MYTH OF COCONUT OIL : IRRITATES THE SKIN

There is a true fact about myth states that coconut oil can  irritate and cause redness of the skin BUT bear in mind, the benefits of coconut oil exceeds the bad effect. 

Allergic reactions  to peanuts and tree nuts are generally quite common, occurring approximately 1/100 and 1/200 to 1/500 infants among adults. Instead, an allergic reaction to the oil rather rare.1

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease characterized by defects in the epidermal barrier function and inflammation of the skin, where the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases and the ability of stratum corneum  to hold water  is disrupted resulting in decrease in the ability of the skin and hydration.2

Study involving 117 children with atopic dermatitis face (eczema). This study on the effects of topical coconut oil (VCO), and mineral oil, respectively, in the SCORAD (Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis)3  index values​​, TEWL and skin potential in pediatric patients with mild to moderate Atopic Dermatitis (AD), using study of randomized controlled trials3  in which participants and researchers were not told what the treatment will be provided. 

Results of the study found that applying on the skin (topical) VCO for eight weeks have better end result than mineral oil based from clinical studies (SCORAD) and instrumental (TEWL, the skin's capacitance) evaluation.2

PHOTO : headandneckcancerguide.org

PHOTO : headandneckcancerguide.org

VCO also act as a good moisturizer for xerosis5 and have anti bacterial7 and fast healing for dermatitis, done by small studies yet convincing and very promising.

VCO-treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization (repairing) and higher levels of various skin components which scientist conclude the beneficial effect of VCO can be attributed to the cumulative effect of various biologically active minor components present in it.8

Hence, VCO is very beneficial for those having skin problems varies from very dry skin, dermatitis ( skin allergies) and bacterial or fungal infections on the skin in the sense of faster healing, moisturizing and emollient component plus anti- bugs. 

Still, put in our mind, very very small percentage, develope allergy to nuts and nut product.

XEROSIS

PICTURE : medicalcontent.hubpages.com

Atopic Dermatitis of a child

PICTURE : GOOGLE

MYTH OF COCONUT OIL : SATURATED OIL CAUSING OBESITY.

1) FEWER CALORIES

One of the reasons why coconut oil is effective in reducing body fat and reducing weight is because it contains fewer calories than any other fat. For this reason, it has gained the distinction of being the world's only natural, low-calorie fat.


2) INCREASE METABOLISM

Its advantage in weight management is due primarily to its affect on metabolism.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in coconut oil are smaller than other fats and, therefore, digest very quickly, so quickly in fact, that the body uses them as an immediate source of fuel rather than pack them away in storage inside our fat cells.

MCTs are used to produce energy much like carbohydrates and, therefore, they do not circulate in the bloodstream to the degree that other fats do. For this reason, they do not supply fat to fat cells or contribute to weight gain.

One study evaluated the body weight and fat storage for three different diets;
diets-a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing LCTs (long-chain triglyceride), and a high-fat diet containing MCTs.

Calorie content in the diets were elevated to induce weight gain. The testing period lasted for 44 days. At the end of that time, the low-fat diet group had stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day.3

The MCT group had a 60 percent reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.

Because MCTs are used by the body as a source of fuel to produce energy, they have a stimulatory affect on metabolism.

Studies have shown that MCTs boost metabolism, thus increasing the body's use of calories. As a result, calories obtained from all the foods we eat are burned up at a higher rate, so that fewer remain to be packed away as body fat. This boost in metabolism remains elevated for as long as 24 hours after eating a meal containing MCTs. So you enjoy an increased level of energy and continue to burn calories at an accelerated rate for many hours after the meal.4

This increase in metabolism also leads to a rise in body temperature.

Those people who are overweight because of low thyroid function (hypothyroid)  can utilized the metabolic stimulating action of coconut oil to help them shed excess pounds.

PHOTO : REUTERS



3) DECREASE FOOD CONSUMPTION AND CRAVINGS


Another interesting feature about coconut oil is that it helps to decrease total food and calorie consumption. Coconut oil is more satisfying than other fats. When added to meals, people tend to eat less food and feel fuller longer, so they don’t eat as much at the next meal.

For example, in one study women were given a drink which contained either MCTs (from coconut oil) or an oil with LCTs. Thirty minutes later, they were offered lunch in which they could choose and eat as much as they wanted. The women who had the MCT oil before the meal ate less food.1 

In another study, a group of normal-weight men were fed a meal for breakfast differing only in the type of fat used. Later, food intakes at lunch and dinner were measured. Those eating breakfasts containing MCTs ate less at lunchtime likewise when dinner.2

This study showed that when MCTs were eaten at one meal, hunger is forestalled for longer and less food is eaten at the next.It is important  that even though subjects ate less at lunch, they did not make up for it by eating more at dinner hence total daily food intake decreased.2

Sticking to a strict weight loss diet has it challenges. No matter how hard we try, when favourite foods, especially sweets, are placed in front of our eyes, it can be too easy to succumb to temptation.
Here is another benefit with coconut oil. As you add coconut oil into your diet, your cravings for sugar will lessen.

