Health advantages of using virgin coconut oil

by Yanjun 

(NaturalNews) It is said that the healthiest oil found on earth is coconut oil. Before, this oil was considered unhealthy due to its high content of saturated fat. It was understood in the past that saturated oils led to heart disease and increased blood cholesterol. Four decades ago, a study was specifically conducted to see if this was true, but nobody ever thought that hydrogenated coconut was used. Hydrogenated oils, according to many studies, cause a multitude of health problems.

For millenniums, people in Asia and the Pacific utilized coconut oil as a medicine and a food. The people living in tropical places such as Yucatan, Polynesia and Sri Lanka used this oil in their diet, and they were found to be healthier and less prone to cardiovascular disease, colon problems and cancer than those who consumed unsaturated fats. Today, people now realize that there are good saturated fats and cholesterol.

There are many health advantages of using virgin coconut oil

According to research, this oil has medium-chain fatty acids which heighten metabolism and energy, thus stimulating the thyroid.

Another benefit is that it targets the harmful bacteria candida and kills it using its caprylic acid content. It also lowers cholesterol because of its lauric acid content that safeguards the heart through the increase of good cholesterol and decrease of total cholesterol. It also encourages weight loss, because there is no circulation of the medium-chain fatty acids in the bloodstream. The coconut oil goes directly to the liver and is then turned into energy. The coconut oil’s fat is therefore not stored as fat by the body; instead, the body utilizes it for energy.

Virgin coconut oil controls diabetes, because the insulin in the bloodstream does not go up.

The oil instead controls blood sugar through the improvement of insulin secretion. It also lessens heart disease as shown by studies performed on inhabitants of the Pacific Islands where their entire caloric intake included 30% to 60% from fully saturated coconut oil. These people were discovered to be free of cardiovascular disease. When virgin coconut oil is taken with vitamin E supplements via the skin, it can help prevent gastrointestinal malabsorption diseases.

Virgin coconut oil strengthens the immune system because of its lauric acid content.

It is also good for the skin when it is directly applied, as it makes a shielding antibacterial layer which protects the part of the body that is infected. It also quickens the healing of bruises, as it repairs tissues that are damaged. Aside from moisturizing the skin, virgin coconut oil also moisturizes the lips and the body and is great for body massages. Women also use it to remove their makeup.

Virgin coconut oil also nourishes the brain, according to studies which show how consuming it enhances cognitive function.

It also reverses or stalls neurodegenerative diseases during the early stages. It has been used for five millenniums in India as Ayurvedic medicine. It also speeds up recovery from illnesses as shown by residents of Panama who drink it to guard themselves from health problems.

Because of the health advantages of using virgin coconut oil, people should use it as a part of their health regimen.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.ehow.com

http://www.healthdiaries.com

http://healthbenefitsofeating.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

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Change your life with these top superfoods

by Carolanne Wright 

(NaturalNews) Let’s face it. When we are feeling run down, muddled, overweight or unwell, it’s difficult to achieve our goals or live life to the fullest. Traditionally, Asian cultures believe nutrient dense food is one of the most powerful allies for attracting positive experiences into our lives. Whether concerning prosperity or solid relationships, joy or success – a healthy body and mind are key. Below are eight edibles that can help transform your life for the better.

Stunning superfoods

Camu camu

The best source of vitamin C on the planet, camu camu is a spectacular, health promoting superfood. Daily use of the berry will keep the immune system strong, improve eyesight, maintain ligaments, tendons and collagen while reducing inflammation. It also protects the skin from aging and supports brain as well as liver function.

Maqui

Containing 300 percent more anthocyanins and 150 percent more polyphenols than any other food or drink known to man, maqui berry is one of the most stunning foods you can enjoy. Cancer, inflammation, diabetes, fevers and diarrhea are curbed by the berry. Maqui also encourages a healthy heart, high energy levels and weight loss. It helps to minimize the effects of aging and promotes a radiant complexion too.

Fatty fish

Cold water fish like sardines and Alaskan salmon support a stable and clear mind – vital for living our dreams, productivity and making sound decisions. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, consuming fish balances our mental states and can help with depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These nutritious oils are also a boon for heart health.

Coconut

Long shunned as a high fat, health harming food, coconut has risen above the misinformation and has achieved its rightful place as a superfood. Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes which support energy and hydration. And blood sugar levels stay balanced and the digestive system is kept humming with the high fiber meat. Teeming with lauric acid, coconut oil fosters balanced thyroid function, weight loss and energy.

