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Coconut Oil and Harvard Nonsense

How did something as natural and ordinary as coconut oil get so controversial? There is a recent Harvard doctor who stirred up more nonsense on the harm of coconut oil. Let’s look at the facts. 

While on a trip to Boston, I had the privilege of visiting the nearby Harvard University campus. I felt smarter simply having my feet touch the grounds of such a prestigious university. Harvard can provide a wonderful education but just because someone is Harvard educated does not mean they have all the right answers. Everyone, no matter where they were educated, is human with human opinions that are not always correct. Sometimes we have to get past the prestige and opinions of others and look at the evidence-based and science-based research. Let’s look also at our own personal experiences that bring us wisdom.

So… Let’s not rail on a university or a person, let’s get to the facts on coconut oil. We were given a brain, so let’s use it. The coconut oil debate is not even mentally challenging to figure out.

Coconut Oil, Essential Oil, Organic Cosmetic

Attacks on Coconut Oil

Although I wish no one would ever bother to read the attacks, I know that sometimes we have to see both sides to see how inaccurate some opinions may be. Here are two attacks and two defenses to keep you on a heathy journey with the facts.

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June 2017 Attack on Coconut Oil

Attack  =  USA Today June 2017

Defense  =  In Defense of Coconut Oil: Rebuttal to USA Today

Defense  =   War on Coconut Oil: California Companies Attacked to try and Prevent the Sale of Coconut Oil

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August 2018 Attack on Coconut Oil

Attack  =  USA Today August 2018 – Harvard professor

  • A Harvard professor, Karen Michels, condemns coconut oil as “pure poison” and “one of the worst foods you can eat.”

Defense  =  Coconut oil attacked by Harvard professor: The truth behind the propaganda

Defense  =  Evidence-based and Science-based Research on Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil

Use the Right Kind of Coconut Oil

No, not all coconut oil is the same. That has been some of the problems in this ongoing debate.

“In the 1950s and 1960s, a series of studies linked saturated fats to increased risk of dementia and cancer – as well as with high levels of LDL cholesterol, traditionally considered harmful. (Coconut oil is composed of 82 percent saturated fat.)

However, later analysis has caused many scientists to dismiss these studies as suspect – and their findings as flawed.

Coconut oil supporters point out that the original studies were conducted using partially hydrogenated coconut oil, which is not as healthy as the chemically-untreated virgin coconut oil used today.”Coconut oil attacked by Harvard professor: The truth behind the propaganda

Organic coconut oil that has not been highly refined is the healthy kind of coconut oil. Partially hydrogenated coconut oil (refined) is extremely bad for one’s health. Listen to what your brain tells you, what it feels like, how well or unwell it functions as you remove the unhealthy fats and add in the healthy fats. Your brain may feel different like mine did. It may function much better like mine did after the transition.

Personal Note on Coconut Oil

Personally, I found my own brain slipping from the effects of several diseases that were wracking my body, especially my brain. I had gotten to a point where I could not put sentences together and got lost in a neighboring town only 10 miles away.

I chose to try the coconut oil theory that if one can catch it early enough, pure unrefined organic coconut oil several times a day may help the body get back into alignment of brain health.

All I can say is that it worked for me and there are many others making the same claim. I cannot say that coconut oil cured Alzheimer’s. I can only express my personal situation and the outcome that I continue to enjoy.

Bulletproof Coffee, Blended With Organic  Butter And Mct Coconut

Replacing Unhealthy Products with Coconut Products

Since my scare with a quickly slipping brain, I have replaced anything I can with coconut products. Removing the bad fats helped tremendously with the onslaught of brain difficulties, for me. And adding the healthy coconut products helped improve my brain situation with great success.

For me, including pure coconut oil into my diet at least 3 times a day has worked wonders for my brain health.

Morning Coconut Oil

Every morning I drink a tea or coffee-based drink that includes MCT oil.

MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides, as opposed to long chain triglycerides (LCT), which are found in most foods. MCT oil is comprised of primarily caprylic and capric fatty acids, and is a light-yellow, odorless, translucent liquid at room temperature. MCT oil occurs naturally in coconut oil and other foods.

If you are an oatmeal kind of person, add MCT or coconut oil. If you are a smoothie person, add MCT or coconut oil. Whatever your morning breakfast contains, include the MCT or coconut oil for a healthy brain lifestyle.

My all-time favorite MCT oil that works best for my particular brain (and I have tried numerous brands) is Brain Octane by Bulletproof. This one bottle last a whole month for me. Worth every penny in my opinion because of the results. Takes numerous bottles of other brands to obtain same results as one bottle of Brain Octane, for me.

Noon Coconut Oil

Every noon time I include coconut oil in my largest meal of the day. I pour MCT oil on to anything I make. It is tasteless and offers moisture to anything you eat.

  • If I have a salad, I use MCT oil in the homemade salad dressing.
  • If I make something with a sauce, I add the MCT oil to the sauce if it is raw or AFTER it has been fully cooked.
  • If I have any meat or fish, I add a teaspoon of MCT oil on top AFTER it has been fully cooked.
  • If I cook anything in a skillet, I use coconut oil as the oil, replacing unhealthy fats.

Evening Coconut Oil

I do things a bit backward, but it works for me. In the evenings, I eat light.

So, what have YOU decided on coconut oil and your healthy lifestyle? Is coconut oil nourishing to YOU?

Maribeth Baxter, MBNC (Certified Mind-Body Nourishment Coach)

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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging and social media activities, I may receive monetary compensation for links to products from this post. However, I only recommend products that I personally love and use myself. If it is not good enough for me, it certainly is not good enough for you!!


HEALTH COACH DISCLAIMER: Health/Wellness coaching is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed professional. Trained and certified Health Coaches may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for your personal physician’s care. As your health/wellness coach I do not provide a second opinion or in any way attempt to alter the treatment plans or therapeutic goals/recommendations of your personal physician. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability as you create an action plan to meet and maintain your health goals.


 

 

 

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