REDUCING CHOLESTEROL: MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT COCONUT
Coconut has received a lot of negative press. Most of us consider it to be a fattening food, and one to avoid if we are trying to lose weight or lower our cholesterol. It is true that coconut contains a high amount of saturated fat; however, approximately half of this is lauric acid, which has been shown to not raise cholesterol levels. Lauric acid has antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal properties, helping our immune system to overcome many types of infections. Chronic infections are a potent risk factor for heart disease, and coconut fat can help to strengthen our immune system. Traditional Asian cultures that rely heavily on coconut in their diet do not suffer with the diseases common in Western countries, where low fat diets are encouraged.
A study published in 1981 examined the traditional diets of the people in two South Pacific Islands. The study began in the 1960s, when Western foods were not yet a part of the diet of either culture. Coconuts were a huge part of both diets; the saturated fat from coconut formed up to 60 percent of the calories consumed by these people. The study found that these populations were relatively healthy, and free of heart disease and obesity. The researchers found that “Vascular disease is uncommon in both populations, and there is no evidence of the high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect in these populations”.
A very interesting study titled “Choice of cooking oils – myths and realities” was done in India in response to the alarming rise in coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes in this country. Indians have been encouraged to replace traditional saturated cooking fats like ghee and coconut fat with supposedly more “heart friendly” polyunsaturated oils like sunflower, safflower and corn oil. The research found that by increasing their intake of these omega 6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils, Indians are making themselves much more prone to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study actually recommended that more traditional cooking fats be used in their place. Coconut is a very healthy addition to your diet; you can use coconut milk in cooking, or to make smoothies. Pure, unrefined coconut fat can be purchased from health food stores and used in place of vegetable oil when making stir fries and other Asian recipes.
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