The Coconut Oil Controversy

I’m not one to get involved in politics, but if there is such a thing as fake news, the recent media myth about coconut oil really takes the cake.

The media made all sorts of ridiculous claims regarding coconut oil after the release of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) report on Saturated Fats and its shocking statements about coconut oil in June.  The report alluded that coconut oil isn’t as healthy as claimed to be and that consuming it can lead to heart disease.

As soon as the report came out, I had clients contacting me left and right with worrisome questions about their beloved and healthy coconut oil.

The AHA’s recommendations about avoiding saturated fats is old news, this has been their anthem for a long time.  The recent AHA report not only held firm on this age-old recommendation but it also included coconut oil on the list of saturated fats to avoid this time.  Part of the recommendations also suggested substituting saturated fats for polyunsaturated fats derived from sources such as canola oil, soybean oil and corn oil.

There are many reasons why the AHA’s report is misleading, and why you should continue eating as much organic extra-virgin cold-pressed coconut oil as your heart desires.

Why are more people suffering with heart disease than ever before if the AHA’s guidelines are correct?

I could go on for days about how the AHA’s report is a bunch of BS so I’ll keep it short, sweet and to the point with my three main reasons why you shouldn’t take their recommendations to heart.

First of all, let’s take a look at the source of the data for the AHA’s report.  The report was based on four core studies that the AHA said, “performed well” in regards to saturated fats and heart disease.  Mind you, there are over 17 studies out there, how they picked the four that “performed well” is questionable.   And to top it off, these four core studies were published from 1968 to 1970 and one in 1979.

A LOT has changed in the past 40 plus years and yet the AHA is basing its recommendations on old and outdated information.

Second of all, let’s look at the actual root cause of heart disease – inflammation.  Inflammation is the driving factor, not the consumption of saturated fat.  Chronic inflammation leads to the deterioration of cellular structures and arterial walls.  Cholesterol is what the body uses to repair arterial walls, similar to patching a hole in a leaky pipe or tire.  The more inflammation there is, the more cellular and arterial wall damage, thus there will be more cholesterol or plaque buildup because it is  repairing the damage.

If nutritional guidelines simply focused on eating an anti-inflammatory diet, we would see a MAJOR decrease in the rates of not only heart disease but all other types of disease as well.

Third of all, where they really go wrong is with their list of fats and oils that you should be eating.  They suggest consuming canola, corn and soy based oils.  These oils are more strongly related to heart disease than coconut oil because of their inflammatory factors.  More than 90% of corn and soy crops are genetically modified and laden with pesticides and herbicides.   A Norwegian study found that U.S. soy crops contain “extreme” levels of glyphosate which is a main ingredient found in Roundup.

Pesticides and herbicides in GMO foods drive up inflammation.  And remember what happens when there’s chronic inflammation? More cellular damage, more arterial wall damage and thus more cholesterol and plaque build up.

Most coconut oil brands, at least from what I’ve seen, are non-GMO and typically organic meaning they are pesticide and herbicide free, and not inherently inflammatory like corn and soy based oils.

In this week’s video and blog I continue to break down the misleading information in the AHA’s recent report and give you the real facts on why and how you should incorporate coconut oil and essential saturated fats.

Saturated fat is essential for everything from liver function to immune system regulation.

Our cell membranes are made from at least 50% saturated fatty acids.

Saturated fats and LDL cholesterol are required to make hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

Saturated fat is used to protect the liver from the dangerous side effects of medications, to make the lining of the lungs and is required for calcium to be effectively used to build bones.

Since saturated fats are so essential to every function of the body, we need to be consuming them in the right way.  Coconut oil is one of the cleanest and best sources for essential saturated fatty acids but you can also get them from animal fats such as grass-fed organic beef.

In addition to being a great source of healthy saturated fats, coconut oil also has anti-microbial properties, meaning it also protects your gut and mouth from parasites, bacteria and yeast, and promotes the balance of friendly gut flora.

Notice how I said “consuming them in the right way.”  If you don’t consume saturated fat in a healthy way, it will increase inflammation and your risk for heart disease.  Follow my guidelines below for consuming saturated fats to reduce your risk for heart disease and to boost your health.

Guidelines for Consuming Saturated Fats:

• Grab organic and non-GMO oils to avoid inflammatory pesticides/herbicides
• Look for cold-pressed oils that maintain the natural structure and benefits of the oil
• Make sure your meat and fish is organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised and/or wild caught
• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, free of processed and GMO foods
• Balance Omega 6 from foods by taking an Omega 3 supplement

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be providing your body with the right types of saturated fats it needs to function at its optimal potential while reducing inflammation and risk factors for heart disease at the same time.

Like I always say, “There’s a difference between eating healthy and eating right for your body.  Eating right for your body will include healthy food, but not every healthy food is right for your body.”

So take what you hear about so-called healthy foods with a grain of salt, be informed and make choices that are right for your body.

If you’re interested in learning more about what foods are right for your body, I invite you to schedule a complimentary Ideal Health and Weight Discovery Session.  Let’s chat! Click here to schedule