent diseases while harboring absolutely no side effects. Coconut oil is one of these foods. Coconut oil has the unique ability to offset the risks of the most debilitating chronic conditions that plague Westernised cultures namely cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Three tablespoons of coconut oil each day added to the diet can provide numerous health benefits.
Coconut Oil and Heart Health
Coconut oil has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, primarily because of the saturated fat that it contains. While saturated fat is usually associated with greater risk for heart disease, coconut oil contains a type of saturated fat called medium-chain fatty acids. The medium-chain fatty acids actually act to raise HDL cholesterol, which is protective against heart disease.
The second way that coconut oil helps prevent heart disease is by reducing inflammation. Inflammation in the arteries causes platelets to stick to the artery wall and limits blood flow to the heart. This dramatically raises heart attack risk. There is no combination of vitamin supplements able to offer this type of healthy performance.
Coconut Oil and Diabetes Prevention
Coconut oil can also protect against diabetes. Long chain fatty acids found in most vegetable oils are likely to be deposited in blood vessels or stored near the internal organs as fat. Excess fat storage around the internal organs promotes insulin resistance and ultimately diabetes. Long chain fatty acids also hinder glucose absorption, which keeps the glucose levels in the bloodstream dangerously elevated. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil, on the other hand, are used immediately for energy after consumed. Coconut oil also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels immediately after a meal, which prevents glucose spikes and hypoglycemia risk.
Thyroid Health and Metabolism
Coconut oil is also a wonderful food to help stimulate the metabolism and aid with weight loss efforts. The mechanism of coconut oil's effects is by stimulating the thyroid gland and by reducing the appetite. The thyroid gland produces hormones that maintain the metabolism. However, as we age, these hormone levels decline and weight gain is more common. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are instantly burned when consumed, which results in a boost in thyroid levels for hours. Furthermore, coconut oil helps you feel full and satisfied earlier in a meal and helps with satiety for hours afterwards. This combination makes it a perfect supplement to the diet in those wishing to lose weight.
Coconut oil for sports nutrition
Coconut oil benefits for older people
Coconut Oil for Pets?
The effects of coconut oil are not only limited to humans. It is safe for use in domestic animals like cats and dogs too. Coconut oil helps minimize flea allergies and helps eliminate odours from pet coats. Consumption of coconut oil by cats also helps to eliminate fur balls. Coconut oil can even by applied directly to the skin to promote healing of scratches and bites. Recommended dosages are ½ teaspoon per day in cats and 1 to 2 teaspoons a day for dogs depending on body weight.
Clinical Study Results
A recent study compared women who supplemented the diet with soybean oil or coconut oil (Assunç 2009). Women who consumed coconut oil had higher HDL cholesterol, a lower LDL to HDL ratio, and a smaller waist circumference. Women who consumed soybean oil had increases in cholesterol and LDL, and had reductions in HDL.
The strong antioxidant properties of coconut oil were recently demonstrated (Marina 2008). This study showed that coconut oil contains antioxidants that prevent free radical damage. Free radicals play a role in the development of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other chronic conditions. The phenol concentration of coconut oil was identified as the main contributor to coconut oil's antioxidant benefits. This places coconut oil on the same plane as natural vitamin rich and free radical fighting fruits and vegetables. It is safe to consider coconut oil an effective phytonutrient supplement in a class all its own.
Summary
Given the broad range of benefits that coconut oil can offer, it is truly wonder food for humans and pets alike. Everyone should make a conscious effort to substitute long-chain fats like soybean oil in the diet with the much healthier choice, coconut oil.
Dr. Linda Kennedy MS SLP ND
References
Assun & ccedil ML, Ferreira HS, Dos Santos AF, Cabral CR Jr, Florêncio TM. Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity. Lipids. 2009 May 13.
Marina AM, Man YB, Nazimah SA, Amin I. Antioxidant capacity and phenolic acids of virgin coconut oil. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Dec 29:1-10.
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