By Lori Corbin
ABC Inc., KABC-TV Los
Angeles, 2006
In January 2006, food
manufacturers will be required to list any trans fat in food on the nutrition
facts. Since experts have clarified that this type of fat is worse for us than
saturated fats, many are taking a second look at coconut oil. It's true that
coconut oil is a saturated fat. But it doesn't contain cholesterol or trans
fat. Even though it is a saturated fat, it has been shown to elevate levels of
HDL or the good cholesterol.
Author of "Rx:
Coconuts (The Perfect Health Nut)," Dr. Vermen Rowell has been studying the effects of coconut oil
for years. She says it can help with weight loss, skin problems, heart disease
and certain cancers.
Rowell says the studies on
cancer have been done on animals so more research is needed, but she feels it
is important to swap coconut oil for other oils that are high in Omega 6 fats.
Typically, Americans
consume to much Omega 6 fat which has been shown to make us prone to
inflammatory diseases.
Susan Bowerman, Assistant
Director at UCLA's "Center for Nutrition," agrees coconut oil is a
nice alternative to some oils, but feels that olive oil is still the best fat
when it comes to heart health and versatility.
Due to the new coconut
craze, Whole Foods markets have stocked their produce section with coconuts,
coconut oil, coconut water, and juice. The oil is 125 calories a tablespoon and
solid at room temperature. To give coconut a try, Rowell recommends spreading the
coconut oil on toast like butter, sprinkling shredded coconut in a salad, or
melting down the oil to stir-fry. In addition, the coconut water is a nice
source of sodium and potassium for a post-workout beverage.
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