Coconut Oil... Don't fear this saturated fat

Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap for many years because of the association between saturated fats and heart disease, and although heart disease has become a major health issue in this country and the increased consumption of saturated fats over the years (due to the unhealthy processed foods diet that has become an American staple) has indeed reached beyond unhealthy levels, it's the "man-made" fats (Trans Fats) that deserve the blame.

Shining the spotlight on trans fats

Trans fats are unsaturated fats like vegetable fats (otherwise healthy) with a hydrogen atom added to them, hence the term "Partially Hydrogenated". But should we blame the poor chemists that happened upon this dreadful artery clogging cholesterol raising toxic discovery, or the very deep pockets of the food industry (processed foods and fast foods) that actively supports this relatively cheap way to greatly prolong shelf life?

Or how about the very very deep pockets of the American Soybean Association or the Corn Products Company who have the financial backing to influence organizations like the FDA and CSPI for no other reason than to sustain what has become a billion dollar industry (Soy and Corn oils and additives in processed foods)?

Coconut Oil-- The Truth

The truth is nearly two thirds of the saturated fats in virgin coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids which are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and immediately available to the body. Not only does coconut oil not raise bad cholesterol (LDL), but recent research shows that it may indeed strongly increase HDL (Good Cholesterol) .

"The traditional Pacific Islander diet included large quantities of coconut, and those who still follow this diet have a low incidence of heart disease or overweight. When a Western-style diet including vegetable oils replaces their traditional diet, all of the fat-related diseases common in the United States begin to appear. "

Myths and Nutrition: Learn about Coconut's amazing nutritional benefits

The point I'm trying to make is, other than the fact that coconuts are an amazingly nutritious food, is that it is extremely important to know who is behind (funding) the research when it comes to any ingredient found in non-organic processed foods!

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil