Coconut Oil:

What’s all the Hype?

4800 Senior Seminar

Susie Lewis

Objectives

1. Describe possible health benefits of coconut oil concerning heart disease, weight loss, and the immune system that influence the health of Americans.

2. Describe and apply types of saturated fatty acids and their effects on health concerns.

3. Examine and explain the current scientific research regarding coconut oil and heart disease, weight loss and the immune system.

Where are coconuts grown?

• United States: Hawaii Southern Florida Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Guam

• Indonesia – 1st largest producing country

• Philippines – 2nd

• India- 3rd

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247.

Growing conditions and production

• Require: Plenty of water, sunlight, well-drained soil, and temperatures ranging 70-81⁰F.

• A productive palm produces 12-16 bunches of coconuts/year

Bunch = 8-10 nuts¹

• It takes 11-12 months to produce coconuts¹

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247.

9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut

Parts of a Coconut

• Copra – the dried kernel, used for oil extraction

• Contains ~65-75% oil¹

Shell: endocarp – surrounds seed (typically what you see in the grocery store)

Husk fiber & pith: mesocarp – surrounds endocarp (used to make fuel, utensils and musical instruments)¹²

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247. 4. http://www.lativustrading.com/services/coconutshell/12. http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/coconut.html

Quiz question!

•What is the name of the part of the coconut we use to make coconut oil?

Answer

•Copra

2 Main Types of Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil

• Extracted from fruit of fresh, mature coconuts

• Processed without high temperatures or chemicals

• “unrefined”

• Contains no hydrogenation

• Sweet, nutty, coconut flavor

• Aroma

• Ideal for baking and sautéing (350⁰F)

Refined coconut oil

• Processed from dried coconut meat

• Chemically bleached

• Deodorized

• Tasteless

• Ideal for baking, sautéing, or stir frying (425⁰F)

http://www.livestrong.com/article/22890-types-coconut-oil/

Nutritional Properties of Coconut Oil

• 1 Tablespoon contains:117 calories14 g. total fat12 g. saturated fat0.8 g. monounsaturated fat0.2 g. polyunsaturated fat

• 92% saturated fat

• Highest amount of saturated fat of any fat

Olive and soybean – 15%Butter – 63%

• The Rival:Palm kernel oil – 82%

http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442477202&terms=COCONUT%20OIL

Blend of Unusual Fatty Acids

Lauric Acid• Medium chain saturated fatty

acid present in human and bovine milk.

• Recognized for antiviral and antibacterial functions.

• Can raise both HDL and LDL cholesterol

• Health benefit is questionable

Myristic Acid• Major saturated fatty acid

associated with increased risk of CAD.

• With lauric acid, both are strongly related to average serum cholesterol concentrations.

• Increases both LDL- and HDL- concentrations

German JB, Dillard CJ. Saturated fats: what dietary intake? Am J Clin Nutr. 2004:80:550-559.

The Skinny on Saturated Fats

• Solid at room temperature

• Found in animal products

• Contain cholesterol

However:

• Tropical oils are oil with saturated fats (palm, palm kernel, coconut)

• Can be solid, semi-solid, or liquid

• Contain no cholesterol

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fats-full-story

Quiz Question!

•What is Hydrogenation?

Answer

• Hydrogenation is heating liquid vegetable oils in the presence of hydrogen gas and a catalyst.

• Partially hydrogenating oils makes them more stable and less likely to spoil

• Can withstand repeated heating without breaking down; ideal for frying fast foods.

• Fully hydrogenating vegetable oil creates a fat that acts like a saturated fat

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fats-full-story

Composition and Comparison of Oil Types

Oil, not hydrogenated

Saturated F.A.

MUFA PUFA

Canola 7.3 63.3 28.1

Coconut 92.0 6.0 3.0

Corn 12.9 27.5 54.6

Olive 14.0 72.0 14.0

Palm 49.3 37.0 9.3

Peanut 16.9 46.2 32.0

Soybean 15.6 22.8 57.7

Sunflower 9.8 83.6 3.7

9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil10. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list

Quiz Question!

