Coconut oil is highly praised by holistic enthusiasts. While some studies have disputed the benefits of coconut oil, physicians believe that coconut oil is primarily healthy when consumed in moderation. The oil is sold in most markets, and is widely sold in health food stores. It may be used a substitution for olive or vegetable oil, and while it is used primarily in cooking, it may also be baked into foods.
Content of the Oil
Coconut oil is made when coconuts are pressed and the liquid is refined, producing an oil. In some cases, the oil is hydrogenated, an industrial process that introduces hydrogen molecules to the oil to make it solid at room temperature. This process chemically-alters the oil and often results in trans fatty acids in the oil. Coconut oil may also be sold without hydrogenation.
Health Benefits
Many holistic and homeopathic experts consider coconut oil to be one of the most powerful natural health foods. Studies have proven that the oil is effective at treating in gastrointestinal disorders. In a 2005 study titled "Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis and Virgin Coconut Oil" by authors Brian and Marianity Shilhavy, it was determined that coconut products, including the oil, improved symptoms in patients who suffered from IBS and Crohn's disease. Many also believe that coconut oil creates softer hair and smoother skin.
History of Coconut Oil Studies
Scientists have been studying the healing powers of coconut oil since the early 1980s. Many of these studies, including research by Shilhavy, supported the belief that coconut oil is a healthy source of vitamins and minerals, and that regular consumption of coconut oil (1 to 2 tablespoons daily) relieves pain and irritation. A series of studies by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute determined that coconut oil contained saturated fat, and may therefore be unhealthy. These studies were widely-advertised and contributed to a general consensus that coconut oil was unsafe, but the report determined that coconut oil consumed in moderation was healthy. Patients were instead advised to consume saturated fat from natural sources, including coconut oil.
Misconceptions
Due to studies completed in the 1990s using hydrogenated coconut oil, many consumers still believe that coconut oil is unhealthy. In these studies, scientists found that hydrogenated coconut oil contributed to higher levels of cholesterol and may cause heart problems, but many decried the findings because of the use of hydrogenated coconut oil as opposed to non-hydrogenated coconut oil, the healthiest form of the product. Recent studies have disproved the belief that coconut oil is unhealthy, and have found that side effects are only reported when a patient has a considerable amount of trans fatty acids in their system already.
Recent Studies on Coconut Oil
Recent studies have also found that coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory and healing qualities. In a 2002 study, scientists determined that the product reduced inflammation and pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Scientists tested the effects of coconut oil on hundreds of patients, and these patients reported reduced pain and faster healing times. It was also found that coconut oil promotes healthy bodily tissue.
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