Coconut Oil - Friend or Foe?

Prior to the 19th century, coconut oil was a popular cooking ingredient. Its melting point of 76 degrees made it ideal for baked goods, and it make a great oil for fried foods as well. This changed, however, when the nutritional world started eliminating saturated fats from the modern diet, because coconut oil is a saturated fat. In the modern kitchen, coconut oil has been replaced by soy and corn oils, but this is beginning to change.

Since coconut oil is a saturated fat, it could be supposed that the people living in native areas where coconut oil is regularly consumed would have high levels of cholesterol. This is not true, however. People who live in these regions and consume high amounts of saturated fat from coconut oil have healthy levels of cholesterol, rarely suffer from obesity, and hardly ever have thyroid problems. This has led to speculation that there is, perhaps, some element of untruth in the "saturated fats are all bad" line of thinking.

Coconut oil is 92% saturated fatty acids. However, these are mostly medium chain fatty acids, rather than the long chain fatty acids found in other saturated fats. These are healthier saturated fats, and they appear to be healthier than unsaturated fats as well. They are easier to digest than other fatty acids because the individual particles are smaller in size. This makes it possible for them to reach the liver much quicker than other fats. Medium chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut oil, aid in the absorption and use of calcium, magnesium, and some essential amino acids. There is speculatation that the fact that these nutrients aid in thyroid function is part of the reason that people who consume large amounts of coconut oil rarely suffer from thyroid and obesity problems.

The freshest coconut oil, otherwise known as virgin coconut oil, is the best source of the ingredient. When the oil is processed without any chemical extractions, it does not contain any hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Virgin coconut oil is made by pressing the flesh of fresh coconuts to extract the coconut milk. The milk is allowed to sit for around 12 hours, and this causes the enzymes in the protein of the milk to break the proteins down, allowing the oil to separate. It is then siphoned, packaged, and shipped. Some suppliers will heat to remove some liquid, but this is not necessary to create an excellent coconut oil product.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that is rarely consumed by modern adults. Lauric acid is found in human breast milk and helps boost the immune system by neutralizing microbes. Most Americans do not consume much lauric acid in their normal diets, and adding coconut oil to the modern diet can help to rectify this deficiency. Americans can expect to see it increase in popularity as a cooking ingredient again soon.

With our 5 warehouse distribution system affords our customers the opportunity of the maximum on-time delivery of their orders. This geographically dispersed distribution system in conjunction with our connection to the manufacturers, offers the highest quality product with the fastest available delivery time.

AHD International has been in business since 1998 and has years of experience in selecting, selling and distribution of the highest quality ingredients available. Our select distribution relationships afford AHD access to the best product in the shortest time providing our customers the best resources available.

We are strictly a bulk supplier to manufacturers – we do not sell to re-sellers or individuals. Our minimum order size is approximately 25 kilos. AHD International LLC is classified as an importer, exporter and distributor of nutritional ingredients depending on the ingredient specified. AHD has 5 warehouse locations across North America and sales agents in over 10 countries. We are the only ingredient company to be awarded the Dun and Bradstreet's fastest growing company in America twice in 1999 and 2002.

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*"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."