Graviola

Used in traditional medicine around the world, graviola trees are found in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Extracts taken from the leaves, twigs and bark have demonstrated many exciting properties in lab tests – one of the most dramatic findings involved the reduction of pancreatic and breast cancer tumors. Inflammation, parasites, bacteria and viruses were also curtailed. Graviola fruit is classically known to calm the nerves, lower blood pressure and soothe depression. A word of caution: Excessive consumption is neurotoxic and can trigger similar symptoms to Parkinson’s disease.

Cacao

Raw, organic cacao is one of the finest feel good, energy enhancing, heart health boosting foods you can add to the diet. Bursting with antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc and chromium, this nutrient dense and delicious superfood defeats anemia, hypoglycemia and poor immune response. Theobromine and phenethylamine (PEA) substantially lift mood, energy and libido.

Goji berries

Packing a number of amazing nutrients like amino acids, human growth hormone (HGH), polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals, goji berries are a powerhouse of nutrition. The fruit improves eyesight, shields the liver and heart, slows aging and reduces free radical load – effectively reducing the chance of degenerative diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Chia seed

Known as “running food,” ancient Aztec warriors recognized the incredible benefits of this remarkable seed. Packed with protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, chia supports digestion, cardiovascular health, detoxification, endurance and vitality. It also provides a nice boost of sustainable energy as well.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com/037543_maqui_berry_cancer_heart_health.html

http://www.eatingwell.com

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/graviola

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/graviola/graviola-health-benefits.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/036559_chia_seeds_Aztec_foods.html

http://www.beliefnet.com

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Why I’m nuts for Coconuts

One of the healthiest foods you probably aren’t eating is the coconut, which was has been a major part of my daily anti-cancer diet since 2004.

Now I’m sure you’ve had an Almond Joy, a pina colada, or coconut cake at some point, but very few people I’ve met have ever actually eaten a fresh raw coconut, besides that one time in Jamaica of course.

The reason most of us aren’t eating coconuts is:

1) We don’t live in a tropical paradise, with coconuts growing on trees in the backyard.

2) They aren’t a staple in industrialized nation cuisine.

3) They’re kinda hard to find.

4) How the flip do you get them open!

Here’s why you need to eat coconuts:

Coconuts are rich in this really awesome stuff called Lauric Acid, a medium chain fatty acid that is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.  The highest concentration of lauric acid and medium chain fatty acids is found in two places: coconut oil and human breast milk.
So unless you’re still nursing, I’m going to recommend you add some coconut to your diet.

My favorite way to eat coconut is to make this Coconut Fruit Smoothie.  
(The link will take you to a post that explains what kind to buy and how to get them open)

Another easy way to get coconut into your diet is to use Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Your New Favorite Cooking Oil

Coconut, Palm, and Palm Kernal Oil are the healthiest cooking oils on the planet.  They are WAY healthier than any vegetable oil. Don’t get me wrong, olive oil is great.  I put it on my salads everyday.  It’s just not as good to cook with as those three tropical oils.  The reason coconut oil is superior for cooking is it is very resistant to high heat, which means frying with it doesn’t change its molecular properties or reduce its nutritional value.

History Lesson

Once upon a time coconut oil was a staple ingredient in modern food, but it got a bad rap for several decades because it is high in saturated fat.  This was believed to be unhealthy based on flawed research done on hydrogenated coconut oil and because it raised cholesterol.  They didn’t know that it was only raising HDL, the good cholesterol!  Some conspiracy theorists will tell you that segments of the food industry promoted a negative pr campaign against tropical oils in order to replace them with vegetable oils from American crops:  soy, corn, canola, cottonseed, etc.

Not that far-fetched, really.

Regardless, that’s when the widespread use of hydrogenated vegetable oils began.  They have since been proven to be horribly unhealthy, but somehow they didn’t get researched back then…

If you haven’t already read this somewhere else, let me be the first to tell you, margarine is some freaky stuff. It’s like spreadable edible plastic. It won’t rot and bugs won’t touch it. Stop eating it immediately. Also get rid of any food product containing hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils.  This deserves an entire post of its own, but in the meantime, know this:  Hydrogenated oils have trans fats which are toxic adulterated fatty acids that are contributors to disease. They can actually make you sick and fat. Google it.

Back to Coconut Oil:

In recent years coconut oil has made a comeback, as scientific research has proven that saturated fat from coconuts is in fact super healthy.
Saturated fats from plant sources like coconuts, olives, avocados, and some nuts are good for our cells, bones, blood, cardiovascular system, liver, immune system, and brain.
Coconut oil has even been shown to prevent colon and breast cancer in laboratory tests. 
It also assists in weight loss, which is why islanders who consume a lot of coconut in their diet are rarely overweight.
And coconut oil also great for your skin and hair.

