Did you know that consumption of coconut oil stimulates the brain and improves brain function? Through the medium chain triglycerides (MCT), coconut oil is very effective in preserving cognitive function in older people and those with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some scientific insights.
COCONUT OIL: A SOURCE OF ESSENTIAL FATS NEEDED FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Coconut oil has beneficial fatty acids needed for your good health. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are present with 65%: they improve cognitive functions and prevent memory loss, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease. To achieve significant results, a small dose of 40 ml coconut oil is sufficient (equivalent to slightly less than 3 tablespoons). And its effect on the brain is almost immediate!
NUMEROUS SCIENTIFIC STUDIES HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COCONUT OIL ON HEALTH
According to a study from 2004, published in the Neurobiology of Aging Journal, researchers showed that the MCT (from coconut oil) instantly improves cognitive function in the elderly and those suffering from memory disorders ( Alzheimer disease).
This study was conducted with 20 participants (with Alzheimer’s disease and/or suffering from mild cognitive impairment). Some received TCM and others a placebo. The researchers observed a significant increase of ketone bodies in the blood plasma, only 90 minutes after the treatment. Tests performed on cognitive function showed that the TCM-based treatment (coconut oil) has accelerated brain function and cognitive performance of patients, unlike patients taking placebo.
MORE DETAILS OF THIS SCIENTIFIC STUDY
“At each visit, each participant received at random a sample of 40 ml of coconut oil mixed with whipped cream (to improve the taste) and others a placebo. The patients had to fast from 20:00 until the next visit, which took place in the morning. Then they were taking this drink and rested quietly for an hour and a half. After 90 minutes, blood test was taken and 30-minute session of cognitive tests was performed. One last blood test was taken after the tests.”
The question is how 40 ml of coconut oil (MCT), something less than 3 tablespoons allowed an immediate serious improvement in cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease?
The answer is in the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which it contains. In other words, we must understand that glucose is the main fuel of the body’s cells (even those of the brain) and in order to be assimilated by the cells, glucose needs insulin. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, the cells die because they lack fuel (insulin) and are thus disintegrated, which causes memory loss. Like other organs, the brain has the ability to use alternative fuels if there is no glucose. And this is where coconut oil comes in. Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids that have the specificity to be able to turn into ketones, which can fully substitute glucose. Result: an immediate improvement of cognitive functions is observed. TCM thus provide an alternative fuel source to enable new brain metabolic process and thus stabilize the evolution of Alzheimer’s disease (prevent degeneration of brain cells).
COCONUT OIL: FOOD WITH MAGICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
What if you replace your usual oil with coconut oil, magic oil, does that will bring many benefits to the body?
Of course, if you are not suffering from any particular disease, consume it in reasonable amounts (in small doses). If consumed in large quantities, it can cause indigestion or intestinal cramps. If you would favor the consumption of coconut oil, it is advisable to limit the amount of other vegetable oils that you use because you may gain weight if you combine them.