Coconut Oil Question
Replies
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This article was posted in another thread:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/coconut-oil-benefits_b_821453.html
I use the Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
BTW, I order from Amazon.com.0 -
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It's WONDERFUL for your hair (as in not eating it but actually rubbing it on your hair). :-)
hummm
maybe I should try this
rub it in as a conditioner and then rinse out ???
I did this last weekend. I just put the oil in my hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes. I then showered, shampoo & conditioner like normal. My hair was so soft and shiny after!0 -
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.
I've read all that too. But not in scientific literature. If there is no actual science behind it, then it's just someone on the internet making stuff up.0 -
There's a book by Bruce Fife titled "The Coconut Oil Miracle." He mentions many studies. It's a great short read! I've switched to using coconut for cooking now and olive oil only for salads or in anything that won't be heated.0
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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 from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from 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.0 -
Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA).
Because coconut oil is made of primarily medium chain (and some short chain) fatty acids, it is broken down immediately for use rather than stored. MCFA aren't packaged into chylomicrons for circulation through the lymph like long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Instead, they are transported in the portal blood to the liver for conversion into energy. This quick conversion process may prevent weight gain as long as the calories consumed as coconut oil do not exceed the body's caloric needs. Coconut oil has also been found to speed metabolism and increase energy expenditure and is of great interest for its potential as a weight loss aid.
Coconut oil may prevent and alleviate disease.
Both research and clinical studies have shown that MCFA may be useful in treating and preventing diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, virus-related dieases (mononucleosis, hepatitis C, herpes, etc.), gallbladder disease, Crohn's disease, and cancer. The smaller size of MCFA (compared to LCFA) allows them to be digested more easily, making them ideal for those suffering from digestive diseases. Coconut oil may assist in the absorption and retaining of calcium, thereby benefiting bones.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Lipid-coated bacteria and viruses contain a lipid coat which encloses their DNA among other cellular materials. When consumed by humans, coconut oil disrupts the lipid membrane, killing the pathogens without damaging the host or harming health-promoting intestinal bacteria. The antimicrobial properties stem from the monoglycerides and free fatty acids (mainly lauric acid and capric acid) that compose coconut oil.
Need more reasons to start consuming coconut oil?
Pure coconut oil is easily absorbed, prevents free radical damage, and can improve the appearance of skin and hair. Coconut oil, which becomes liquid when heated above 75°F, can also be substituted into your favorite baked goods {such as the delicious looking cupcakes I created using coconut oil below}.
With all the benefits that coconut oil can provide, it's definitely worth trying. And if you find that you don't quite like the taste, I hear it makes a fantastic conditioner.
References:
Fife B. (2004). The Coconut Oil Miracle. New York: Avery.
Papamandjaris A, MacDougall D, Jones P. Medium chain fatty acid metabolism and energy expenditure: obesity treatment implications. Life Sciences 1998;62: 1203-121.0 -
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:
That's from the coconutresearch website. I'm looking for the "published studies in medical journals" that back this up, not opinions, even if they are of seemingly well qualified people. I seriously wish the authors of these websites would cite their sources. I've done a little bit of digging around, and haven't found anything along these lines, not even on animal models.
Not trying to be difficult, but in this case, my father's heart health could be seriously impacted by what's in his food.0 -
Is it a coconut? It's a portion of a coconut, not the complete coconut. The non-oil parts of the coconut have been removed from the food, to leave behind just the oil.I'm not sure how coconut oil with no additions is a processed food?
I've bought it today. I've read a lot about it and I think it fits in a healty diet. I already found out you can cook perfectly with it. It seems to have a lot of health benefits, although I really don't believe all of them are true.
I also bought it as a mosturizer (I suffer from mild psoriasis, and my boyfriend from severe eczema). We already use a coconut cream, but I hope pure coconut oil works even better.
ALL oils are processed food. ALL oils are incomplete food. ALL oils are MORE CALORIE DENSE than their whole food counterparts. OILS ARE THE MOST CALORIE DENSE FOOD ON THE PLANET, REGARDLESS OF SOURCE! And, 100% of the calories are from fat.
And as a moisturizer/shaving cream, my girlfriend loves it, but i hate it, because it leaves the shower all slippery!