Coconut oil has bee shown to prevent and/or reverse Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Mary Newport M.D. has a site calledcoconutketones.com. It’s a great resource for more information about this.

Cooking with coconut oil is amazing.  It smells soooo good and adds delicious new flavor to everything from scrambled eggs to stir fry.  Cook with it once and you’ll be hooked.

Somedays I just eat a spoonful of coconut oil or coconut butter for a quick fix.

We’re so crazy about coconut oil, we buy Giant Tubs of the stuff!

Recommended Reading: The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife

Get the Recipe for My Coconut Fruit Smoothie here

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Coconut oil ketogenic cleanse for cancer

by Dr. David Jockers 

(NaturalNews) Growing evidence is reporting that cancer is a metabolic disease characterized by cellular mitochondrial respiratory insufficiency. Cancer cells can only survive and thrive off of glucose and amino acid fermentation. A ketogenic cleanse has been proposed as a means of starving off cancer cell development. The ideal fuel source for the ketogenic cleanse is extra-virgin coconut oil with its powerful immune boosting properties.

Famous cell biologist Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells have altered metabolism and are unable to produce energy through normal cellular respiration. The Warburg effect is the observation that these cells drive all of their energy from a process that depends upon sugar called glycolysis and they produce high levels of lactic acid as a result.

Mitochondrial damage and genomic instability

The mitochondria can become damaged from exposure to environmental toxins, various viruses and chronic inflammatory processes within the body. When this happens, the mitochondria will often lose its ability to produce energy through cellular respiration. The respiratory insufficiency leads to altered metabolic function and the dependence upon glucose and amino acid fermentation to produce energy. This process also results in genomic instability and mutant DNA formation.

Normal cells have relatively low rates of glycolysis and derive most of their energy through aerobic metabolism of pyruvate in the mitochondria. Studies have demonstrated that cancer cells have lost their ability to produce energy through the process of aerobic metabolism even when oxygen is plentiful. These cells depend upon rapid glycolytic processes for all their energy demands. Fast growing metastatic cancers are seen to have glycolytic rates up to two hundred times higher than normal tissues.

Cancer cells need sugar

Dr. Thomas Seyfried has expanded upon Warburg’s theories to show that cancer cells can produce energy through glucose and amino acid fermentation. In order to drive enough sugar to run their metabolic systems the cancer cells upregulate insulin receptors and contain ten times more than normal cells. This allows them to gobble up glucose and other nutrients from the blood stream at an accelerated rate.

The metabolism of fatty acids results in ketones that normal cells can utilize but cancer cells cannot. These ketone bodies provide a great anti-inflammatory fuel source for the body that also starves the cancer cells from their nutrient demands.

Ketones fuel normal cells and starve cancer cells

Dr. Seyfried’s research has shown that optimal blood sugar levels for cancer starvation are between 55-65 mg/dl and ketone levels should get up over 3mM and stay under 7mM. This is done through a process of fasting and fueling with healthy fat sources without any carbohydrates for a period of three and up to ten days. Fast growing metastatic cancer should go the full 10 days on the cleanse if possible.

Coconut oil contains a wide array of small and medium chain saturated fats that the body metabolizes very easily for energy production. Coconut oil is also rich in the immune boosting lauric acid which is converted in our body to monolaurin.

Monolaurin contains extraordinarily powerful anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Unlike man-made anti-biotics and anti-virals these fatty acids pose no danger within our bodies. This is especially helpful since individuals with cancer have dysbiotic guts that are contributing to the chronic inflammation that may have caused the genomic instability to begin with.

Coconut Oil Cleanse

Take 2 tbsp of coconut oil every 3 hours during the day (8-10 tablespoons daily)

Drink about a gallon of clean water with anti-oxidant extracts (fresh lemon, turmeric, chlorophyll, apple cider vinegar, fermented herbal extracts, etc.)

Use natural herbal laxatives and probiotics to ensure proper bowel elimination

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/food_news/ketogenic_diet.html
Seyfried, Thomas. Cancer as a Metabolic Disease. John Wiley and Sons Publishing, 2012.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warburg_effect

http://www.naturalnews.com/029841_coconut_superfood.html#ixzz2R6johKaQ

About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals 

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Just one dose of coconut oil can tremendously boost brain function and cognitive performance

by PF Louis 

(NaturalNews) It’s amazing how coconut oil has recently been acknowledged for the healthy oil that it is after having been vilified for decades as a heart attack oil. Now it’s been discovered to boost even brain health.

Defaming coconut oil saturated fat was part of the 1950s creation of low and no fat foods, margarine, and hydrogenated trans-fatty cooking and salad oils, which have recently been proven as actually detrimental to overall health.

