Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (continued)

Yesterday, I posted about the benefit I have been receiving from Extra Virgin Coconut oil, which I discovered through "The Maker's Diet." I appreciate the feedback, but would like to defend my position on the oil in regard to some comments I received. There is a big difference between hydrogenated coconut oil and extra virgin and most of the time, these two, different oils are put in the same category. Even if you want to go the route of "coconut oil is bad" I agree--if you consume large quantities of it. The recommended dose of EVCO is up to three tablespoons a day. And that's your choice. I used one tablespoon a day of EVCO. And I've noticed a difference. I also use a very select form of EVCO...it's organic, undeodorized, unbleached,unrefined and cold processed. I have posted an article below from Livestrong. The reason I am posting this article is to show that I am not recommending coconut oil like a fool. I would never post something that I think would harm other people, especially people who deal with the serious issues of IBS. This oil has also been recommended to me by various doctors, but I never listened to them until I read "The Maker's Diet." And for those skeptical of the diet, that's fine. I never recommended the book as a Bible for digestive help, but it certainly raises valid diet points for people who could benefit from them.

From LIVESTRONG:
Virgin Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Virgin Coconut Oil Health Benefits
Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat called non-copra, as opposed to copra, which is the dry meat used to make refined coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is a source of fatty acids with 95 percent of them being saturated fats. However, these saturated fats are used for energy as they are easily absorbed by the body, unlike saturated fats that come from meat. Virgin coconut oil helps digestion because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Avoid any coconut oil labeled hydrogenated because it contains trans-fats that raise serum cholesterol levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Digestion Aid
Virgin coconut oil helps treat irritable bowel syndrome and improves digestion by coating the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Stir fry vegetable in virgin coconut oil, and use it to cook your rice and grains.

Antiviral and Antimicrobial
The saturated fats present in virgin coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that help kill harmful fungi and bacteria in the gut. According to Dr. Lita Lee, Ph.D., in articles published on her website, these saturated fats have an acid called lauric acid that the body converts to monolaurin. Monolaurin helps the body fight DNA and RNA viruses that lead to herpes and influenza outbreaks.

Promote Weight Loss
Virgin coconut oil is a medium-chain triacylglycerol oil, which, according to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," can help the body lose weight. Medium-chain triacylglycerol oils go directly to the liver and are instantly converted into usable energy, speeding up metabolism in the body by burning calories. The stimulation in the liver also prompts it to generate more of the enzyme that breaks down fat, called bile.

Good for Skin and Hair
The antibacterial properties of virgin coconut oil also make it useful in treating skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis as well as dandruff and dryness of the scalp. You can use it to moisturize your skin and hair and as a nourishing agent for your scalp.

Make a paste by adding 4 tbsp. of virgin coconut oil to a quart jar of warm water, melting it before you apply it onto your scalp. Shake the jar well to mix the oil and the water, and apply to hair. Let it dry without rinsing. Wash your hair at least 24 hours later to give the oil a chance to be absorbed by your scalp.

Poison Antidote
According to an article called "The Latest Studies of Coconut Oil" written by Dr. Mary G. Enig and published by The Weston A. Price Foundation's quarterly magazine, "Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts," virgin coconut oil is used as a treatment for aluminum phosphide poisoning, typically found in pest control solutions.

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