Changing the type of oil you use in meal preparation is a simple step you can take to lose weight. The results are even greater when you combine the weight-reducing effects of coconut oil with a low-carb diet. Weight loss success get even better with a very low-carb, ketogenic diet.

On a coconut oil based ketogenic diet you can eat delicious, full-flavored foods like steak, eggs, roasts, gravy, cream, and butter, as well as healthy fruits and vegetables and lose weight without suffering from hunger or feelings of depravity. For this reason, weight loss can be easy and permanent.

This process is deemed to be thermogenic (heat generating) and has an elevating effect on our metabolic rates by as long as 24 hours after consumption.

An elevated metabolic rate generally means a higher calorific requirement by the body. Food consumed will be burnt up much more than to be kept as body fat.





TIPS TO STAY TRIM:

•  Exercise at least 5 times per week with each session at not less  than 30  minutes.

        Exercises must be aerobic (breathing is required) in nature which will    
        promote the oxidation of body fat for energy.
  
        Aerobic effect is attained when the heart beat rate is maintained at 
        between 60-80% of Maximum Heart Rate (calculated at 225 - age) 
        for minimum of 20 minutes.

• Reduce intake of carbohydrates to not more than 40% of total food intake. especially when there is no intense energy requirement thereafter especially for  dinner.

• Replace fat content of food by at least 14gms with Virgin Coconut Oil each day.

       Virgin Coconut Oil can be taken directly or as cooking oil.







More infos; coconutresearchcenter.org

MYTH OF COCONUT OIL - CHOLESTEROL AND HEART DISEASE.

MYTH : INCREASES CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND RISK OF HEART ATTACK

Conventional coconut oil —the kind used in some candies, coffee creamers, and movie theater popcorn—is made from dried coconut that is pulverized, cooked, and treated with chemicals to produce a bleached, refined oil for use in foods.

"It's bad stuff," says Cornell University researcher Tom Brenna. "This kind of coconut oil jacks up cholesterol levels in laboratory animals like rats, rabbits, and hamsters, which scientists use to study the effects of fats in humans."

About ten years ago, "virgin" coconut oil started to become a popular alternative. "It's made with a mild extraction procedure from fresh coconut meat," says Brenna. "You purée it, heat it gently, and skim off the fat that rises to the top."

Proponents of this "cold-pressed" virgin coconut oil say that it's a healthier, more natural fat than conventional coconut oil.

Which oil to use or buy?

For one thing, both virgin and conventional coconut oils contain the same saturated fats. In fact, their chemical compositions are so similar that only trained experts can tell them apart, using color, aroma, and taste.

As you examine your choices for coconut oil in the market today, your choice will largely be determined by how you intend to use the oil, and your budget. If you want the highest quality virgin coconut oil possible, this chart summarizes what is currently available in the market and rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

The general impression is that cooking at high temperatures would degrade the quality of the oil but, it is not applicable to coconut oil which is thermally stable.

An article was published in The Sunday Times of Sri Lanka, October 16, 2011 – “Coconut Oil: It’s good for your after all,” by Kumudini Hettiarachchi and Shaveen Jeewandara informing that the most of the phenolic anti-oxidants present in coconut oil are thermally highly stable. 

They pointed out and  explained  the reason for a greater composition of anti-oxidants  as a result by simmering for a long time at a high temperature which dissolved more anti-oxidants into the oil. 

In 2013, another study conducted in India also showed that virgin coconut oils produced by wet-milling and using heat produce higher levels of antioxidants. 


The increased polyphenol level in the HEVCO (hot extracted virgin coconut oil) group may be due to increased release of bound polyphenols by heating. Coconut milk is an emulsion of oil and water that is stabilized by protein. To recover the oil from coconut milk, the protein bond has to be broken by heat in a double walled boiler known as a VCO cooker.






REFERENCE :

1) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/629329/

2) http://www.cspinet.org/nah/articles/coconut-oil.html

3) http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v63/n2s/full/1602976a.html

4) http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1092-coconut%20oil.aspx?  
    activeingredientid=1092&activeingredientname=coconut%20oil

5) http://www.itworks.com.my/health-diagnosis/heart-disease.html

6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645831

7) http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/the-coconut-oil-myths-exposing-some-common-myths-  
    surrounding-coconut-oil/

8) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/629329/

9) http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/study-virgin-coconut-oil-effective-in-treating-high-blood-
    pressure/

COCONUT OIL - THE MYHTS

REFERENCE :

1) http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/the-coconut-oil-myths-exposing-some-common-myths-surrounding-coconut-oil/

2) https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/myths-and-facts-about-coconut-oil.html

3) http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

4) https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

5) http://bite-out-of-life.com/busting-the-myths-about-coconut-oil/

6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645831

7) http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/alternative/coconut-oil2.htm

8) http://www.healthcastle.com/coconut-saturated-heart.shtml

CHOOSING HEALTHY COOKING OIL - GOOD AND BAD FAT

Good fat actually reduces high cholesterol and keeps your heart healthier.

