Coconut Oil & Ayurveda by Charlotte Jernigan

Coconut oil is perhaps the most misunderstood fatty nutrient. Though, simplistically speaking, coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is important to distinguish coconut oil from the saturated fats that come from animal sources like meat and dairy products.

Saturated and hydrogenated fats are solid at room temperature. An exception to this would be coconut oil which is solid at low room temperature because it is saturated with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs assist with the rapid and complete metabolism of other dietary fats. In a lifestyle that includes regular, moderate exercise, MCTs insure that fat is used as an energy fuel for our cells rather than being stored. Coconut oil is an easy to digest source for MCTs.

Other benefits attributed to coconut oil:

It is stable – it does not go rancid even after being used to cook a food item and it tolerates relatively high-heat cooking without detriment. It is a formidable anti-oxidant – in a class with Vitamin E. It stimulates thyroid function, a key glandular player in the conversion of LDL cholesterol into useful hormones such as pregnenolone, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. All of these have key roles in our resistance to pre-mature aging and degenerative diseases. Another thyroid role is regulation of metabolism. Low thyroid function is associated with some types of weight gain. There is some evidence that coconut oil has anti-cancer and anti-tumor roles. This may be an extension of the documented high anti-viral activity of the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil, especially lauric acid. In fact, lauric acid – which occurs in large quantities in breast milk – is converted in the body to monolarin, a substance which has high anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties. Coconut oil is a primary source of caprylic acid which is a well recognized remedy for Candida (yeast) over-growth.

It is important to use extra virgin coconut oil which is produced from fresh coconut flesh without high-heat or chemicals. Most commerical coconut oil is from dried coconut flesh; even if labeled edible, it has been Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (a.k.a. “RBD”) and should be avoided.

Ayurveda favors moderate, consistant intake of natural, unrefined, organic, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats over saturated, hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated fats. The favored fats are those that come from plant sources. These are ideally consumed int he form of whole food like coconuts, nuts, seeds, grains and vegetables – many of which have natural fatty components. When healthy fats are extracted from these whole food sources by pressing (not chemical extraction) the resulting oils are favored for cooking, salad dressings, desserts, etc. Most of the saturated fats in a healthy Ayurvedic diet come from light, fresh, organic dairy foods (cow or goat), which are consumed in moderate quantities by individuals who can digest them well.

Charlotte Jernigan

 

Ayurvedic Dairy Free Diets by Charlotte Jernigan

For more information, please visit www.yourayurveda.com


Merlian News May 2021 Newsletter

Here’s a quick round up of some of our favorite articles from this month! As always, we look forward to presenting you with up to date news and information about holistic events, health and well being from both the scientific and the spiritual perspectives, nutrition, vegan lifestyles, and more.

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Using Chi Gong to Treat Cancer

| by Merlian News

All over Shanghai there were people getting together every morning, hundreds of people in dozens of places, to practice these seemingly simple forms of exercise to fight their cancer. These groups were run solely by cancer survivors who had used this form of exercise. In Shanghai alone, there were almost 3,000 people in these cancer recovery clubs, and besides the exercise they also scheduled group trips, met for yearly anniversaries of members survival, and generally supported each other in their fight.

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The Full Spirit Workout by Kate Eckman

We all understand the basics of physical fitness, and many resources teach mindfulness, business skills, and entrepreneurial chutzpah. But often undermining these goals are less-tangible roadblocks — mental and emotional baggage, deep-seated insecurity, self-judgment, and overwhelming stress and anxiety. In her new book The Full Spirit Workout , author Kate Eckman draws from her multifaceted training, as an athlete, executive leadership coach, and meditation teacher, to present a program that empower us to break through these blocks and accomplish our goals.

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Leaning Into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers by Stan Goldberg, PhD

| by NewWorldLibrary.com

“Whether you’re coping with a loved one who has received a terminal diagnosis, has a long-term illness or disability, or suffers with dementia, caregiving is challenging and crucial. Those who face this responsibility, whether occasionally or 24/7, are brushing up against life’s sharpest point. In this book, Stan Goldberg offers an honest, caring, and comprehensive guide to those on this journey. Everyone wants to “do the right thing,” and this book provides the often-elusive how-to – from bedside etiquette to advice on initiating difficult conversations, caring for oneself while caring for another, navigating rapid changes in your loved one’s condition, and even offering “permission” for them to die…”

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Aging with Ayurveda by Sunil Ahlawat

| by Sunil Ahlawat

Ayurveda considers childhood to be the Kapha stage of life. Adulthood is Pitta time, and old age is the Vata stage of life. Ageing of the skin is due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. Old age is a slow and continuous process of physical deterioration in strength, in energy and in initiative and cannot meet the requirements of an active life. According to ayurveda anti aging means primarily maintaining a healthy body into old age and slowing down the processes of aging, wear and tear, and degeneration.

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3 Delicious, Detoxifying, Bone-Building Herbs by Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

| by Merlian News

Today we’re going to take an in-depth look at the bone health, overall health, and detoxification properties of three flavorful easy-to-find herbs. I also give you a scrumptious recipe to get you started. Fortunately, as you’ll soon see, detoxification can be a pleasant — even delicious — experience! I’d like to start with a decorative herb that more often than not gets ignored. Don’t overlook the.… from www.saveourbones.com

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