Organic Virgin Coconut Oil:
Why organic virgin coconut oil?
Crede virgin organic coconut oil is certified organic by Afrisco. Most coconut oils will be ‘organic’,
but not all will be ‘virgin’, which indicates the processing done to extract the coconut oil from the
coconut. Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh, properly ripened coconut flesh at low temperatures
within 24 hours of picking the coconuts from the trees. This more quality sensitive manufacturing
method ensures that the end-product will be as undamaged, unadulterated and beneficial for health
as possible.
If a coconut oil is not certified ‘virgin’ then it may have been processed at high temperatures and
over several days, exposing it to microbial overgrowth and aflatoxin contamination. Natural volatile
coconut compounds and antioxidants are removed during these processing methods; thus the
coconut oil end-product may not pose the possible health benefits as is found in virgin coconut oil.
How is the odour taken out in the odourless coconut oil?
The organic odourless coconut oil is made from the copra – the dried kernel of the coconut. This
unrefined coconut oil extracted from the copra needs to be purified, as it is not suitable for human
consumption as such. Crede organic coconut oil is processed by ‘physical refining’, which means that
no chemical solvents or high temperatures are involved in this process. This means that the resulting
oil is non-hydrogenated and does not contain any trans fats, which may be found in coconut oil that
has been processed by way of chemical solvents.
How safe are the MCTs in virgin coconut oil?
MCTs found in coconut oil are widely used in hospitals and clinics as an energy source for
intravenous nutrition. The safety of human dietary consumption has been clearly demonstrated,
even during pregnancy and lactation periods. Laboratory research has revealed no carcinogenic
(cancer-causing) tendencies for MCTs in virgin coconut oil.
Virgin coconut oil and its fat content:
Coconut oil has been mistakenly labelled as unhealthy due to its high saturated fat content. It does
contain high amounts of saturated fats, but it’s important to notice that these are medium-chain
saturated fats, also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Most fats and oils in the Western
diet are comprised of long chain saturated fats (LCTs). LCTs have been linked with numerous chronic
diseases and health issues, whereas MCTs have proved the opposite – the list of health benefits
provided by the MCTs in virgin coconut oil is endless, which will be touched in this document. No
wonder the coconut palm is often referred to as the ‘tree of life’ by Asian and Pacific populations,
where they use coconut oil as a dietary oil and also in their traditional medical practices.
The main MCT in coconut oil is lauric acid, a nutrient that supports the body’s immune system.
Coconut oil is the most natural source of lauric acid.
MCTs do not raise blood cholesterol levels, as LCTs are inclined to do; in fact, MCTs contain zero
cholesterol and has been shown to increase HDL (healthy cholesterol carriers) and decrease LDL
(detrimental cholesterol carriers). Another main difference between LCTs and MCTs are: LCT are
converted into fat within the body, whereas MCTs are easily digested, converted into an energy
source and actually stimulates the metabolism, leading to fat burning and potential weight loss.
It’s important to recognize that the fatty acids contained in virgin coconut oil are healthy and
beneficial, but virgin coconut oil is not a significant source of the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and
6). These essential fats must be obtained through consumption of flaxseed oil/fibre, nuts, seeds, oily
fish, etc.
What happens with virgin coconut oil within the body?
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Our bodies know how to distinguish between different types of fats we consume. Each type
of fat has its own function within cells and tissues. The MCTs in coconut oil are more easily
digested than the longer fatty acids in other oils and fats. They are readily absorbed by the
mucous membrane of the small intestine, even if digestive enzymes or bile production is
insufficient.
The MCTs are then carried to the liver for processing, instead of entering general circulation.
At a cellular level, the MCTs are a preferred source of energy and are metabolized as energy
sources by the mitochondria more easily than LCTs.
MCTs do not increase serum triglycerides after meals, in fact research have indicated that
after ingesting the MCT lauric acid induces a more favourable serum lipoprotein pattern
than eating partially hydrogenated soybean oil rich in trans-fatty acids.