The Bad Fats

• Saturated fat. This type of fat (along with trans fats) is what leads to high cholesterol caused by diet. This is an unhealthy fat found in animal products like beef, lamb, pork, butter, cheese, cream and other whole-milk dairy  products. Certain plant oils, like coconut oil, also contain saturated fat.

• Trans fats and hydrogenated fats. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are dietary fats created when processed; fattening ingredients like margarine and shortening are made. Many processed foods, commercially prepared baked goods, and fried foods contain trans and hydrogenated fats, which when ingested lead to high cholesterol.

• Cholesterol. Cholesterol is actually a fat-like material that we get in our diet by eating chicken, beef, pork, eggs, and whole-milk dairy products—many of the same foods that contain saturated fats. Limiting intake of foods with high cholesterol content boosts heart health and lowers cholesterol.

The Good Fats

• Polyunsaturated fat. This unsaturated fat is found in healthy, cholesterol-lowering foods like flaxseed sunflower seeds and walnuts. Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat. You can bulk up on this good fat by eating fish two to three times a week; try great sources like salmon and mackerel. Plant oils are also a good source of polyunsaturated fats (sunflower, corn and soybean oils).

• Monounsaturated fat. This unsaturated fat is found in certain plant oils, such as olive and canola oils. You can also get this good fat in your diet by eating nuts (such as pecans, almonds and hazelnuts), seeds (including pumpkin and sesame) and avocados.

Making Changes to Your Diet

If you have high cholesterol, make these smart and delicious changes to your meals to satisfy your heart and your appetite.

• Get butter out of the pan—Cooking with canola, olive, soybean, flaxseed or sunflower oil instead of butter or margarine is a good place to start switching from bad to good fats in your diet.

• Ditch the beef—Replace beef burgers with grilled turkey burgers; replace steak with lean skinless chicken breasts.

• Choose fish—Salmon is a healthy, rich and delicious alternative to meat, especially for people with high cholesterol.

• Snack crunchy, not greasy—Snack on nuts instead of potato chips; apples and carrots also make great crunchy snacks.

• Add avocado. It’s a satisfying meat alternative for sandwiches and wraps, and a tasty topping for salads.

• Slim down your dairy—When drinking milk or eating dairy products like cheese and cream, look for low-fat or non-fat versions.

• Enjoy egg whites—The yolks contain a lot of cholesterol, so to enjoy a delicious dish without them; whip up an egg-white-only omelet. Add some fresh herbs, vegetables, low-fat cheese or avocado for an even better taste.

Know Your Limits

Good fat can be harmful if not monitored—you can’t just eat all you want. Total fat consumption each day should be 25–35% of your total daily caloric intake or lower.

Cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams per day for people with healthy cholesterol levels. But for those with high cholesterol, less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol should be your daily limit.

If you have high cholesterol, start reading labels; it’s the only way you’ll ever know what you’re eating. Avoid saturated and trans fats as much as possible because your body doesn't need them, and experiment with healthy recipes and exciting new flavours to satisfy your taste buds as you lower your cholesterol.

REFERENCE :

1) http://blog.timesunion.com/healthylife/good-fats-versus-bad-fats/14652/

2) http://thyblackman.com/2011/04/16/get-out-the-gloves-it%E2%80%99s-  

    good-fat-vs-bad-fat/

CHOOSING HEALTHY COOKING OIL.

ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANT

FREE RADICALS

Other sources of how free radicals are formed internally ;

• Inflammation
• Exercise
• Ischemia/re-perfusion injury

Some externally generated sources of free radicals are:

• Cigarette smoke

• Environmental pollutants

• Radiation

• Certain drugs, pesticides

• Industrial solvents

• Ozone

• physical or mentally stress

• Heavy metals and petrochemicals from the environment and in our foods

• Over-the-counter and prescription drugs

• Fried oils and fats

• Radiation (X-rays, UVA, UVB)

• Viruses, yeast, and bacteria in the system

• Low dietary intake of anti-oxidants

Free Radical Testing

Free Radical testing is offered in certain countries and companies. You can ask your practitioner of the availability either by skin prick test or urine test.

An excess of free radicals over a period of time lead to chronic diseases including cancer, cell damage and faster aging. 

