What Does Organic Coconut Oil Do?

Could a coconut a day keep the doctor away? According to Dr. Mary Enig, biochemist, nutritionist and author of "Know Your Fats," the answer is a resounding "yes." In its organic, unrefined state, the oil derived from this tropical treasure promotes both physical and mental benefits. But be warned: What comes from Mother Nature is not the same as its highly processed counterpart, hydrogenated coconut oil. Exposed to a bevy of chemicals for refining, bleaching and deodorizing, the hydrogenated type behaves like a poison when ingested, converting to trans fat and raising cholesterol. Look for pure, organic virgin coconut oil---VCO---which has gained the limelight for its health-promoting qualities. While organic is always healthiest, the hard shell of a coconut makes it less likely to absorb chemicals; the key is to make sure the product is VCO, not refined in any fashion.

Immunity

Breast milk and organic VCO share something in common: They contain lauric acid---a medium chain triglyceride (MCT), that packs a powerful punch against bacteria, fungi and microbes. Indeed, coconut oil has proven effective at fighting everything from childhood pneumonia, to flu, herpes, yeast infections, measles, Helicobacter pylori and an increasingly long list of other systemic "bad guys." It even appears to decrease the overall viral load of AIDS patients.

Cholesterol

Most saturated fats raise LDL---the "bad" cholesterol---because they contain long chain fatty acids. With its MCTs, however, coconut oil promotes more of a balancing act, either holding LDL levels stable or pushing them down. But what really has scientists excited is its impact on HDL---or "good" cholesterol. In 2004, Harvard Medical School researchers found that the tropical oil significantly raises HDL, both in patients who start out with normal cholesterol and in those with an initially low HDL level.

Alzheimer's

Brain cells rely on glucose for energy, but when Alzheimer's sets in, much of this crucial sugar is rendered inaccessible. As a backup, the brain can use ketone bodies---a type of energy produced by very low-carb diets---but these do not circulate naturally in sufficient amounts. Enter coconut oil, which converts to ketone bodies when the liver processes it. With a ketone reserve in place, the brain may be able to function more normally, as Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill, Florida reported in July of 2008. At that time, she gained the attention of the medical community when she claimed that coconut oil measurably reversed her husband's Alzheimer's symptoms. Since then, VCO has also proven effective at improving cognitive function in diabetic patients with hypoglycemia.

Hair and Skin

Used externally, coconut oil softens hair and helps sooth dry skin. But adding it to the diet---by using it as a cooking oil or taking a daily dose---gives even more benefit. Within days, hair looks and feel silkier, and skin becomes softer and more supple.

Recommendations

How much VCO should you take? Dr. Mary Enig recommends 3.5 tbsp. per day. Since refined variations---which are not good for you---can be found even in the health food section of grocery stores, be sure the label says "organic unrefined virgin coconut oil."