Virgin coconut oil for weight loss:
Most people will shy away from the idea of using oil to assist in weight loss / maintenance. We have
been indoctrinated for years to believe in diets that emphasize a low fat intake. Our bodies do need
fat, but it’s all about the quality of the fats we take in – certain fats may be detrimental to our
health, whereas other fats are vital for optimal health. The MCTs found in coconut oil are saturated
fats that have been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including weight loss.
Weight loss provided by coconut oil is directly related to the length of the fatty acids – medium chain
triglycerides (MCTs), as opposed to long chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in meat, vegetable oils and
dairy products. LCTs are stored in the body as fat, whereas MCTs are quickly metabolised in the liver
and converted into an energy source; MCTs have also shown to stimulate the thyroid gland – this
double effect may thus assist in enhancing the metabolism and burning fat stores in the body. Thus,
while you are burning fat, your energy levels will also be enhanced – an added bonus that is usually
deficient in most crash diets. In a study done on the effect of MCTs on the metabolism, it has been
revealed that the MCTs could increase the metabolic rate by up to 48% and for up to 24 hours.
Coconut oil has been shown to have a ‘carbohydrate effect’ within the body, but without having a
glycaemic effect. Thus it provides energy (as a carbohydrate does) and yet does not lead to
fluctuating blood sugar levels, as no insulin is involved in the process of digesting and utilising
coconut oil. This makes coconut oil safe for diabetics and people with insulin resistance. Coconut oil
taken together with meals may help to stabilize blood sugar levels and in this way also assist in a
weight loss regime.
The MCTs in virgin coconut oil have a greater satiating effect than LCTs and in this way MCTs are a
way to ensure a person to feel satisfied after meals, while also ingesting smaller portions. Thus,
indirectly virgin coconut oil may lead to fewer calorie intake as well.
Coconut oil has shown to increase the sensitivity of body tissues to insulin and this causes glucose to
be packed away more readily into cells and muscles for energy. In this way coconut oil can ensure
stabilized blood sugar levels, which is important to ensure weight loss/maintenance, especially in
diabetics and people with insulin resistance.
Coconut has also shown to inhibit the expression of fat-generating genes in nuclear DNA; this
mechanism may lead to reduced body fat.
For weight loss, include at least 3-4 tablespoons into your diet per day – either neat or as a frying oil/
in meals/ in baked goods/ as a spread.
Virgin coconut oil for endurance training:
Endurance training requires reliable and efficient dietary sources for sustainable energy. Virgin
coconut oil ingested before training provides increased free fatty acids during exercise, which may
then spare muscle glycogen stores by ensuring the body utilises these free fatty acids for energy
instead. The cells prefer MCTs as an energy source and the glycogen stores are spared until it’s
needed at a later stage. Coconut oil also doesn’t lead to imbalanced blood glucose levels, another
important factor during endurance training. These mechanisms may thus enhance a person’s
capacity during endurance training.
Virgin coconut oil and cardiovascular health:
In recent years there have been numerous research done on the effect of long chain saturated fats
on cardiovascular health. There have been associations made between LCTs and an increased risk for
heart disease. The MCTs in virgin coconut oil may provide the following health benefits regarding
cardiovascular health:
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Increases HDL cholesterol
Decreased total cholesterol
Decreased LDL cholesterol
Decreased triglycerides
Decreased total cholesterol to HDL ration
Reduces LDL oxidation – a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Virgin coconut oil is also a significant source of antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols, and these
antioxidants prevent free radical damage to the arteries and also help to prevent oxidative stress, a
major risk factor for heart disease.
The combination of flax seed oil and virgin coconut oil has an even greater positive effect on
cardiovascular health: the omega 3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seed oil and the MCTs in
coconut oil independently increase cholesterol removal from tissues for excretion by way of HDL
transport. According to research, the combination of these two oils increases cholesterol transport
to HDL by 152%. This combination may thus cause cardiovascular risk to be greatly decreased.
Virgin coconut oil and the nervous system:
One reason for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is due to an unexplained loss of the ability of brain
nerve cells to use blood sugar as an energy source. When there is an absence of alternative fuels,
these brain cells then die of starvation. This death of brain cells may begin as early as a decade
before symptoms manifest. One of the alternative sources of fuel for brain cells are ketone bodies.
