Some of the worst foods that are in the food supply are the fats and oils. We have been brainwashed into thinking that saturated fats are bad for us and polyunsaturated vegetable oils are good. Frankly, it is just the opposite. Saturated fats from pasture raised animals are critical to good health, as well as the saturated fats from coconut oil.
Why the Bad Reputation?
The answer comes down to simple economics and politics. Based on some flawed studies performed over four decades ago, some of which used primarily unhealthy hydrogenated coconut oils, a powerful anti-saturated fat movement began.
Sadly, it is still very much part of our lives today. Our federal government has strict guidelines regarding the school lunch program which thousands of kids participate in. Instead of given wholesome real food, the schools are required to serve low fat, tasteless lunches cooked in rancid vegetable oils. Thanksfully they do not serve hydrogenated oils anymore, but genetically modified soy and canola oils are used in cooking school lunches.
Hydrogenated oils are oils with trans-fatty acids, which have been altered from their original chemical composition and have been shown to raise cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease and other health problems. You should not consume hydrogenated oils, whether it is coconut or any other vegetable oil. Trans fats and hydrogenated oils are actually banned from certain municipalities because people are starting to understand what Dr. Mary Enig has been saying for the past four decades.
Edible Oil Industry Promotes Rancid Vegetable Oils
Around the 1960’s the edible oil industry began to denounce all saturated fats and heavily promote polyunsaturated fats such as canola, soybean, safflower, corn, and other seed and nut oils. However, these oils are highly refined, easily become rancid when exposed to oxygen and produce large amounts of damaging free radicals in the body. Additionally, they are mainly from genetically modified crops. What is not commonly known is that these oils can actually cause premature aging, clotting, inflammation, cancer and weight gain.
Many commercial coconut oils are RBD (refined, bleached, and deodorized). RBD oils do contain the medium chain fatty acids, however they also contain chemicals used in processing. It is better to buy a coconut oil that has not been bleached, deodorized, refined or hydrogenated. This is called virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil has a medium smoke point which makes it really good for pan sauteing and baking. It tastes delicious in baked goods and is great to add to shakes. Some people enjoy it added to coffee or tea as well. There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil.
Coconut oil is getting more popular and new companies are springing up with products. It’s important to know exactly where the oil is coming from, how it is prepared and what impact it is having on the community and environment.
The coconut products and particularly the oil from Tropical Traditions meets all the high standards I have set. Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is certified organic according to strict USDA requirements. It is hand-made in the Philippines the traditional way.
Read more about the health benefits of coconut oil here
If you do not want to wait for the giveaway to end you can purchase Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil here.
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- The giveaway runs from June 10 – June 16.
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If you do not want to wait for the giveaway to end you can purchase Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil here.
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