Second of two parts

Coconut oil is getting internet attention and with customers at health food stores because it seems effective in giving a boost to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol.

There are several forces creating this phenomenon.

The coconut oil industry is working hard to win public favor.

There are scientists who are backing off from the damnation of coconut oil.

And there are vegans, who abstain from animal products. Many vegans use coconut oil as a butter substitute. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature.

This week’s column is devoted to coconut-oil advocates.

One of the leading proponents of coconut oil is Joseph Mercola, a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Mercola advocates natural methods of achieving good health that he promotes on his website, Mercola.com.

Mercola is a New York Times best-selling author who has made many appearances in the nation’s media. He is often described as controversial.

Here are a few of Mercola’s opinions:

Multiple studies of Pacific Island populations who get 30-60 percent of their total caloric intake from fully-saturated coconut oil have all shown nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular disease.

The naturally-occurring saturated fat in coconut oil provides health benefits, such as: improving heart health, boosting the thyroid, increasing metabolism, promoting a lean body and weight loss if needed, and supporting the immune system.

Coconut oil benefits your skin when applied topically and has been found to have anti-aging, regenerative effects.

Another advocate of coconut oil is Mary G. Enig, PhD, author of “Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils, and Cholesterol.”

Here are some of her views:

Although the advantage of regular consumption of coconut oil has been under-appreciated by the consumer and producer alike for two or three decades, its benefits should be compelling for the health-minded consumer.

Whole coconut, as well as extracted coconut oil, has been a mainstay in the food supply in many countries in Asia and the Pacific Rim throughout the centuries. Recently though, there has been some replacement of coconut oil by other seed oils. This is unfortunate since the benefits gained from consuming an adequate amount of coconut oil are being lost.

According to coconut-oil industry information on the internet:

Some of the most recent research has come from people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, with reports of people improving or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s by using coconut oil. Alzheimer’s is now seen as a type 3 form or diabetes, and for years there have been positive results from people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in using coconut oil.

There have been reports of coconut oil health benefits from those suffering from hypothyroidism because coconut oil helps boost metabolism and raise body temperatures to promote thyroid health.

Increasing coconut oil in the diet has also led many to report losing weight with coconut oil.

Candida (a fungus infection) sufferers also report health benefits with coconut oil as research now confirms, and those suffering from various skin diseases are also seeing tremendous health benefits by applying coconut oil directly on the skin. The benefits of coconut oil for healthy hair are also well-known.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.