The successfull and highly deceptive campaign waged against saturated fats has created an unjustified, widespread and health-damaging phobia against them. And, of course we've become noticeably fatter since this campaign began in earnest some 35 years ago.
Animal fats and coconut oil in particular have been attacked, villified, and bannished from the diets of many health conscious people. This, despite the fact that saturated fats (especially those found in animal fats and coconut oil) are essential to both kidney and lung health which in turn help maintain acid/alkaline balance over the long term. Importantly, both coconut oil and healthy, pastured animal fats play critical roles in maintaining health AND weight.
Healthy animal fats from pastured animals, for example, are not only up to seven times lower in saturated fats than their commercial counterparts, but they contain Omega 3 fatty acids and 500% more CLA. Omega 3 fatty acids are often recommended for heart health. And CLA is sold as a weight loss supplement. CLA is also considered important for diabetes and cancer prevention.
Likewise, high quality, cold processed coconut oil is also being recognized as a very effective tool for weight management and weight loss. And like fats from healthy animals, high quality, properly processed coconut oil offers an array of health benefits in addtition to weight loss and weight management.
For example coconut oil contains certain medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides which research has shown play an important role in inactivating a wide variety of microorganisms (or 'bad' mycrozyma) including yeast, bacteria, fungi, and "enveloped viruses" such as influenza virus, HIV, herpes simplex virus-1 and more. Lauric acid is a specific fatty acid found in coconut milk which can form "monolaurin" in the body. Monolaurin is sold as a supplement that can aid in flu, colds and similar infections. Monolaurin is also the component found in breast milk and is considered the most important element in supporting a baby's immunity, especially during the first few days of life. Caprylic acid, also found in coconut oil is sold as a supplement to improve intestinal terrain.
In short, the medium chain triglycerides or MCTs and monoglycerides that are present in a good quality coconut oil can help you lose excess weight and maintain a more stable weight. It can ALSO improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and protect from infectious illness as well as degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Further, coconut oil can help control diabetes, help prevent osteoporosis, function as an antioxidant - and help protect against skin cancer as well as premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. AND coconut oil provides an immediate source of energy since the medium chain triglycerides or MCTs it contains are quickly burned in the body, helping to boost metabolism.
Contrary to what the "diet dictocrats" would have us believe coconut oil does NOT increase blood cholesterol level, promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation, contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease, or contribute to weight problems.
Superior quality coconut oil has a very mild flavor. More importantly, it is highly resistant to spoilage and so has a long shelf life. It is also heat resistant, making it one of the best oils for cooking (in addition to good, old fashioned lard which is loaded with vitamin D and beef tallow). We have found these fats actually improves our culinary ability!
High quality coconut oil really is an important addition to any health improvement/health maintenance program, and it can be invaluable as an aid to weight loss and successful weight management.
For further reading:
The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D.
Plus scholarly articles, especially The Importance of Saturated Fats on Biological Functions, The Skinny on Fats, and A New Look at Coconut Oil