13 replies to this topic

[StrangeAeons]

I noticed some coconut oil in the supermarket the other day that was considerably cheaper than the organic, extra virgin stuff. It claimed it was non-hydrogenated, but nothing beyond that. I bought some out of curiosity, and noted that it melts at 76F just like the fancy stuff. What do you guys suppose is the marginal difference in health benefit with the non-virgin coconut oil? Any reason it might be detrimental to health?

[niner]

I noticed some coconut oil in the supermarket the other day that was considerably cheaper than the organic, extra virgin stuff. It claimed it was non-hydrogenated, but nothing beyond that. I bought some out of curiosity, and noted that it melts at 76F just like the fancy stuff. What do you guys suppose is the marginal difference in health benefit with the non-virgin coconut oil? Any reason it might be detrimental to health?

Based on the m.p. and their claim, I'd say that it's not hydrogenated. That's the number one thing. I take coconut oil for the lipid itself, plus I like the taste. It's conceivable that you could be missing some polyphenolic content, though if it tastes like coconut, it's probably there. I like good value in all things.

[ajnast4r]

generally the purer the plant oil the better... good quality coconut oil is dirt cheap
http://www.iherb.com...454-g/2505?at=0

[Brainbox]

There seem to be inconsistencies in research results regarding the healthy effects of coconut oil. These paradoxes are sometimes explained by the fact that the less healthy or even detrimental effects are due to the use of a refined version. Bottom-line, I think the use of coconut oil is a bit questionable, especially the refined and / or non-vierge versions.

Edited by Brainbox, 16 August 2009 - 01:50 PM.
typo

[StrangeAeons]

ajnast4r, I suppose that depends on your definition of dirt-cheap. The LouAna was 32oz for $6.50 in the grocery store; that said, the other stuff is a good bargain for being much higher quality.
Brainbox, this is what I'm trying to filter out; which aspect is detrimental to the oil? I don't see the significance of extra virgin as being to great, as that just means you're only taking the first cold press of the oil. If the coconut is fundamentally healthy, every press should be fine so long as there is no processing; like niner said, I assume the hydrogenation is the main (detrimental) aspect of it. The fact that it maintains the same melting point is a "solid" indicator to me. Of course, perhaps I just want it to be healthy because it tastes good and I've been using it a lot as of late. I think I'll stick with the stuff; if I get any lipid work done in the future I'll post the results.

[ajnast4r]

ajnast4r, I suppose that depends on your definition of dirt-cheap. The LouAna was 32oz for $6.50 in the grocery store; that said, the other stuff is a good bargain for being much higher quality.
Brainbox, this is what I'm trying to filter out; which aspect is detrimental to the oil? I don't see the significance of extra virgin as being to great, as that just means you're only taking the first cold press of the oil. If the coconut is fundamentally healthy, every press should be fine so long as there is no processing; like niner said, I assume the hydrogenation is the main (detrimental) aspect of it. The fact that it maintains the same melting point is a "solid" indicator to me. Of course, perhaps I just want it to be healthy because it tastes good and I've been using it a lot as of late. I think I'll stick with the stuff; if I get any lipid work done in the future I'll post the results.

not all oil is pressed... unless noted, its most likely hexane extracted. the first press generally tends to get more of the goodies out... vitamins, minerals, phenolics etc

[StrangeAeons]

this seems to raise the issue of whether the benefits are more goody-related or are intrinsic to the oil. Obviously said "goodies" are vastly dilute in the cheap form, and I may consider the investment in other brands regardless.

[niner]

this seems to raise the issue of whether the benefits are more goody-related or are intrinsic to the oil. Obviously said "goodies" are vastly dilute in the cheap form, and I may consider the investment in other brands regardless.

I take it for the medium chain triglycerides. The polyphenols and anything else is icing on the cake. Taste is pretty important to me also. I want it to taste good. I suspect that if it tastes good, the putative "good stuff" is probably there too. If not, well, the MCTs are the important thing.

[seaexplorer]

I'm currently in Mexico and there are coconuts all over the place, so for me it would be most convenient to just eat the stuff. Does anyone have an idea of how much one should eat to get the therapeutic benefits? Thanks

[TheFountain]

I'm currently in Mexico and there are coconuts all over the place, so for me it would be most convenient to just eat the stuff. Does anyone have an idea of how much one should eat to get the therapeutic benefits? Thanks

I agree to an extent. But you have to also take into account how many olive oil brands are diluted with less healthy oils. If you buy olive oil make sure it is 100% organic. Colavita and spectrum both make organic olive oils and I received an email from colavita after an inquiry that stated their olive oils (even the non-organic ones, though I am still skeptical) are 100% 'unadulterated' with other oils. I think coconut oil is good in moderation and for keeping inflammation down though and as an antimicrobial agent.

Edited by TheFountain, 28 August 2009 - 07:23 AM.

[TheFountain]

this seems to raise the issue of whether the benefits are more goody-related or are intrinsic to the oil. Obviously said "goodies" are vastly dilute in the cheap form, and I may consider the investment in other brands regardless.

I take it for the medium chain triglycerides. The polyphenols and anything else is icing on the cake. Taste is pretty important to me also. I want it to taste good. I suspect that if it tastes good, the putative "good stuff" is probably there too. If not, well, the MCTs are the important thing.

I have to eat coconut oil slowly because if I don't the consistency begins to remind of of crisco oil (though I have never actually eaten crisco first hand). It's just a thing of the mind I suppose.

[niner]

I'm currently in Mexico and there are coconuts all over the place, so for me it would be most convenient to just eat the stuff. Does anyone have an idea of how much one should eat to get the therapeutic benefits? Thanks

Doesn't coconut contain a lot of sugar? It might be hard to get enough oil without a sugar OD. Might be fun though.

[Apchi]

This is a highly debated issue:

I myself love the stuff and tend to believe it probably good for you but hardly touch it because people like dr Oz and Dr Weil strongly appose it.
Better to be extra careful and conservative here in case the nay sayers are right. Hopefully some quality research will be done in the future to help clarify this.
Also it's possible the stuff works differently one person to another so idealy you can experiment on yourself and test the effect on your biochemistry to reach your own conclusion


http://www.sitegroun...-on-coconut-oil

http://books.google....f...nut&f=false

VS

http://www.oregonliv..._with_coco.html

http://www.drweil.co.../u/id/QAA316479

[niner]

This is a highly debated issue:

I myself love the stuff and tend to believe it probably good for you but hardly touch it because people like dr Oz and Dr Weil strongly appose it.
Better to be extra careful and conservative here in case the nay sayers are right. Hopefully some quality research will be done in the future to help clarify this.

I'm not sure that a disagreement between ignorant people and people who know what they're talking about constitutes much of a "debate", although it seems good enough for politics. Weil didn't strongly oppose it in his 4 year old article, he just didn't support it. I wonder what he thinks now? Oz is just a clown. After reading the Weston Price rebuttal, are you still going to listen to a celebrity doctor?