Pff... you have some serious problems ^^". I can read your message without you using caps-lock. By the way... the human body really needs fat, you know,I've read that it does not cause or worsen heart disease. Yes, it does contain a lot of saturated fats. However, these are mostly medium-chain fatty acids, compared to the long-chain fatty acids in most other oils. These medium-chain fatty acids don't have the same negative effect on cholesterol as long-chain and they will even protect against heart disease.
See, my problem is that while this makes intuitive sense, there don't seem to be any studies to back this up. The best I've managed to pull up seem ambiguous, in the sense they say that X Y and Z in coconut oil has these benefits, but overall, that may not negate the overall negative effects and artherosclerotic potential.
The FDA, WHO, Dept. of Health and Human Services, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association, International College of Nutrition, Dietitians of Canada, ALL recommend consuming coconut oil in small quantities. Are they ALL wrong?
You are absolutely right. The amount of evidence is very little. I think that all the organisations are right. Consuming only a little bit is the savest way. So cooking in coconut oil every other day or so should be fine.
However, I also think that most of those organisations are overprotective ánd that a lot of 'mysteries' around food are still uncovered. Just because there is no evidence yet does not mean it's wrong, dangerous stuff.
(I'm a last-year medical student, so I know a little bit about these things
) 0 -
I'm not making anything up. False claims? Really? Does anyone actually think that processing foods makes it better for you? Do YOU have any evidence of that?
I'll reword it, sparky: Processed foods are never as healthful as the original foods they are processed from.ANY and ALL processed foods are bad for you.
Care to back that up, Sparky?
Stop making things up. Repeating your false claims is not the same as presenting evidence.
Put up or shut up.
I made my point regarding processed foods, but you didn't offer any argument to the contrary, you just said that you disagreed. Why do you disagree? Any thoughts from you besides "i disagree for reasons i'm not willing to list"?
Do i have a study to show you? no. But i do have life experience. When i quit listening to all the bull**** mis-information out there about how some processed foods are OK, that's when my health started coming back. I used to eat processed foods. Now i still do occasionally, but very rarely. Why did i lose 70 LBS in 3 months, AND start feeling like i had the energy of a teenager AS SOON AS I QUIT THE PROCESSED FOODS? I guess since i don't have a study to show you, i might as well go back to the processed foods, huh?0 -
Is it a coconut? It's a portion of a coconut, not the complete coconut. The non-oil parts of the coconut have been removed from the food, to leave behind just the oil.I'm not sure how coconut oil with no additions is a processed food?
I've bought it today. I've read a lot about it and I think it fits in a healty diet. I already found out you can cook perfectly with it. It seems to have a lot of health benefits, although I really don't believe all of them are true.
I also bought it as a mosturizer (I suffer from mild psoriasis, and my boyfriend from severe eczema). We already use a coconut cream, but I hope pure coconut oil works even better.
ALL oils are processed food. ALL oils are incomplete food. ALL oils are MORE CALORIE DENSE than their whole food counterparts. OILS ARE THE MOST CALORIE DENSE FOOD ON THE PLANET, REGARDLESS OF SOURCE! And, 100% of the calories are from fat.
And as a moisturizer/shaving cream, my girlfriend loves it, but i hate it, because it leaves the shower all slippery!
Pff... you have some serious problems ^^". I can read your message without you using caps-lock. By the way... the human body really needs fat, you know,I've read that it does not cause or worsen heart disease. Yes, it does contain a lot of saturated fats. However, these are mostly medium-chain fatty acids, compared to the long-chain fatty acids in most other oils. These medium-chain fatty acids don't have the same negative effect on cholesterol as long-chain and they will even protect against heart disease.
See, my problem is that while this makes intuitive sense, there don't seem to be any studies to back this up. The best I've managed to pull up seem ambiguous, in the sense they say that X Y and Z in coconut oil has these benefits, but overall, that may not negate the overall negative effects and artherosclerotic potential.
The FDA, WHO, Dept. of Health and Human Services, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association, International College of Nutrition, Dietitians of Canada, ALL recommend consuming coconut oil in small quantities. Are they ALL wrong?
You are absolutely right. The amount of evidence is very little. I think that all the organisations are right. Consuming only a little bit is the savest way. So cooking in coconut oil every other day or so should be fine.
However, I also think that most of those organisations are overprotective ánd that a lot of 'mysteries' around food are still uncovered. Just because there is no evidence yet does not mean it's wrong, dangerous stuff.
