Coconut oil is the bomb!  This saturated fat has so many health benefits that it will take several articles to cover them in depth.

To help obtain an understanding of why this precious oil is a must have here is an overview:

Coconut oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This alone makes it worth keeping around. The anti-fungal effects have shown that coconut oils properties kill Candida.  It also has been proven to reduce the viral load of AIDS patients.  The Lauric Acid in unrefined coconut oil has the maximum antiviral activity among the saturated fatty acids.  The body metabolizes the Lauric Acid into Monolaurin which is an antibiotic and anti-viral agent.  This agent works by disrupting the lipid membranes of envelope viruses, inactivated bacteria, yeast and fungi.

Lauric acid is found in breast milk.  Wouldn't it be great for people who can't breast feed, or need a formula supplement for whatever reason, if there was a formula deriving its fat from an extra virgin coconut oil source instead of soy?  This is of paramount importance now that research has shown the dangers of soy. Feeding an infant soy formula, is the hormonal equivalent of five birth control pills per day! But more about that later.

The fats in coconut oil are made up of Medium Chain Triglycerides, MCTs or Medium Chain Fatty Acids, MCFAs. The MCTs are easily digested and absorbed quickly.  Medium Chain fatty acids produce energy, they do not require lipoproteins to carry them to the liver.  The MCTs are absorbed and travel to the liver where they are burned for energy. They are not stored in the apidose cells, stored as cellulite, or stored on the sides of arteries. The long chain fatty acids of polyunsaturated oils such as corn, canola, soy and trans require the lipoproteins to carry them to the organs, to be used and then are stored, as fat instead of burned as energy.

Because of this assimilation of the MCTs in unrefined coconut oil, the metabolic system is supported. They speed up a sluggish metabolism and promote weight loss as well.  Because of the absorption of the MCTs the body doesn't have to use its enzymes to digest the fatty acids.  This results in a more active thyroid.

Additionally, because insulin is not required to metabolize the MCTs, the pancreas is not overloaded.  Therefore eating the saturated fat, in unrefined coconut oil, does not promote diabetes as polyunsaturated fats do.  Also this fat is burned as energy, so, instead of a sugar high and then extreme low from carbs, your blood sugar levels remain even.

Some other benefits of the MCTs in unrefined coconut oil are reduction of symptoms in pancreatitis (lipid digestion), Chrone's disease (lipid absorption), and Chylomicron deficiency (lipid transport).  People with these diseases have found relief eating coconut macaroons.  I myself go all the way, cooking with coconut oil and take it as a supplement.

Because of the way MTCs are absorbed, traveling directly to the liver, the fats are burned as energy.  People suffering from CFS should gain benefit from adding coconut oil to their diet.

Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 5, it is the best natural ingredient for skin care available. It keeps connective tissues strong, helps the skin from developing liver spots and other signs of aging and overexposure.

Research has also confirmed the effectiveness of medium chain fatty acids present in unrefined Coconut Oil in killing giardia and other protozoa. It has been used in India for intestinal worms and tape worms and rubbed into the scalp to treat head lice.

Coconut oil also helps our pets, giving them an energy boost, helping their metabolic function, giving them a better coat and controlling or getting rid of parasites.

More, on each of these coconut oil health benefits, in related articles, including articles for our pets health.

The best coconut oil is extra virgin and hand made. This source preserves the local and native way of life as well as providing the absolute best product on the market. www.tropicaltraditions.com