The different types of triglycerides in fats

High triglyceride blood readings are red flags for obesity, diabetes, and heart health issues. Most dietary fats contain long chain triglycerides (LCT), which are not easily metabolized and can be stored as fatty deposits in one’s body.

Long chain triglycerides contain chains with 14 to 18 carbon atoms. But coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) with shorter chains of 5 to 12 carbon atoms, which are easily metabolized by the liver to produce ketone bodies that can replace glucose as metabolic fuel.

As we age, the brain’s ability to metabolize glucose for energy wanes, especially for those who have a metabolic disorder or insulin resistance. But MCT-created ketones can be used as cellular fuel in the brain when glucose is not available.

Study: Coconut oil improves cognitive ability

As far back as 2004, a study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging determined that coconut oil MCTs improved cognitive function among older folks with memory problems and even Alzheimer’s disease.

They took 20 subjects and randomly fed them coconut oil or placebos on different days. Some of the Alzheimer’s group demonstrated improved scoring on a special Alzheimer’s cognitive rating scale, and all of them demonstrated better paragraph recall shortly after taking each dose of coconut oil.

This wasn’t a long term study. They got immediate positive cognitive and memory results from single doses of coconut oil compared to placebos.

So why wasn’t this publicized by the mainstream media (MSM) and reported to medical practitioners everywhere? Maybe because Big Pharma was trying to synthesize and patent a ketone body producing pharmaceutical for the increasing Alzheimer’s disease market.

A dramatic true story confirming coconut oil’s efficacy

Around 2009-10, MD Mary Newport’s husband had deteriorated from Alzheimer’s so badly he couldn’t draw a simple illustration of a clock or perform daily functions without being micromanaged.

Since the Alzheimer’s drug developed in 2004 was not effective, Dr. Newport tried to get him into a trial for a new Alzheimer’s drug. But he was so bad off he didn’t qualify.

After discovering that this new drug was a synthetic version of MCTs for creating ketone bodies and improving brain function, she researched and realized that palm and coconut oils also contained MCTs.

After feeding her husband coconut oil, he started making a remarkable comeback from almost total dementia to being able to start and finish tasks and remember people and events.

Dr. Newport observed that only two doses spaced eight hours apart were sufficient, while the pharmaceutical version required doses every three hours (http://www.naturalnews.com/030373_coconut_oil_Alzheimers_disease.html)

If Mary would have enrolled her husband into that 2009-10 Alzheimer’s drug trial, she could have lost him completely.

The drug trial at that time was halted early because of nine deaths among those taking higher doses(http://www.naturalnews.com/028753_Alzheimers_drug_trials.html).

Newport’s success without side effects places coconut oil as the dementia food medicine of choice over expensive and harmful pharmaceuticals. Because they went viral on the internet with their experience, several others experiencing Alzheimer’s or memory problems have benefited from coconut oil.

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Coconut oil could combat tooth decay

Coconut oil attacks the bacteria behind tooth decay and could be used in dental care products, according to research.
Scientists found that coconut oil which had been treated with enzymes stopped the growth of Streptococcus bacteria – a major cause of tooth decay.

Tooth decay affects 60% to 90% of children in industralised countries.
Speaking at the Society for General Microbiology’s conference, the Irish researchers say that coconut oil also attacks the yeast which causes thrush.

The research team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland tested the impact of coconut oil, vegetable oil and olive oil in their natural states and when treated with enzymes, in a process similar to digestion.

The oils were then tested against Streptococcus bacteria which are common inhabitants of the mouth.
Only the enzyme-modified coconut oil showed an ability to inhibit the growth of most strains of the bacteria.
It also attacked Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium which is a major cause of tooth decay.
Active acids

It is thought that the breaking down of the fatty coconut oil by the enzymes turns it into acids which are active and effective against bacteria.
Previous research found that enzyme-modified milk could stop Streptococcus mutans from binding to tooth enamel.

Researchers now want to look at how coconut oil interacts with Streptococcus bacteria at the molecular level and which other strains of harmful bacteria it can inhibit.
Dr Damien Brady who led the research at the Athlone Institute of Technology with Patricia Hughes, a Masters student, said coconut oil could be an attractive alternative to chemical additives.

“It works at relatively low concentrations.
“Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.”

Their studies are also looking into the workings of antibacterial activity in the human gut.
“Our data suggests that products of human digestion show antimicrobial activity. This could have implications for how bacteria colonise the cells lining the digestive tract and for overall gut health,” said Dr Brady.