(I'm a last-year medical student, so I know a little bit about these things)
I have a research background myself, and take things I read with a pinch of salt. In this case, we have been changing the way we cook (especially for my dad's heart health), and there are potential consequences to our actions. I agree with you that just because we don't know doesn't mean that something is dangerous, it just means we don't know.
The one primary source citation that was posted earlier led to this:
The application of medium-chain fatty acids: edible oil with a suppressing effect on body fat accumulation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:320-3.
Abstract
The bulk of fatty acids found in our diets consists of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), which are molecules containing 12 or more carbon atoms. In contrast, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are composed of 8-10 carbon atoms, and are found in palm kernel oil, among other types of foods. MCFA have attracted attention as being part of a healthy diet, because they are absorbed directly into the portal vein, transported rapidly to the liver for beta-oxidation, and thus increase diet-induced thermogenesis. In contrast, long-chain triacylglycerols are absorbed via the intestinal lymphatic ducts and transported by chylomicrons through the thoracic duct into the systemic circulation. Because medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) containing solely MCFA have a few disadvantages when used for deep frying, we have developed a new kind of triacylglycerol product: medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT). MLCT is produced by lipase-catalyzed enzymatic transesterification. Long-term clinical trials have demonstrated that MLCT and MCT result in less body fat accumulation in humans. MLCT oil has been approved as FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Use) for use as cooking oil with a suppressing effect on body fat accumulation.
Interesting stuff. Although, IIRC, coconut oil does have fatty acid chains that are in the 8-12 range, so the results may not be as clear cut. I hate it when the extrapolation of 'lauric acid does X' and 'coconut oil contains lauric acid' becomes 'coconut oil does X'.0 -
The part of India I come from uses coconut and coconut oil VERY heavily in our cooking (and everything else too; pretty much every part of the coconut is used). My dad has heart disease and avoids coconut/coconut oil, and I was wondering if there was something I was missing out in terms of scientific evidence that it does not contribute to IHD. When he visits, we're careful about not using coconut/coconut milk/coconut oil in cooking because he won't eat it.
Virgin pressed organic coconut oil isn't at all processed. It is made FROM coconut using a pressing method, so that's a false claim.
Perhaps they use the canned coconut milk? I don't know whats in there but any study I have ready about coconut oil states that it is good for you. Even though it is "saturated", it is a saturated plant fat, and that isn't the same as saturated animal fat. Please continue to research this, I have never heard these claims before.0 -
I'll reword it, sparky: Processed foods are never as healthful as the original foods they are processed from.
I get what you mean. There are different degrees of "processing" food and if you are the kind of person who talks about "processed" foods in terms of doing anything to change the raw ingredient, as opposed to completely bastardizing it, then that's valid. But it should be stated that not everyone views very simple processing (pressing the fruit, without adding chemicals) as a bad thing.
Because you are against ALL processed food doesn't mean they don't have any benefits. The people I know who use coconut oil do so in order to get MORE calories and MORE fat for the day. Is it as healthful as a raw coconut? No, in that it lacks the fiber and other nutritional content. But hey, not everyone is on the raw diet.0 -
It's WONDERFUL for your hair (as in not eating it but actually rubbing it on your hair). :-)
hummm
maybe I should try this
rub it in as a conditioner and then rinse out ???
I massage it into my scalp and onto the ends a few times a week (no rinsing). I also use it as a finishing product and a facial moisturizer. It's probably too oily for most people but I have very dry skin and hair and it works great!0 -
ANY and ALL processed foods are bad for you. Coconut oil is a processed food. If you want coconut fat in your diet, eat raw coconut.
Guess I need to stop making homemade applesauce, it's processed after all.0 -
The part of India I come from uses coconut and coconut oil VERY heavily in our cooking (and everything else too; pretty much every part of the coconut is used). My dad has heart disease and avoids coconut/coconut oil, and I was wondering if there was something I was missing out in terms of scientific evidence that it does not contribute to IHD. When he visits, we're careful about not using coconut/coconut milk/coconut oil in cooking because he won't eat it.
Virgin pressed organic coconut oil isn't at all processed. It is made FROM coconut using a pressing method, so that's a false claim.
Perhaps they use the canned coconut milk? I don't know whats in there but any study I have ready about coconut oil states that it is good for you. Even though it is "saturated", it is a saturated plant fat, and that isn't the same as saturated animal fat. Please continue to research this, I have never heard these claims before.