The presence of ketone bodies is a vital survival mechanism during times of famine, when the body
must survive by converting stored fat into these ketone bodies.
There have also been indications of the benefit of these available ketone bodies in the treatment of
and/or prevention of other neurological disorders, such as: Parkinson’s, severe seizure disorder, etc.
Neurologists often put these patients on a ketogenic diet, where a diet of excessive protein intake
and low carbohydrate intake is followed. The problem with a ketogenic diet is that the high intake of
saturated fats (long chain) found in meat may pose a cardiovascular risk. Thus, it’s a much healthier
and safer alternative to administer coconut oil daily to provide these ketones, instead of increasing
the risk for heart disease.
The MCTs in coconut oil are converted into ketone bodies in the liver – these ketone bodies are
immediately available to feed brain cells, especially in the absence of sufficient blood sugar.
Cosmetic uses of virgin coconut oil:
Hair:
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Helps healthy growth of hair
Gives shiny complexion to hair
Aids in the control of dandruff, lice, lice eggs
Makes a great conditioner
Helps regrowth of damaged hair
Provides proteins needed for nourishing damaged hair
Used by many hair manufacturers in hair oils, conditioners and dandruff creams
Used topically in Indian culture for thousands of years as hair care products
Used by many as a natural lice remover
Skin:
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Lauric acid, one of the MCTs, have been shown to help heal rashes and acne
Use it as a skin softener and moisturiser
Aids in ensuring the natural chemical balance of the skin
Delays wrinkles and sagging of skin (due to age) – potent antioxidant
No adverse effects on the skin, as is often seen in mineral oils
Many massage therapists use coconut oil due to its healing and non-staining properties
Coconut oil can also be applied to sunburned skin to reduce the pain and as a soothing agent
Helps relieve dryness and flaking of skin
Speeds up healing of bruises (helps to repair the damaged tissue)
Reduces symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and other skin problems
Virgin coconut oil and its immunological properties:
The MCTs in coconut oil have anti-bacterial influence because they have the ability to disintegrate
bacterial cell walls; MCTs are also presenting the ability to treat severe bacterial infections that are
antibiotic resistant. It also has anti-viral properties by disrupting the assembly of viral particles
during the attempt of viruses to multiply. MCTs are also anti-fungal and thus coconut oil is also used
as a treatment option for Candida species.
Common vegetable oils are high in omega 6 linoleic acid, which may promote the development of
cancerous tumours. By replacing these oils with coconut oil, flax seed oil and fish oil, it may lead to
prevention and/or treatment of certain cancers.
Dietary sources of omega linoleic acid (e.g.: vegetable oils) have shown to increase the production of
pro-inflammatory agents (prostaglandins). The MCTs have shown to improve the immune system’s
anti-inflammatory response. Thus, by substituting these oils with coconut oil, the total intake of
these pro-inflammatory oils may be decreased and anti-inflammatory action increased, which may
then in effect help to reduce total inflammation within the body.
Diseases/conditions often treated by coconut oil includes: candidiases, influenza, hepatitis, IBS,
ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, fungi and yeast infections, athlete’s
foot, diaper rush, thrush, etc.
Virgin coconut oil and its anti-aging properties:
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By applying coconut oil to skin, it may help to fight wrinkles, increase elasticity and prevent
age spots
Other oils usually deplete the body’s antioxidant reserves, whereas coconut oil replenishes
and maintains them by the provision of vitamin E and polyphenols
The antioxidants in coconut oil, by taking it either internally or externally, may prevent
oxidative and free radical damage to the skin, which is the main cause of aging skin.
These antioxidants may also prevent degenerative disease development
It protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, which also increases wrinkles
Virgin coconut oil and bone / dental health:
Virgin coconut oil helps the body to absorb certain nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, which
are vital for optimal bone health and to prevent osteoporosis. Women who are approaching or in
the midst of menopause should definitely include coconut oil to ensure that these bone-building
nutrients are efficiently absorbed. Calcium intake is also important for dental health and strength,
and also to prevent teeth decay.