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Melt away health harming belly fat with a nutrient-rich diet

(NaturalNews) Extra weight around the midsection is not only burdensome, it also sets the stage for serious health issues. From type 2 diabetes to cancer, belly fat contributes to a wide range of disease. Fortunately, certain foods have been found to specifically target abdominal fat. By integrating these foods into a balanced diet, a leaner and more healthful body is possible.

To comprehend the health risks of midsection fat, it is important to understand the different varieties. Subcutaneous fat is found just under the skin of the hips, buttocks, thighs and abdomen; whereas visceral fat is deep inside, surrounding the vital organs in the pelvis, abdomen and chest. This second type of fat can be extremely harmful to health. According to Kristen Hairston, MD, “We know that a higher rate of visceral fat is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and fatty liver disease.”

Belly fat burning foods

Monounsaturated oils are especially effective in diminishing abdominal fat. A study at the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Spain observed a group of overweight individuals who were put on four different diets for a month. All ate the same amount of calories per day, but had varying ratios of carbohydrates and fat. The researchers found that the group who consumed monounsaturated fats had the best results in losing extra weight around the midsection – even without exercise. Good sources of monounsaturated fat include avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

Dark chocolate is also rich in this slimming fat. Research has shown that when men consumed 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate two hours before a meal, they ate 17 percent fewer calories compared with those who consumed milk chocolate. Organic, raw chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao is optimal.

Soluble fiber found in vegetables, fruit and beans target abdominal fat as well. According to a study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, fiber intake directly affects midsection fat. Participants reduced visceral fat 3.7 percent over a five year span simply by consuming an additional 10 grams of soluble fiber per day. Those who also included moderate exercise had a total fat loss of 7.4 percent.

Another belly fat blasting food is coconut. A study in the journal Lipids found that coconut oil reduced abdominal obesity. The double-blind clinical trial involved 40 women between the ages of 20 and 40. Each group received either soy bean or coconut oil dietary supplements during the 12-week period. All participants adhered to a balanced diet and walked 50 minutes each day. At the end of the study, a decrease in total body mass was seen in both groups, but only the women who consumed coconut oil saw a reduction in waistline circumference.

Sources for this article include:

“Delicious, fatty foods that will help you lose weight” Mike Oliva, News Room Jersey, July 19, 2012. Retrieved on July 22, 2012 from: http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com

“Effects of dietary coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting abdominal obesity” Assuncao ML, Ferreira HS, do Santos AF, Cabral CR Jr, Florencio TM, Lipids, 2009, Jul:44(7):593-601. Epub 2009 May 13. Retrieved on July 22, 2012 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19437058

“Soluble Fiber Strikes a Blow to Belly Fat” Science Daily. June 27, 2011. Retrieved on August 1, 2012 from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627123032.htm

“Flat Belly Diet Cookbook” Liz Vaccariello, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, 2008 Rodale Inc.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036872_belly_fat_nutrients_fat-burning_foods.html#ixzz2467tOTBP

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Coconut oil may be able to reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Originally published February 23 2012

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

(NaturalNews) Reliable conclusions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease remain elusive, and effective drugs to treat the disease remain equally scarce. An actual pharmaceutical cure seems as close to becoming reality as a cure for cancer (i.e. nowhere in sight). Yet a Florida doctor was actually able to reverse her husband’s Alzheimer’s disease just by giving him four teaspoons of coconut oil per day. In the course of a year he not only regained the ability to exercise and to care for himself, but his brain atrophy was completely halted.

The most cutting-edge research suggests that Alzheimer’s may stem from an inability of the brain to process glucose, leading to cell death. But the brain has another source of fuel: ketones, produced by the body from mid-chain triglycerides like those found in coconut oil. In fat, the most promising experimental Alzheimer’s drugs being tested today is nothing more than medium-chain triglycerides derived from coconut and palm kernel oil.

Coconut oil also turns out to be an extraordinary cooking oil because it resists smoking, even at high temperatures. Try cooking in coconut oil instead of olive oil (or cheaper vegetable oils) and you’ll notice a clear difference. Finally, coconut oil is also a fantastic food storage item as long as you can keep it cool. It’s a dense source of healthy calories that’s usable as both food and medicine. In fact, it can be used as the base for many salves, pastes or even herbal suppositories.

Source: 25 Amazing Facts About Food, authored by Mike Adams and David Guiterrez. This report reveals surprising things about where your food comes from and what’s really in it! Download the full report (FREE) by clicking here. Inside, you’ll learn 24 more amazing but true facts about foods, beverages and food ingredients. Instant download of the complete PDF. All 25 facts are documented and true.

Additional Sources:
http://www.coconutketones.com/
http://www.anh-usa.org/coconut-oil-and-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease/

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