Coconut oil is truly the healthiest oil you can consume. It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, contains no trans fat (even olive oil has some trans fat), and boosts the immune system. You can even use it on your skin to help prevent wrinkles. 

This may be surprising to hear, but coconut oil, in addition to tasting and smelling great, can: 

• Help you lose weight, or maintain your already healthy weight 
• Reduce your risk of heart disease 
• Lower your cholesterol 
• Improve conditions in those with diabetes and chronic fatigue 
• Improve Crohn’s, IBS, and other digestive disorders 
• Prevent other disease and routine illness with its powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents 
• Increase metabolism and promote healthy thyroid function 
• Boost your daily energy 
• Rejuvenate your skin and prevent wrinkles 

Fats are categorized as either short-, medium-, or long-chain depending on how many carbon molecules they contain. Close to two-thirds of the saturated fat in coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which have antimicrobial properties, are easily digested by the body for quick energy, and are beneficial to the immune system. Far from being dangerous, the saturated fat in coconut oil is actually health promoting. 

So how could an oil that is so good for you have gotten such a bad reputation? The answer comes down to simple economics and politics. Based on some flawed studies performed over four decades ago, some of which used primarily hydrogenated coconut oils, a powerful anti-saturated fat movement began. Remember--hydrogenated oils are oils with trans-fatty acids, which have been altered from their original chemical composition and have been shown to raise cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease and other health problems. You should not consume hydrogenated oils, whether it is coconut or another vegetable oil. 

Around this time the edible oil industry began to denounce all saturated fats and heavily promote polyunsaturated fats such as canola, soybean, safflower, corn, and other seed and nut oils. However, these oils easily become rancid when exposed to oxygen and produce large amounts of damaging free radicals in the body. What is not commonly known is that these oils can actually cause aging, clotting, inflammation, cancer and weight gain. You can read the article “Secrets of the Edible Oil Industry” for more information. 

Fortunately, coconut oil has begun to gain some positive media exposure as researchers realize its health-promoting qualities. However, coconut oil can vary widely in terms of the types of coconuts used, the manufacturing processes used to make the oil, and more, and all of these factors play a major role in the effectiveness of the oil. 

Most commercial coconut oils are RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). RBD oils do contain the medium chain fatty acids, however they also contain chemicals used in processing. 

Because of these variations my team and I here researched coconut oil extensively until we found the ideal source. I now highly recommend and offer you what is clearly the premier brand of virgin coconut oil in the United States, Tropical Traditions. This virgin coconut oil is not only certified organic, but it also met all our other requirements, including no GMO ingredients, bleaching, deodorizing, refining or hydrogenation. Tropical Traditions also uses fresh coconuts (not “copra” or dried coconuts like most oils) that come from a rural region of the Philippines untainted by urban pollution. 

I urge you to try this virgin coconut oil and experience the health benefits for yourself. If you do choose another brand, please be sure that it meets these requirements. 

Coconut: In Support of Good Health in the 21st Century 

Coconut Oil: You Want a Food Loaded with Real Health Benefits? You Want Coconut Oil 

Nutritional And Health Aspects Of Coconut Oil 

Quality Fat, Not Low-Fat, is the Secret to Health and Weight Loss