Indicated for those who wish to prevent cellular breakdown and risk of cancer.

REFERENCE;
1) http://www.holisticmedicine.ie/newsite/index.php/about-iahm/free-radical- 
    testing/
2) http://revivelifelab.com/metabolic-urine-test-mut-2/metabolic-urine-test-
    mut/expanded-metabolic-urine-test-group-emut/free-radical-test/
3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/

FREE RADICALS AND ANTIOXIDANTS

ANTIOXIDANTS - LADIES WILL LOVE THESE

WHY YOUR HAND BAG MAKES YOU FAT ?(high heels, alarm clocks,  even your leggings!)

Among the things that will surprise you to know the common things that might effect us and the consequences to our body.


YOUR HANDBAGS

Cosmetic doctor Michael Prager, found some patients carry more fat on one side of their body, with the link where, patients often bring their BIG bag.

"Before I perform laser to remove fat, I measure the fatty part of the patient, so that we can measure how many inches lost after treatment," he explained.

"Many of my female patients carry more fat on one side of their body and their fat storage is not uniformly distributed. These women have striking similarities i.e  carrying enormous size handbags .

Ivana Daniell posture experts says, "Doing more weight exercise in one part of the body , such as carrying heavy bags , can affect positioning and distribution of body fat.

The advice?

"Do not take so much of a burden.  It affects your posture, and good posture makes you look slimmer. Change the bag from one to the other.

"With this, the fat will be evening of, and this will also reduce the pain in the neck, shoulders, and back."

Posture expert Ivana Daniell explains the observations from Prager on the impact of our heavy bags on our posture. From time to time, bad posture leads to the fat that is not in proper position.

"Posture affects where we store fat . If you do more weight exercise on one side of the body - such as carrying heavy bags - you do not just activate more muscle on one side, you also cause muscle and skeletal imbalance and this can affect fat distribution."


HIGH HEELS

Dalton Wong a Personal Trainer states:

"High heels can weaken your abdominal muscles, which causes abdominal contents spills out and causing pot belly."

He tells his clients to put their heels on the red carpet, and take it off after sitting. He advises walking around the house without shoes to strengthen muscles that have been weakened by wearing high heels.



FAKE TAN

Scientists in Sweden have discovered that chemicals known as phthalates to make us easier to add weight and were twice as likely to bring about diabetes. These chemicals are also found in make-up, cleaning products and plastic containers. can cause obesity to be absorbed into the body and sent throughout the body through the skin.



MULTITASKING

Professor Ryan Hamilton,  conducted a study related with multitasking stated "Being busy affects the food choices you make,"

Personal trainer Dalton Wong, who trains Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence. "If you are so busy you can not think clearly, you are more likely to choose coffee and biscuits for sustained energy. However, a snack that provides instant energy, will cause more stress and tiredness. Artificial sugars interfere with blood sugar levels of the body, leading to fatigue and sugar cravings, and more than two or three cups of coffee will cause your body of excess cortisol, a stress hormone. "

He advise not to eat a meal while distracted  and should only take a snack with peanuts and fruit, or vegetables, so you really free from interference. "You do not chew properly since you are in a hurry, and this leads to flatulence."



LEGGINGS 

Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist who worked with the England football team, has warned that Leggings are too tight can cause your muscles to be lazy, and this causes the stomach, bottom and legs are flabby. He added. "Leggings 'hold' and support muscular thighs, buttocks and core muscles in your abdomen, and 'replace' the task of the muscle. Hence, the muscles relax and not 'work'ing.




ALARM CLOCK

In a study published by, Roenneberg, a professor at the University of Munich's Institute of Medical Psychology .and colleagues analysed the sleeping habits of more than 65,000 adults. Two-thirds of them have social jet lag, having at least one hour difference between how long they sleep on weekdays and weekends.

For every hour of social jet lag, the risk of being overweight increased by about 33 percent. Various reasons causing obesity, Roenneberg said "A contributing factor is not living according to your biological needs. Nobody knows the exact mechanism, but other studies have shown that lack of sleep causes higher secretion of ghrelin, a hormone which increase the appetite and decrease leptin , a satiety hormone .

Our lives are controlled by two phenomena that occur in nature: internal circadian clock and the rotation of the earth.

Circadian clock system controlling various functions, including body temperature, hormone secretion and blood pressure. It also regulates daily the activities of our organs. Circadian clock must be fixed every day to ensure that it operates in cycles of approximately 24 hours. It is reset by sunlight and darkness, to give a signal to the brain via the optic nerve.


REFERENCE;
1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2133575/Why-handbag-making-fat-And-fake-tan-high-
    heels-leggings.html

2. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/your-alarm-clock-may-be-hazardous-to-your-
    health-164620290/