•What is one property of coconut oil?

Answer(s)

• 117 Calories/tablespoon

• 14 g. fat

• 12 g. saturated fat (92%)

• Highest amount of saturated fat of any fat

• Can be solid, liquid, or semi-solid

• Contains no cholesterol

Lauric acid

• High amounts in virgin coconut oil

• 70-85% Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA)

• 15-30% Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA)

• Easily oxidized and not stored in adipose tissue; unlike LCFA

• Possibly an ideal food source for weight reduction

• May decrease risk for cardiovascular diseases

2. Liau KM, Lee YY, Chen CK, Rasool AHG. An Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Virgin Coconut Oil in Reducing Visceral Adiposity. ISRN Pharmacology. 2011:1-8. 2011

Lauric acid, cont.

• Lauric acid contains 3:1 ratio of MCFAs and LCFAs

• MCFAs are rapidly absorbed in intestines

• Without catalyzation of pancreatic lipase enzyme

• LCFAs require enzyme for absorption

2. Liau KM, Lee YY, Chen CK, Rasool AHG. An Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Virgin Coconut Oil in Reducing Visceral Adiposity. ISRN Pharmacology. 2011:1-8. 2011

MCFA cycle

• MCFAs carried in portal blood system to liver

• Rapid hepatic oxidation into energy

• Leaving less lipid available for storage as adipose tissue

3. Hargrave KM, Azain MJ, Miner JL. Dietary coconut oil increases conjugated linoleic acid-induced body fat loss in mice independent of essential fatty acid deficiency. BBA: Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids. ISSN 1388-1981. 2005:1737:1. pp. 52-60.

Myristic acid

• A major saturated fatty acid that is associated with an increased risk of CAD.

• Together with lauric acid, are strongly related to average serum cholesterol concentrations.

• However, in healthy individuals, it increased both LDL and HDL concentrations.

5. German JB, Dillard CJ. Saturated fats: what dietary intake? Am J Clin Nutr. 2004:80:550-559.

The Hype about Heart Disease

• Does Coconut oil actively lower cholesterol and blood pressure?

• Will consumption not increase LDL levels?

• Does it prevent atherosclerosis?

Cardiovascular Disease

• Disorders of the heart and vesselsCoronary heart disease (heart attacks)Cerebrovascular disease (strokes)Hypertension (increased BP)

• Heart attacks and stroke are most common

• Build up of fatty deposits, causing blockage

15. http://www.who.int/topics/cardiovascular_diseases/en/

What is LDL?

• Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol from liver to the rest of the body.

• Cells attach to these particles and extract fat and cholesterol from them.

• Too much in blood, particles form plaque deposits in the walls of arteries, limiting blood flow.

• Heart attacks and strokes occur when the plaque breaks apart.

Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

• Approx. 1 in 3 adults in the United States has HBP.

• HBP can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body.

• People who have high blood cholesterol have a greater chance of developing coronary heart disease.

• The higher the level of LDL cholesterol, the greater your chance of getting heart disease.

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle

• F & V

• Whole grains

• Lean meats

• LF/FF dairy

• Low sodium, added sugars and SOLID FATS

• Control your weight (lose if needed)

• Be physically active

• If you smoke, quit

16. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/

Athersclerosis

• Atherosclerosis: plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other body parts.

• Plaque: fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.

• Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death.

16. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis/

Preventing Athersclerosis

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle F & V Whole grains Lean meats LF/FF dairy Low sodium, added sugars and

SOLID FATS

• Control your weight (lose if needed)

• Be physically active

• If you smoke, quit

16. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/atherosclerosis/

The Hype about Weight Loss

•Does coconut oil help take off excessive weight?

Obesity: A major health problem

• Important variables to development of obesity – excessive energy intake and reduced physical activity

• Studies have shown PUFAs and MUFAs are used for fuel and saturated fatty acids (SFA) are accumulated in adipose tissue.

• High saturated fat intake leads to greater weight gain, overall body weight and energy intake.

• The high availability of SFA-rich foods contributes to development and maintenance of obesity.

