The fats we get from our food have been a focus of doctors, nutritionists, chefs and anyone else who cares enough to learn the difference between the varied and confusing names for fat. Omega nutrition includes the omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut oil is most frequently found in stores as virgin coconut oil. It really is beneficial to know your saturated fats from your polyunsaturated fats.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acid because your body cannot make them on its own and relies on certain foods to meet its nutritional needs. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in many physiological functions, most notably brain development. Also called polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids are found in canola oil, flaxseed oil as well as in cold water fish such as salmon, tuna and trout.
Coconut Oil
Derived from the coconut fruit, coconut oil was all but eliminated from the American diet due to concerns about its high saturated fat content. Due to confusing information regarding dietary fats, saturated fats are often misunderstood and mistaken for polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats, such as margarines, are sometimes hydrogenated, making them trans fatty acids. Trans fatty acids oxidize when cooked and release free radicals. These free radicals can harm cells within our bodies. However, virgin coconut oil is a saturated fat and does not oxidize when cooked, so it does not release harmful free radicals. Coconut oil is also a medium-chain fatty acid, which is easier to digest and does not need the liver or gallbladder to aid in its digestion. This implies that people with a compromised digestive system may have an easier time with virgin coconut oil.
Benefits of Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3s show promise in lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, alleviating depression and lessening the symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Additional studies are needed to learn more about the potential of omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of Coconut OIl
Coconut oil has been used for many years in traditional medicine for everything from abscesses to constipation. Modern medicine has also taken a look at the benefits of coconut oil. A study published in 2004 in the journal "Clinical Biochemistry" tested rats' physiological response from ingesting virgin coconut oil. The study revealed that cholesterol levels dropped due to the supplementation. Other potential uses are for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, improved insulin utilization in diabetics and its ability to reduce inflammation. More studies are needed to better determine the beneficial qualities of coconut oil.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- NaturalNews.com: The Great Fat Debate - Why Virgin Coconut Oil Is Best
- Coconut Research Center: Coconut, Tree Of Life
- "Circulation"; Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; Kris-Etherton, et al; November 19, 2002
- "Clinical Biochemistry"; Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil on lipid parameters and in vitro LDL oxidation; Nevin, et al; April, 2004
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