Coconut Oil

-
    Last week, I presented a power point on types of fats to a sixth grade health class for my school food service rotation. At the end of the presentation, the sixth grade teacher asked me my opinion on coconut oil. I've heard such mixed reviews in the media regarding this oil. Some unreliable blog posts state coconut oil aids in weight loss, promotes healthy hair, and can be used in the treatment of alzheimer's disease. However, mayo clinic states due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil may lead to an atherogenic  lipid profile. Therefore, I examined this research study discussing coconut oil's effects on lipid profiles of 1,000+ women (age 35-69) in the Philippines. Mean coconut oil consumption was determined using 24 hour recalls and was found to be 9.5+/- 8.9 grams. Higher coconut oil consumption among pre menopausal participants was correlated with a beneficial lipid profile and higher HDL cholesterol levels. Coconut oil consumption was not significantly associated with LDL or triglyceride levels. It would be interesting to conduct a similar study in the United States where our mean total fat intake daily is greater than those in the Phillipines and see if similar results were noted.

 Feranil A, Duazo P, Kuzawa C, Adair L. Coconut oil is associated with a beneficial lipid profile in pre-menopausal women in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal Of Clinical Nutrition. June 2011;20(2):190-195.

E. Kintner

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prev...
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 rec...
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 Decembe...
Read more