Study comparing Coconut oil/Soybean oil consumption in mice

• In mice with adequate fat stores prior to coconut oil consumption, intake of MCFAs may have a body fat-reducing effect.

• Because coconut oil is higher in MCFAs it is likely that a greater portion of FAs are taken up by portal blood system and delivered to liver prior to peripheral tissues.

• Allows for greater hepatic oxidation of FAs and less availability for storage as adipose tissue.

The Hype about the Immune System

• Does coconut oil really contain anti-bacterial, anti- viral and antioxidant properties?

• Will it keep me from getting the flu?

Antibacterial

• Lauric acid (MCFA) is ~50% of coconut’s fat content

• Has been found to be effective in destroying lipid-coated bacteria.

• Effective against bacteria Stomach ulcersSinusitisDental cavitiesFood poisoningUrinary tract infections

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247.

Antiviral

• Effective against lipid-coated virusesEpstein-barr InfluenzaHepatitis C

• MCFA disrupts membranes, interfering with virus assembly and maturation.

• Lauric acid has greater antiviral activity than myristic acid.

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247.

Antioxidant

• VCO has more antioxidant potential compared to refined coconut oil.

• Why? VCO did not undergo the refining, bleaching, and deodorizing process.

• RBD process destroys some biologically active components, such as phenolic compounds.

• Studies have confirmed higher phenolic contents are correlated with higher antioxidant activity in VCO.

8. Marina AM, Che Man YB, Amin I. 2009. Virgin coconut oil: emerging functional food oil. Trends in Food Science & Technology 20:481-487.

Quiz Question!

•Name a disease that Lauric acid is effective at destroying

Answer

• Influenza

• Hepatitis C

• Epstein-Barr

• UTI

• Sinusitis

• Stomach Ulcers

The Importance of Fat

• Provides flavor to food

• Intestinal absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)

• Metabolic energy

• Building blocks of all cells; cellular membranes

• Regulation of cell function

10. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss08/fat.html (Linus Pauling Institute)

Conclusion

• Extensive investigation is needed to confirm the ability of lauric acid/MCFAs to combat diseases.

• Diet should consist primarily of MUFA’s and PUFA’sNuts, seeds, avocados

• Limit saturated fats to <7% of daily total calories

• Research shows saturated fats are linked to increased:Total cholesterolLow-density-lipoprotein (LDL) levelsCoronary artery disease

References

1. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion and disease prevention. Asian pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2011: 241-247.

2. Liau KM, Lee YY, Chen CK, Rasool AHG. An Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Virgin Coconut Oil in Reducing Visceral Adiposity. ISRN Pharmacology. 2011:1-8. 2011

3. Hargrave KM, Azain MJ, Miner JL. Dietary coconut oil increases conjugated linoleic acid-induced body fat loss in mice independent of essential fatty acid deficiency. BBA: Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids. ISSN 1388-1981. 2005:1737:1. pp. 52-60.

4. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fats-full-story/

5. German JB, Dillard CJ. Saturated fats: what dietary intake? Am J Clin Nutr. 2004:80:550-559.

6. Soni ND, Choudhary U, Sharma P, Dube A. To Study the Effect of Diet Supplementation with Coconut Oil, Mustard Oil, and Sunflower Oil on Blood Lipids in Rabbit. Ind J Clin Biochem. 2010: 25(4): 441-442.

References

7. Hariri N, Gougeon R, Thibault L. A highly saturated fat-rich diet is more obesogenic than diets with lower saturated fat content. Nutrition Research 2010. 30:632-643.

8. Marina AM, Che Man YB, Amin I. Virgin coconut oil: emerging functional food oil. Trends in Food Science and Technology 2009. 20:481-487.

9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil

10.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list

11. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss08/fat.html (Linus Pauling Institute)

12. http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/coconut.html

13. http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442477202&terms=coconut%20oil

14. http://www.lativustrading.com/services/coconutshell/

15.http://www.who.int/topics/cardiovascular_diseases/en/

16.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbc/