Coconut Oil

The indigenous people of Pacific countries have enjoyed the use of coconut oil in their diet for thousands of years. Until recently it was a common ingredient in both commercial and home cooking. That began to change in the 1960s when studies appeared to show a link between saturated fat (like those in coconut oil) and increased cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Early studies used a hydrogenated version and not virgin coconut oil. Hydrogenated oil is deficient in essential fatty acids which contributed to the negative results. Virgin Coconut Oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) like Lauric acid, Myristic acid, and Caprylic acid which scientists now know offer substantial health benefits.

Research now recognizes the importance of some saturated fats for human health. MCTs are more easily digested and can help boost the metabolism. Lauric acid is an important fatty acid central to building and maintaining the body’s immune system. Lauric acid is found in significant quantities in coconut oil and human breast milk. Small quantities can be found in whole milk and real better but consumption of those items has dropped dramatically. The body converts lauric acid to a fatty acid called monolaurine. Monolaurine helps protect against infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It also adversely affects fungi and yeast.

In contrast to early studies, Virgin Coconut Oil appears to positively impact cholesterol. A recent examination of studies conducted over the years revealed that people with diets high in coconut oil did not see a rise in serum cholesterol levels or an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Increasing lauric acid and myristic acid resulted in lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Replacing cooking oils with coconut oil led to better HDL/LDL ratios.

Take on tablespoon once or twice each day. Organic Coconut Oil can be used in salad dressing, sauces, or any type of cooking. Vitabase Organic Virgin Oil is a high-grade, unrefined premium nutritional edible oil obtained from the first cold pressing of organic coconut (Coco nucifera) kernels. Virgin Coconut Oil is naturally trans-fatty acid free.