# 38 Virgin Coconut Oil

When I first came across information on coconut oil, I questioned its value as a food and cooking oil. As I researched it out, one thing that stood out glaringly, was that even the so called experts were confused on coconut oil as a health product. The more I researched , the more impressed I became with its health value. So now all that remains, is, will it live up to expectations. Time will tell.
Product I am using is from www.tropicaltraditions.com

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil*
Research and clinical observation have shown that medium-chain fatty acids, like those found in coconut oil, may provide a wide range of health benefits.
Some of these are summarized below:

Kills viruses that cause mononucleosis, influenza, hepatitis C, measles, herpes, AIDS and other illnesses

Kills bacteria that cause pneumonia, earache, throat infections, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dozens of other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeast that cause candida, jock itch, ringworm, athletet’s foot, thrush, diaper rash and other infections
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice giardia, and other parasites
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy
Boosts energy and endurance enhancing physical and athletic performance
Improves digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose
Relies stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis
Helps relieve symptoms of gall bladder disease
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers
Reduces pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids
Reduces chronic inflammation
Supports tissue healing and repair
Supports and aids immune system function
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers
Is heart healthy; does not increase blood cholesterol or platelet stickiness
Helps prevent heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke
Helps prevent high blood pressure
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay
Functions as a protective antioxidant
Helps to protect the body from harmful free-radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease
Does not deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves like other oils do
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)
Reduces epileptic seizures
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections
Helps prevent liver disease
Is lower in calories than all other fats
Supports thyroid function
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off infection
Reduces symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots
Promotes healthy-looking hair and complexion
Provides protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun
Controls dandruff
Helps you look and feel younger
Is resistant to oxidation, so has a long shelf life
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperatures like other vegetables do
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects
Is completely non-toxic to humans

* Reprinted with permission from pages 168-69 of “The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil,” by Bruce Fife, N.D.