ASCP Skin Deep

November/December 2013

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wellness Coconut Oil The healthy saturated fat by Shelley Burns There has been quite a bit of hype recently about the health and beauty benefits of coconut oil. Some tout it as the latest miracle food, saying it can decrease the risk of heart disease and obesity. On the other hand, coconut oil is 90 percent saturated fat, and we've always been told saturated fat actually increases the risk of those problems. What's going on here? It turns out both sides are correct. While it's generally true that too much saturated fat in the diet brings health risks, coconut oil has some important differences from other foods high in saturated fat. The difference lies in the length of the molecule chain. The saturated fat in coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are easier to digest than the long-chain fatty acids found in animal fats and even in most other plant-derived fats. MCFAs boost metabolism and increase energy, play a role in maintaining the health of the skin's connective tissue, decrease wrinkles and other signs of aging, and are also very hydrating. About 50 percent of the fat content in coconut oil is lauric acid, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This makes coconut oil useful for a wide range of home remedies, from its proven ability to treat yeast infections1 to its success in relieving cold and flu symptoms. Essentially, it is an immunity booster. Bugs Hate It, Skin Loves It Applied externally, coconut oil can be used to improve and moisturize the hair and scalp, reduce dandruff, and even kill head lice.2 It also reduces inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis.3 In one study, coconut oil was shown to work better than mineral oil in improving the symptoms of xerosis, a condition that causes dry, itchy, rough, and scaly skin.4 Coconut oil is a great home remedy for blisters and cold sores; apply it to lips to prevent chapping and give them a wonderful shine. Plus, it can be applied after a sunburn to hasten the healing process and is a natural, mild sunblock (it's only SPF 4, so don't rely on it alone, but every little bit helps). Cooking with Coconut Oil You can garner health benefits by adding coconut oil to your diet in moderation. It is prudent to start slowly, especially if you were previously following a low-fat diet. A sudden increase in any type of dietary fat can cause loose bowels until the body adjusts. Purchase oil that is labeled "virgin" or "first pressed" to avoid the chemicals used in the production of refined coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil will have a mild flavor and smell, and will be liquid or solid depending on room temperature (it melts at just 75 degrees Fahrenheit). The oil should be colorless when liquid and white when solid; any other color may indicate inferior quality. Coconut oil can be used as an alternative to butter in pastries and other baked goods, and some people also like to take pure liquid coconut oil as a dietary supplement; the recommended dose is three tablespoons daily. Searching online for recipes will show you many ways to cook with this healthy and unique oil. Shelley Burns, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University. She can be reached at the Executive Health Centre at 416-222-5880 or shelley.burns@executivehealthcentre.com. NOTES 1. D. Ogbolu et al., "Antimicrobial Properties of Coconut Oil on Candida Species," Journal of Medicinal Food 10 (2007): 384–7. 2. I. Burgess et al., "Clinical Trial Showing Superiority of a Coconut and Anise Spray Over Permethrin for Head Louse Infestation," European Journal of Pediatrics 169 (2010): 55–62. 3. . Verallo-Rowell et al., "Novel Antibacterial and V Emollient Effects of Coconut and Virgin Olive Oils in Adult Atopic Dermatitis," Dermatitis 19 (2008): 308–15. 4. A. Agero and V. Verallo-Rowell, "A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial Comparing Extra Virgin Coconut Oil with Mineral Oil as a Moisturizer for Mild to Moderate Xerosis," Dermatitis 15 (2004): 109–16. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 9

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