Virgin coconut oil and diabetes:
When a person has diabetes it is of vital importance that their blood sugar levels remain stable at all
times. Virgin coconut oil increases tissue sensitivity to insulin, which means that glucose is readily
packed away in cells instead of circulating. Coconut oil also ensures that blood glucose is effectively
utilised within the body. These mechanisms ensure that blood sugar levels don’t remain elevated
after meals. For diabetic people – take 1 teaspoon/tablespoon coconut oil before or with every meal
to ensure stabilized blood sugar levels and also to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Coconut oil
consumption also ensures ketone production as an alternative energy source when blood sugar
levels are too low.
Virgin coconut oil and digestion:
Coconut oil enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients, which may also prevent or help treat
digestive problems such as IBS, constipation, etc. Due to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil also
wards of microbes in the digestive tract that may cause indigestion and other digestive complaints.
By enhancing nutrient absorption, coconut oil can be given to people with mal-absorption issues,
e.g.: IBS, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, stomach ulcers, etc. All in all, coconut oil promotes a
healthy intestinal environment and in this way ensures proper nutrient intake and promotes regular
bowel movement.
Virgin coconut oil and liver health:
The MCTs from coconut oil help in preventing liver disease, as these substances are very easily
converted into energy when they reach the liver. Whereas other oils which contain LCTs usually
place a load on the liver and these oils may also lead to accumulation of fats in the liver, which may
then in effect lead to elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Virgin coconut oil for wounds, burns and poisoning:
There have been interesting studies done recently that have indicated the anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties of coconut oil. Because it doesn’t contain chemicals,
additives or preservatives, it’s also safe to put on burns as it won’t irritate the skin or cause allergic
reactions and it also forms a protective layer over the infected area to prevent dust, bacteria,
viruses, etc. to gain access to the open wound. The coconut oil thickens the epidermal layer as the
scar matures, which ensures the scar is more robust and flexible. The skin is also more elastic with a
better texture and improved skin thickness. This observation was made by Dr. Bruce-Chwatt, who
regularly administers it to his patients. The lauric acid in coconut oil fights bacterial, viral and
parasitic pathogens; in this way the coconut oil prevents infection in and around the burnt area.
Once again, it’s important to use virgin coconut oil (cold-extracted), because heat-extracted coconut
oil would destroy the trace proteins needed for the healing process. Application: put something cold
on the burnt area and then gently apply a layer of coconut oil. Reapply coconut oil every hour until
the pain is gone. Coconut oil is very effective on bruises, as it speeds the healing process by repairing
damaged tissues.
The traditional medicine of Indonesia has historically included coconut oil as an important medical
tool – the stability of the MCTs was valuable for the preservation of botanical medicines and also in
wound treatment.
Coconut oil inhibits the absorption of ingested poisons, which makes coconut oil a newly discovered
tool to treat poisonings.
How to use / apply coconut oil:
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Coconut oil is stable for cooking/frying/sautèing purposes and it does not break down or
become hydrogenated. Coconut oil can be used as a healthier, more nutritious alternative
for other cooking oils.
Coconut oil can be used to replace spreads like butter and margarine. If the coconut taste is
strange on bread / crackers, rather opt for the odourless coconut oil (which still retains the
benefits of organic virgin coconut oil).
Coconut oil can be used in baking as a vegetable shortening – giving it a delicious coconut
flavour.
For external use on hair/skin: melt the oil (of it’s a solid) by keeping the bottle in warm
water. You can also take out the needed amount, put it in a bowl over a flame and let it melt
(don’t microwave coconut oil). Take the oil into your palm and apply to hair and/or skin as
needed.
Recommended intake:
o For weight loss: 3-5 tablespoons per day
o For early onset Alzheimer’s: 2-3 tablespoons per day
o For regular consumption and to promote health: 1-2 tablespoons per day
How to store virgin coconut oil:
Coconut oil doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Coconut oil is very sensitive to temperature changes:
above 25 degrees Celcius it becomes a liquid, and below 25 degrees it’s a spreadable solid. It’s
recommended to use the coconut oil within one year after opening.
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