Some Facts About Coconut Oil

I've compiled some info I previously posted; some might be interested. There's a lot here, sorry, but hopefully some of it will be new & useful to a few people.

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What Coconut Oil Does NOT Do:

Does not increase blood cholesterol level

Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation

Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease

Does not contribute weight problems
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What Coconut Oil Does Do:

Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease

Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions

Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections

Supports immune system function

Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Supplies is important nutrients necessary for good health

Supplies fewer calories than other fats

Promotes weight loss

Helps prevent osteoporosis

Has a mild delicate flavor

Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)

Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)

Helps keep skins soft and smooth

Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin

Fat protect against skin cancer and other blemishes

Functions as a protective antioxidant

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Coconut Oil is a low calorie fat. Most fat has 9 calories per gram; Coconut 0il has 6.8 calories per gram. It has at least 2.56% fewer calories than other fats, so using PVCO instead of other oils will reduce calorie intake. PVCO produces energy instead of fat so it's good to eat before working out.

Dosage:

They really haven't found a satisfactory answer yet as to how much is needed but this is what Fife recommends based on the amount of MCTs found in human breast milk, which is known to nourish & protect infants.

As much as 10 tablespoons per day has been taken safely ... but we don't need to worry about eating THAT much.

For an "average-size" adult, you can get the recommended amount of MCTs from:

3.5 tablespoons PVCO, spread throughout the day.

7 oz. fresh coconut meat (about 1/2 coconut)

2.75 cups dried, shredded coconut

10 oz. coconut milk

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Several clinical studies have shown that MCT levels up to at least one kilogram of body weight to be safe.

For a person of 150 lbs. that would be 5T ... and for someone 200 lbs. that would be 6.5 tablespoons.

Fife feels that 2-4T should be fine for most people, though he states that even 1 tablespoon will be beneficial.

You would need to drink 10 oz. of coconut milk (not all at once) to equal 3.5 T MCT, which is the recommended dose for the average person.

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Coconut Oil can be used in cooking as you would use any other oils. I stopped using olive oil and use coconut oil when I cook my meals. It has a very mild taste and does not make my food taste like coconut. I also use it in baking ... and to keep my cast iron skillets "seasoned."

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(The bulk of my information came from The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil by Bruce Fife, N.D.)