Is Coconut / Oil / Water / Milk Good For You?

The Controversial Coconut

Unlike many natural foods, the health benefits of Coconut and its related uses is widely contested, even among prominent figures within the health & wellness communities. Dr. Joseph Mercola is one of the leading proponents of its benefits, and we’ve included links to his various statements below.

One very notable dissenting voice on the topic, however, is Dr. Peter D’Adamo, who claims that is not a beneficial food for any blood type!

As always, we strongly recommend that you consider all of the various claims for yourself and cautiously experiment for yourself as to whether this food is more helpful or harmful to you.


Cited Health Benefits of Coconuts

Modern medicine has found coconuts nutritionally beneficial because:

  1. They’re loaded with naturally sterile electrolytes, which feed your pH and muscle function
  2. They have a high fiber content, which makes you feel full longer and helps regulate elimination
  3. They’re rich in lauric acid, which converts to monolaurin. Monolaurin is the compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity, and a great deal of research has been done to establish the ability of lauric acid to enhance immunity. This medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) actually disrupts the lipid membranes of offending organisms.
  4. They offer high levels of manganese, potassium, and phosphorus.

Source


Controversial Coconut Oil Claims

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)23 still maintains there’s “no good evidence” that coconut oil performs many of the cited functions in the article below. CSPI even contradicts recommendations that people switch from vegetable oils, including canola oil, to coconut oil for better health. | Source


Coconut Milk versus Coconut Water

What is the difference between coconut water and coconut milk? Those who are unfamiliar with them may think they are one and the same, but they are actually very different and, fortunately, easy to distinguish, too.

If you pick up a fresh coconut at the store and shake it, you’ll hear liquid splashing inside. This liquid is coconut water. There is evidence suggesting that next to pure water, coconut water is one of the best options to re-hydrate yourself on a hot day or after an intense workout. It’s packed with numerous nutrients, including electrolytes.

On the other hand, coconut milk is made by grinding coconut meat and diluting it with plain water. It’s rich in protein and fat, and has a consistency similar to fresh cow’s milk.

Coconut milk does not have the mild sweetness that coconut water has, so to compensate for its lack of flavor, it is usually accompanied by other ingredients, like spices and vinegar. In Asian countries, specifically Thailand and the Philippines, coconut milk is commonly added to delicacies and beverages.

Coconut water is essentially the naturally occurring liquid inside green coconuts. It exhibits a clear (but slightly whitish) appearance, and is rich in various nutrients such as minerals, antioxidants and healthy fat. Coconut water can be a refreshing and hydrating drink after a tiring day.1

Coconut milk, on the other hand, is a liquid made from the meat mixed with water. To create a thick texture, the flesh is finely grated and then boiled in water. Afterwards, the mixture is strained through a cheesecloth. A thinner texture can be achieved by simmering the coconut meat left in the cheesecloth. The straining process is then repeated to produce a thin viscosity.

Cited Health Benefits of Coconut Water

  • Water from young, immature coconuts offers a long and growing list of health benefits, distinct from the benefits of its counterpart, coconut oil
  • Coconut water is a powerhouse of natural electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, and is low in sugar, but pleasantly sweet
  • It’s great for post-exercise rehydration, but also has anti-inflammatory properties, protects your heart and urinary tract, is a digestive tonic, improves your skin and eyes, supports good immune function, and can even help balance your blood glucose and insulin levels
  • Coconut water is the richest dietary source of cytokinins, plant hormones that have anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-thrombolytic benefits in humans
  • Because coconut water is isotonic and sterile (upon coming out of the coconut), it is very similar to blood plasma and has been used intravenously in emergency situations for more than 60 years

Source

Cited Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Weight Management and Energy Boost

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut milk are immediately digested and metabolized in your liver, providing you with an energy boost. This also reduces their chances of being stored as fat, so it’s a good weight management tool as well.4 In one study, researchers suggest that MCTs can help reduce overall calorie consumption, leading to gradual weight loss over time.5

Cholesterol Maintenance

Coconut milk may have a positive effect on your cholesterol levels when consumed regularly. In a study that looked into the effects of coconut on lipid levels, researchers noted that coconut can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in as quickly as two months.6

Lower Risk of Inflammation

Adding coconut milk frequently to your diet may help reduce inflammation in your system. In a mice study, the authors tested lauric acid, a type of MCT found in coconut, against Propionibacterium acnes, a microbe responsible for acne infection. They discovered that lauric acid helped reduce NF-kB activation, a signaling pathway that influences inflammation.7

Antibacterial Properties

The MCTs in coconut may help fight bacteria and viruses in your system. Research has found that lauric acid can help inhibit the maturation of the vesicular stomatitis virus.8 In other studies, coconut is suggested to be an effective tool against the yeast strain Candida,9 as well as the bacterial strain Staphylococcus.10

Source


Is Coconut Meat Good For My Blood Type?

A Secretor:  AVOID: Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins.
A Non Secretor:  NEUTRAL

B Secretor:  AVOID: Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins.
B Non Secretor:  AVOID: Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins.

AB Secretor:  AVOID: Enhances effect of other food toxins.
AB Non Secretor:  AVOID: Enhances effect of other food toxins.

O Secretor:  AVOID: Enhances effect of other food toxins. Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins.
O Non Secretor:  AVOID: Enhances effect of other food toxins. Flocculates serum or precipitates serum proteins.

LECTIN CHARACTERIZATION: This food contains a reported lectin.