Medical Use Of Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil

The use of coconut oil as a health food has soared in popularity. The oil, which makes up 60 percent of the edible section of the coconut, offers a number of medical benefits. Most benefits center around the medium chain fats and the polyphenols. With more retailers offering the product, understanding the benefits of unrefined coconut oil may help you make better decisions.

Description

Unrefined coconut oil, also labeled as virgin coconut oil, comes from coconuts that have only undergone mechanical processing; manufacturers use no chemicals to extract the product from the solid coconut meat. Refined oil, on the other hand, undergoes chemical processing. Although all coconut oil retains the medium chain fatty-acid content, the polyphenol content becomes damaged when manufacturers refine the oil; this process involves bleaching and deodorization, which damages the nutritional content of the product.

Heart Health Benefits

Researchers from The Weston A. Price Foundation, an organization that promotes the research of Dr. Weston A. Price on the connection between nutrition and human health, note how the polyphenol content in coconut oil can help reduce cardiovascular risk. They highlight how these plant chemicals operate as antioxidants in the bloodstream, stopping the oxidation of cholesterol. This remains a useful action, as such oxidation represents the first stage in the development of artheroslerosis.

Antimicrobial Effects

The medium chain fatty acids demonstrate powerful antimicrobial properties. Dr. Bruce Fife, a naturopathic doctor and the author of "The Coconut Oil Miracle," explains that these naturally occuring compounds can inhibit bacteria, viruses and fungi by diffusing into the cell membrane of these pathogens before dissolving. This action kills the unwanted organisms.

Fat Burning Potential

Coconut oil can actively increase the rate at which the body burns fat. Fife explains how the medium chain fats are absorbed quicker than other types and oxidized more easily in the liver. He notes how this difference can result in an increase in overall energy expenditure and fat burning.

Expert Insight

Fife recommends that his patients consume coconut oil several times each day for maximum benefit. You can add the oil to smoothies and shakes, use it in recipes, or consume the oil raw. Because coconut oil remains stable for long periods of time, you do not need to refrigerate it.