The Myth About Coconut Oil
For more than 50 years, the American public mistakenly believed that coconut oil was the cause of many health problems. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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History
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Prior to World War II, coconut oil was a staple of the American diet. Because the Japanese occupation in the South Pacific cut off the nation's coconut oil supply, American manufacturers developed substitute cooking oils.
Polyunsaturated Vegetable Oils
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By the time the war ended, these manufacturers had invested major amounts of money in the new cooking oils and wanted to ensure their success. Meanwhile, heart disease started to increase in America.
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Misconceptions
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The anti-cholesterol movement began, citing all saturated fats, including coconut oil, as enemies of a healthy heart. Unfortunately, by the end of the 1950s, the public had completely turned against coconut oil.
The Truth
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Trans fatty acids, found in hydrogenated oils, are the true culprits of health problems. Hydrogenated oils are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their natural form through the refining process. Pure coconut oil has many health benefits including lowering LDL cholesterol, stimulating thyroid function, regulating blood sugar, reducing the risk of certain cancers and preventing infections.
Warning
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Polyunsaturated fats can actually contribute to the formation of blood clots. Coconut oil decreases this risk.
Fun Fact
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Applying coconut oil directly to your skin can help prevent the development of wrinkles and skin sagging.
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References
- Photo Credit singhajaykr25 at http://mrg.bz/fq3Ie5
