Coconut Oil: For Good Health, Longevity and Beauty

It’s in the Research
Coconut and coconut oil have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years by millions of people in Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa and Central America. Many cultures have relied on coconuts as their principal source of food -- living almost exclusively on coconut meat, milk, water and oil. Rich in saturated fat, their diets have been largely responsible for their good health, longevity and beautiful skin and hair. Studies have proven that island populations consuming high amounts of saturated fat from organic, minimally processed, chemical-free coconut oil have maintained normal blood cholesterol and had a very low incidence of heart disease.

Coconut Oil is an “Energy” Fat
Coconut oil is a plant-based oil containing no trans fat and up to 92% saturated fat. What makes the saturate-laden coconut oil different from other saturated fats? Saturated fat, depending on its origin, is comprised of long, medium or short chain fatty acids. Coconut oil contains 27.5% long chain saturated fatty acids and 65% medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Medium chain fatty acids work differently than other fats. Their molecules are smaller and absorb more easily into the bloodstream so they are digested quickly, producing energy which stimulates metabolism. MCFAs from organic and minimally processed coconut oil put little strain on the digestive system; unlike other fatty acids they are absorbed directly in the intestine and sent straight to the liver, providing energy to the body much like a carbohydrate. Unlike long chain fatty acids MCFAs are primarily used by the body for immediate fuel and not stored as fat for later use. This is the primary reason why coconut oil is considered an energy fat.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil
After years of misinformation, coconut oil’s health benefits are being rediscovered by modern science. Because it has superior digestibility and increases healing energy, coconut oil is used in remediation diets for premature infants, the ailing and the immune-compromised. Like breast milk, which nourishes and protects the infant, coconut oil is high in lauric acid and helps protect us as we age from infectious and degenerative diseases. It has been given to people with compromised digestive systems, malnourishment, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s and cystic fibrosis. Its ability to stabilize blood sugar has helped those with Type II Diabetes. Coconut oil has profound antimicrobial effects in the body, warding off viruses, fungi, yeast and parasites. Studies have shown that it helps those suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Candida and other flu-like viruses. Coconut oil’s digestibility, the unique properties of lauric acid and the manner in which MCFAs are utilized in the body are the source of its powerful health benefits.

In addition to its long and successful history as a tropical culinary oil, coconut oil has been used for centuries as a body care product that nourishes, moisturizes and protects skin and hair.

Coconut Oil Processing
Fresh coconut when first crushed is a delicate pink color—not the white you might expect. The oil is filtered using earthen clays to naturally bleach out the pink hue. Pressing can generate heat beyond 180 degrees for 5 minutes or longer. Crude coconut oil needs to have its natural enzymes pasteurized and is heated to neutralize them. This step is essential, otherwise the oil goes rancid quickly in the tropical heat, where coconut milk remnants and any atmospheric moisture combine to create hydroperoxcidity in the form of free radicals. The nuts are not cooked, just mildly heat tempered to prevent the oil from rapidly deteriorating. Because of its stable nature after pasteurization, use of heat does not compromise the oil’s nutritional value. To further prevent hydroperoxides from forming, the oil is contained in a vacuum chamber to remove any remaining moisture. A set of comprehensive tests for peroxides, trace iodine and moisture levels, color, odor and taste are conducted to ensure the highest quality product.

A word about ‘Extra Virgin’ Coconut Oil – Some manufacturers choose to refer to their coconut oil as Extra Virgin, but no U.S. regulatory agency standard exists for this claim. Due to concern over lack of standards leading to misuse of the claim, Spectrum does not label our Coconut Oils Extra Virgin; however, our coconut oils are of the highest purity and quality available.  

Organic Coconut Oil     2250600200

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 Tbsp (14g)     Servings Per Container: 28
	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	120	*
Calories From Fat	120	*
Total Fat	14g	22%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	0g	0%
Sodium	0g	0%
Potassium		*
Total Carbohydrates	0g	0%
Dietary Fiber		*
Sugars		*
Other Carbohydrates		*
Protein	0g	*

*U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance not established for adults.

Other Ingredients:
100% mechanically (expeller) pressed naturally refined organic coconut oil.