In episode 36 of the Anti-Aging Lifestyle I do a deep dive on coconut and it’s many forms. I go over the pros and cons of coconut oil, coconut milk, and whole coconut flakes.
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Some highlights from the episode:
Background: The rise, fall, and return of coconut products. The place of coconuts and coconut trees in our culture.
Nutrition: High in fat, moderate in carbs and protein. Primarily saturated fat. But do coconuts really have high amounts of MCTs? Does raising your HDL levels really benefit you?
Pros:
Antioxidants and Fiber: Coconuts are packed with several antioxidants to protect from free radical damage, and is high in insoluble fiber.
Blood Sugar: Coconuts are beneficial for stable blood sugar levels, due to its high fat, high fiber, and high arginine content.
Immune System: Coconuts may give you an immune boost with the combination of manganese and antioxidants.
Coconut Water: Can be used as an IV in emergency situations. High in potassium, low in sodium, but no better than water in terms of hydration benefits.
Other Uses:
Skin Protection: Coconut oil provides a natural SPF of 5-7, and helps soothe skin rashes and inflammation.
No Mosquitos: Coconut oil has been shown to be an effective natural mosquito repellant.
Deodorant: Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that make it a popular ingredient in natural deodorants.
Oil Pulling: Coconut oil may be beneficial for your oral hygiene. Helping to reduce mouth bacteria, dental plaque, and gum inflammation.
Cons:
No Processed: Stay away from processed and sweetened coconut products.
High Cholesterol: Coconut raises cholesterol levels across the board, which increases your risk of harmful cardiovascular effects.
Island Life: Why many of the indigenous population studies on coconuts don’t apply to the general population.
MCT Fallacy: Only 10% of the saturated fat in coconuts is in the form of MCTs. Also, just because MCTs get burned off a bit easier…. it doesn’t mean they are healthy for you.
Whole Coconut: Why consuming whole coconut is so much different than consuming only the processed oil from a coconut.
HDL Cholesterol: Why the boost in HDL doesn’t necessarily mean a boost in your health.
Summary: Whole coconut seems neutral or even slightly beneficial to your health. But I recommend avoiding coconut oil and coconut milk if you want to minimize your risk of developing heart disease. Aside from eating coconut products, there are many other uses of coconut that provide natural solutions to our every day problems.
I finish the episode with Tomko Tip #36 where I explain why discipline is the root of all good qualities.