Posted by Rachel Ornstein Packer on Apr.24, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - JLGutierrez

Coconut oil is making a splashy comeback despite its infamous reputation over the years.  In fact, this “miracle” oil is being touted as a metabolism booster, diet aid, moisturizer, lubricant, acne fighter, healing balm, and the list goes on.

First, let’s clarify that we are talking about Virgin Coconut Oil.  Do not mistake this for the partially hydrogenated chemically altered oil that is commonly used in packaged foods; these contain unhealthy trans-fats.  Coconut oil, also called coconut butter (not to be mistaken with cocoa butter which comes from the cacao plant) comes from processing the meat of the mature brown coconut.  Even though coconut oil is 92% saturated, it has no trans-fats and contains no cholesterol.   In effect, it appears to have the ability of reducing serum cholesterol.

The fatty acids in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s).  These fatty acids are shorter than large chain fatty acids/triglycerides found in other fats and oils that are responsible for raising one’s cholesterol.  Large chain fatty acids take longer to digest and tend to be stored as stubborn fat, while MCFA’s are broken down very quickly and burned as fuel before they  can be stored as fat.  This is the critical difference when it comes to losing weight.

Coconut oil seems to offer promise to sufferers of hypothyroidism.  While there is no scientific evidence linking any of these effects, there are thyroid sufferers who swear by coconut oil to help boost sluggish thyroid.  Over the years, food manufacturers have replaced coconut oil, with partially hydrogenated oil which is predominantly, soybean oil.  Soybeans (among other types of foods) are goitrogens, substances that suppress thyroid function by blocking iodine which is essential to thyroid health.   Coconut oil does not interfere with this process and it raises basal body temperature thereby increasing metabolism, which is good news for low thyroid sufferers like me.

Even more impressive, coconut oil contains a high concentration of lauric acid which plays a key role in protecting the digestive tract by killing bacteria and viruses.   Interestingly, a good source of lauric acid is mother’s milk, which is why infant formulas contain coconut oil as a primary ingredient.  It provides critical protection to infants until their immune systems become more developed.  
Coconut oil is a potent anti-microbial agent, not only internally, but externally as well.  It is effective in treating rashes and eczema by forming a protective barrier that stops microbes from entering the skin.  Its antiseptic properties make it an effective topical moisturizer.   I would be remiss at this point, if I did not share one of my experiences with coconut oil, because the information is pertinent to those with nut allergies.

I decided to give coconut oil a try on my son’s eczema that usually flares up around the spring season along with myriad other allergy related symptoms.  In truth, the oil does absorb nicely into the skin.  It has a pleasant, faint scent and a rather silky feel without being greasy. I rubbed it virtually all over his body and within five minutes, he began to furiously scratch all of the covered areas.
Further research concluded that according to the US Food and Drug administration any food containing coconuts requires the labeling, “contains tree nuts.”  My son has a severe nut allergy.  While allergies to coconuts are far less common than allergies to cashews or almonds, foods that are close botanical relatives often share same allergenic proteins.  There is some evidence of cross reactivity between coconuts, hazelnuts and walnuts.

I decided to pursue this further.  I contacted Dr. Bruce Fife, author of The Coconut Oil Miracle and head of the Coconut Research Center.  Dr. Fife is a naturopathic doctor and certified nutritionist.  I explained the reaction to the oil and asked if this indeed could have been a reaction.  According to Dr. Fife’s e-mail, an allergic reaction to coconut is unlikely and that because the oil has a powerful cleansing reaction, it promotes the exit of toxins from the skin which is what caused the itching.  With daily use, the itching would subside.   I have to admit, I am a little skittish regarding my son’s allergies, and while Dr. Fife’s statement may be true, I don’t want to experience that episode again.

I have since started to use coconut oil on a daily basis.  The suggested amount is 2-3 tablespoons daily.  I have found that when I use it at mealtime, I am fuller over a longer period.  I mix it into my oatmeal;   use it in my salad dressing, and sauté veggies with it.  Coconut oil is one of the most stable oil products with a very high smoke point of which is why it is valued by chefs, in addition to its pleasant flavor.

In my next article, I hope to tell you more about my personal journey with coconut oil, along with a recipe or two.  If you have any experiences, successes etc…with this oil, please feel free to contact me at GreenDivaMom.com.

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Posted under Health & Fitness, Health Facts.