Saturated fats have received more than their fair share of bad press in recent decades. However coconut oil, a highly concentrated source of saturated fats, has recently captured attention for its wide array of health benefits. Understanding the benefits of virgin coconut oil is helpful to those who wish to include it in their diets.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes from the solid endosperm of the coconut plant, often referred to as the coconut meat or the copra. Although no industry-wide definition yet exists, Tropical Traditions defines virgin coconut oil as the product of mechanically pressed fresh copra. In comparison, refined oil comes from dried copra and may have undergone bleaching and deodorizing. As a result, refined oil has no coconut aroma. However, both oils have similar profiles of fatty acids, including the medium chain fats.
Medium Chain Fats
Medium chain fats are the type of fats that make up three quarters of the coconut oil. Dr. Bruce Fife, a physician and the author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle," explains that they take their name from the number of carbons they contain, which totals between eight and 14. This structure causes them to exert a number of effects on the human body, ranging from increased energy to control of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines.
Energy Production
Fife notes how, unlike other types of fat, medium chain fats travel directly to the liver and undergo immediate oxidation there. This increases the availability of energy to individuals shortly after consumption. Fife compares the way the body handles these fats to the way it handles carbohydrates, and reports that coconut oil can reduce carbohydrate cravings on restricted diets.
Fat Loss
The liver freely burns medium chain fats in a way that results in an overall increase in the oxidation of fat. Japanese researchers, led by Dr. Tsuji, compiled a study in 2001 on the effects of medium chain fats on the rate of weight loss. Their results, featured in the "Journal of Nutrition," showed that the group using medium chain fats achieved 40 percent more weight loss than than those who did not.
Antimicrobial Effects
Coconut oil provides other powerful benefits beyond an effect on the waistline. The medium chain fats also demonstrate the ability to kill a variety of fungi, bacteria and viruses, making them an excellent way to enhance the immune system during acute illness and an excellent supportive measure when dealing with chronic fungal infections. Fife explains how their structure allows them to diffuse into the cell membranes of fungi and bacteria before dissolving it.
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