Chapter 1, Part 3

The Coconut Diet: The Secret Ingredient That Helps You Lose Weight While You Eat Your Favorite Foods
by Cherie Calbom

(Page 3 of 4)

HEALTH SECRETS OF THE TROPICS

Not only do MCTs raise the body's metabolism leading to weight loss, they promote health as well. The health secret of the tropics is the same as the weight loss secret-the fatty acids of coconut oil lead to healing and disease prevention. The incredible health properties of MCTs were researched and documented by Dr. Jon Kabara as far back as 1966.

The most predominant MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid. The lipid researcher Dr. Jon Kabara says, “Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of lauric oils. These medium-chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar nutriceutical [medical food] effects. It is the fat content that offers the health benefits. The medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found primarily in coconut oil and mother's milk have miraculous healing power.” Outside of human breast milk, coconut oil is nature's most abundant source of lauric acid and other medium-chain fatty acids. MCTs have been part of infant formulas and hospital formulas for many years. Much of the research completed on coconut oil, and, specifically, lauric acid, has centered around the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of this unique fatty acid. Today, many strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Studies have shown that antibiotics are generally ineffective in treating viral infections. When lauric acid is consumed in the diet, either in human breast milk or in coconut oil, it forms a monoglyceride called “monolaurin,” which has been shown to help destroy a variety of lipid-coated viruses, including HIV, herpes simplex virus-1, vesicular stomatitis virus, influenza, and cytomegalovirus7 and a variety of bacteria such as helicobacter pylori.Additionally, there is evidence that the MCTs in coconut oil kill yeast infections such as Candida albicans.

I'm a nurse working at a natural alternatives wellness center in Missouri. I use virgin coconut oil as a foundational product for all of my clients. It is one of the most powerful supplements I have ever worked with. I have been in the healing arts for 30 years and natural approaches for 20 years. Most of my clients are able to use three to four tablespoons [of coconut oil] per day from the start with amazing results such as improved immune system and energy level, stabilized blood sugar, improved thyroid function, weight loss, increased mental clarity, and improved emotional/mental stability. In addition to being a wonderful supplement, coconut oil is a basic food, which should replace all other oils in the diet. I don't know of any other product that covers so many bases-and it tastes great too! -Marie

TRADITIONAL TROPICAL DIETS

A number of studies on the effects of diets heavy in saturated fat offer evidence that coconut oil helps maintain optimal health and weight levels. For example, Dr. Weston Price, a dentist who conducted a number of studies in the 1930s among Pacific Islanders, spent significant time examining the islanders' traditional diets. He looked at their general health, and specifically their dental health, as compared with islanders who ate more modern diets consisting of refined foods.

Doctor Price found that those islanders who ate a traditional diet consisting of high concentrations of coconut were in very good health and were not obese, even though they had a very high-fat diet. Those who traded commercially with Western countries and ate more refined foods high in carbohydrates suffered from common Western diseases, including dental decay.

A study conducted in India by the Department of Medicine, at Safdarjang Hospital in New Delhi, compared traditional cooking oils and fats, like coconut oil and ghee (clarified butter), which are rich in saturated fats, with modern oils like sunflower or safflower, which are mostly polyunsaturated, in relation to the prevalence of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They found that heart disease and diabetes had actually increased after a decrease in the consumption of the traditional oils like coconut oil and ghee. It is generally accepted that weight gain is typically associated with heart disease and diabetes. They concluded that these newer “heart-friendly” oils like sunflower and safflower possess an undesirable ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids.Other similar studies in the region indicate that the sole use or excessive intake of these modern vegetable oils can be detrimental to one's health.

P. K. Thampan, the former chief coconut development officer of the Coconut Development Board in India, made similar discoveries in his study of traditional cultures that consumed large amounts of coconut. In his book Facts and Fallacies About Coconut Oil, Thampan shows that coconut oil consumption is unrelated to coronary heart disease mortality and morbidity, which is contrary to what is taught in many countries. Observations recorded in countries where palm kernel and coconut oil form major dietary components have shown a longer life expectancy at birth than in countries with a negligible intake of tropical oils. There are also instances of longer life expectancy in predominantly coconut-consuming areas within the same country where less coconut is consumed.

Dr. P. Rethinam and Muhartoyo wrote in the Jakarta Post (2003) that before 1950, heart attacks were uncommon in Sri Lanka. However, hospital admission rates for heart attacks grew dramatically from 1970 to 1992, which might be explained in part by the fact that coconut consumption has gone down from an average of 132 nuts per person per year in 1952 to 90 per person per year in 1991.

I read a coconut oil article in Woman's World magazine [May 2003] and decided to give [coconut oil] a try. I have suffered horrible pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia for about 10 years. Pain pills weren't much help and they added to the foggedbrain feeling. Within five days of starting the coconut oil- four tablespoons per day, sometimes more-I was almost completely pain free. [Prior to that] I could not drive more than an hour without being in tears.We just got back from a nine-state, nine-day driving vacation and I drove pain free the entire way. I was never diagnosed with thyroid problems, but had many of the symptoms, and that is much better, too. I lost 17 pounds within the first 10 days on the oil. I cannot say enough about it. I am 60 years old and certainly never expected to get the super results I have received. -Joyce

About the Author

Cherie Calbom is known to millions of fans as "The Juice Lady," and her infomercials are world-renowned. A registered nutritionist, Cherie Calbom has become one of America's foremost celebrity experts on "drinking your vitamins." Her previous books, Juicing for High Level Wellness and Vibrant Good Looks (Crown, 1999), and Juice Lady's Guide to Juicing for Life (Avery, 1992).