Coconut Oil - A Real Superfood!

Coconut oil is one of the most interesting Superfoods of our time!  Once thought to be unhealthy, coconut oil has shed the stigma of a saturated fat and is now lauded for its numerous health benefits.  The majority of the fatty acids in this oil are a particularly healthy class called, medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs.   Such MCTs include lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid among others.  These specific fatty acids have potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties, which help to eliminate various infections and bolster the immune system.  In addition, MCTs are more easily assimilated and are used for energy in the body rather than fat storage.  Imagine - instant energy without fear of weight gain!

From a medicinal perspective, coconut oil is often used in a variety of disease issues to boost function, boost immunity and eliminate pathogens.  There are many bacteria and two-dozen pathogenic viruses inactivated by lauric acid in coconut oil.  While the "bad" bacteria are neutralized, the "friendly" intestinal bacteria needed for digestion remain unharmed.  In fact, these amazing fatty acids have been found to neutralize Candida and other fungi in the intestinal tract as well.  Look out leaky gut, there's a new white hat in town!

At RPC, we incorporate coconut oil in cases with specific disease processes such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis and more.   Dosages vary with pet and disease process.  If your pet has a specific disease, please contact your holistic practitioner for guidance on the use of coconut oil.  While it is used with great success in disease processes, it can also be use in healthy pets for prevention as well as for their care-givers, too!

When purchasing coconut oil, please select the organic, extra-virgin option in a glass jar for optimal benefits.  The oil remains solid white below 73F, but will become a clear oil above that temperature.  It has a high smoke-point and can be used in cooking for humans and pets.  Care-givers can enjoy a teaspoon in their morning oatmeal for a daily dose of antioxidants!  It is important to remember that the health benefits of coconut oil are completely different than those of marine oil.   Thus it is best to use in conjunction WITH a marine oil regimen.

For more information and research articles on coconut oil, please see The Coconut Research Center