That seems like a non-sequitur. I'm not sure if you meant to respond to someone else.
Anyway, no we don't use canned coconut milk. It's not available. Even if it were, coconut is cheap and abundant. Pretty much everyone has access to them and grow them. I would love to see the studies you have seen. Mostly, what I've found have been opinion pieces. Very little by way of actual scientific literature that posits health benefits to the use of coconut oil.0 -
I have a research background myself, and take things I read with a pinch of salt. In this case, we have been changing the way we cook (especially for my dad's heart health), and there are potential consequences to our actions. I agree with you that just because we don't know doesn't mean that something is dangerous, it just means we don't know.
The one primary source citation that was posted earlier led to this:
The application of medium-chain fatty acids: edible oil with a suppressing effect on body fat accumulation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:320-3.
Abstract
The bulk of fatty acids found in our diets consists of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), which are molecules containing 12 or more carbon atoms. In contrast, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are composed of 8-10 carbon atoms, and are found in palm kernel oil, among other types of foods. MCFA have attracted attention as being part of a healthy diet, because they are absorbed directly into the portal vein, transported rapidly to the liver for beta-oxidation, and thus increase diet-induced thermogenesis. In contrast, long-chain triacylglycerols are absorbed via the intestinal lymphatic ducts and transported by chylomicrons through the thoracic duct into the systemic circulation. Because medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) containing solely MCFA have a few disadvantages when used for deep frying, we have developed a new kind of triacylglycerol product: medium- and long-chain triacylglycerol (MLCT). MLCT is produced by lipase-catalyzed enzymatic transesterification. Long-term clinical trials have demonstrated that MLCT and MCT result in less body fat accumulation in humans. MLCT oil has been approved as FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Use) for use as cooking oil with a suppressing effect on body fat accumulation.
Interesting stuff. Although, IIRC, coconut oil does have fatty acid chains that are in the 8-12 range, so the results may not be as clear cut. I hate it when the extrapolation of 'lauric acid does X' and 'coconut oil contains lauric acid' becomes 'coconut oil does X'.
Ah, you're so right! Just ways to selling things to uneducated people.
So, there is some evidence that medium chain fatty acids are not bad for humans. However, there is only limited evidence that it is actually of any benifit.
But you are for now only interested in the first part; is it dangerous for your father. I think it isn't. However, if it was my father, I might not have taken the risk. Here in Holland we have plenty of alternatives to use. Do you have?0 -
I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)0 -
I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
If there is so much scientific evidence, where is it, and why can't I find it? I'm considering enlisting the help of my librarian friend because this is starting to drive me crazy. I'm not knocking what other people choose to put in their body, but I do want to make well informed decisions, and in tjis case, making the wrong one has potentially disasterous consequences.0 -
OMG...cant wait to try this tonight...I have been using for about a month...I am losing nicely, but I am also eating very clean and working out hard...I LOVE IT!Sorry I haven't really seen any scientific evidence but there is a stack of anecdotal evidence on here. Any specific reason you want to take coconut oil?
ETA - personally I love it because it tastes great, I use it in coffee0 -
ANY and ALL processed foods are bad for you. Coconut oil is a processed food. If you want coconut fat in your diet, eat raw coconut.
Guess I need to stop making homemade applesauce, it's processed after all.
There are various degrees of processing. There is nothing wrong with homemade applesauce since you aren't really altering the chemical makeup of the apple. What most people refer to when they talk about processed foods are foods enriched or stripped of nutrients. Perfect example of "Smart Bread", it's reprocessed wheat that's stripped of all nutrients and then everything is added back artificially.0 -
Is it a coconut, or is it a product made from a coconut? Maybe it's "lightly" processed, but it is certainly not a whole food.I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)0 -
Is it a coconut, or is it a product made from a coconut? Maybe it's "lightly" processed, but it is certainly not a whole food.I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
And you have yet to show that "processing" has any harmful effects.
Please stop talking0 -
Didn't i ask you to explain yourself? Still coming with the angry one-liners. Go ahead and please tell us how processing makes a food better.
Is it a coconut, or is it a product made from a coconut? Maybe it's "lightly" processed, but it is certainly not a whole food.I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
And you have yet to show that "processing" has any harmful effects.
Please stop talking out of your *kitten*.0 -
Is it a coconut, or is it a product made from a coconut? Maybe it's "lightly" processed, but it is certainly not a whole food.I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
And you have yet to show that "processing" has any harmful effects.
Please stop talking
Are you suggesting that eating processed foods is the same as whole foods in their natural state?0 -
Didn't i ask you to explain yourself? Still coming with the angry one-liners. Go ahead and please tell us how processing makes a food better.
Is it a coconut, or is it a product made from a coconut? Maybe it's "lightly" processed, but it is certainly not a whole food.I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
And you have yet to show that "processing" has any harmful effects.
Please stop talking
Burden of proof: The onus is on the person making the claim. YOU claimed that "processing" makes food "bad", yet have done nothing to support your claim except trying to shift the burden of proof.
Put up or shut up.0 -
Are you suggesting that eating processed foods is the same as whole foods in their natural state?
It depends on the level (and type) of processing. Butchering a cow or chicken is processing. I'd rather not eat feathers, k.0 -
I'll reword it, sparky: Processed foods are never as healthful as the original foods they are processed from.
I get what you mean. There are different degrees of "processing" food and if you are the kind of person who talks about "processed" foods in terms of doing anything to change the raw ingredient, as opposed to completely bastardizing it, then that's valid. But it should be stated that not everyone views very simple processing (pressing the fruit, without adding chemicals) as a bad thing.
Because you are against ALL processed food doesn't mean they don't have any benefits. The people I know who use coconut oil do so in order to get MORE calories and MORE fat for the day. Is it as healthful as a raw coconut? No, in that it lacks the fiber and other nutritional content. But hey, not everyone is on the raw diet.
Regular coconuts are pretty inexpensive, but damn hard to crack open, I always want to buy them then I think "How in the Sam Hill am I going to open this thing?" and put it back. True story.0 -
I'll reword it, sparky: Processed foods are never as healthful as the original foods they are processed from.
I get what you mean. There are different degrees of "processing" food and if you are the kind of person who talks about "processed" foods in terms of doing anything to change the raw ingredient, as opposed to completely bastardizing it, then that's valid. But it should be stated that not everyone views very simple processing (pressing the fruit, without adding chemicals) as a bad thing.
Because you are against ALL processed food doesn't mean they don't have any benefits. The people I know who use coconut oil do so in order to get MORE calories and MORE fat for the day. Is it as healthful as a raw coconut? No, in that it lacks the fiber and other nutritional content. But hey, not everyone is on the raw diet.
Regular coconuts are pretty inexpensive, but damn hard to crack open, I always want to buy them then I think "How in the Sam Hill am I going to open this thing?" and put it back. True story.
Hammer. Yes, really.
Machetes and cleavers work well too.0 -
I'm laughing at whomever I was reading here it is that is trying to insist pure virgin coconut oil is a processed food! WTH? Wow...amazing...
Actually there is so much scientific evidence to support...it is everywhere. My MD uses it and recommends it to his patients...he is a research fanatic! I think what it comes down to is do your own research and make your OWN decisions and quit knocking what other people choose to do... quite frankly, no one's business. If someone wants to eat dirt, still their choice, eh? ;o)
If there is so much scientific evidence, where is it, and why can't I find it? I'm considering enlisting the help of my librarian friend because this is starting to drive me crazy. I'm not knocking what other people choose to put in their body, but I do want to make well informed decisions, and in tjis case, making the wrong one has potentially disasterous consequences.
Spanaval: Maybe this will help with your search for scientific literature: The June 2012 issue of Nutrition Health Newsletter published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest has a two-page article evaluating coconut oil health claims. Based on a review of scientific literature, they conclude (among other things) that "There is no good evidence that 'virgin' coconut oil does less damage to your heart than conventional coconut oil."
The article quotes a Harvard SPH cardiologist: "....we can't recommend that people replace olive, canola, or other liquid oils with coconut oil."
The article also concludes that there is "no good evidence" supporting claims relative to weight loss and Alzheimer's disease. They further note that, while there may be weight loss benefits associated with specially formulated MCT oils, it is not clear if the same benefits accrue from coconut oil.
The bottom line of the article (consistent with what you've learned): there is little solid research to definitively support the claims of health benefits, while there continue to be reasons to be wary of using too much of the stuff.
The article cites these sources:
Lipids 44: 593, 2009
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 87: 621, 2008
Nutr. Metab. 6: 31, 2009
Trends Food Sci. Tech. 20: 481, 2009
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 94: 1451, 20110
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