Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - The Cure for Diabetes

In the Pacific Islands, diabetes is unheard of among the people who eat traditional diets. But when they adapted the Western ways, diseases of all types surface and one of these new diseases is diabetes. Here is an interesting example:

The Nauru islanders in the South Pacific Island lived totally free from diabetes for many generations who subsisted on a diet which is composed primarily of coconuts, yam and bananas. But when phosphate deposits have been discovered on the island, there was an influx of wealth and the lifestyle of the islanders has changed. They replaced their traditional diet (coconut is one of them) with foods made from refined flour, sugar and processed vegetable oils. The result was the emergence of a never-been-heard disease - diabetes. According to World Health Organization, one-half of the urbanized Nauru population age 30-64 is now diabetic.

Definition of diabetes

A chronic metabolic disorder that causes persistent thirst, excessive urination, weight loss and a surplus of sugar in the blood or urine. Although diabetes can develop at any age, susceptibility rapidly increases after the age of 40, when it is more common among women than among men, with excessive overweight a contributing factor in later life.

Complications of diabetes include heart disease, nerve damage, high blood pressure, stroke, cataracts, hearing loss and blindness.

In 2000, according to the World Health Organization, at least 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. Its incidence is increasing rapidly, and it is estimated that by the year 2030, this number will double.

To help control diabetes, one must put herself in a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Total fat intake must be restricted to 30% or less of calories. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables must comprise 50-60% of calories.

Simple carbohydrates, such as refined flour and sugar are to be avoided. Why? Because they can put undue strain on the pancreas and quickly raise blood sugar to dangerous levels.

And what is the reason for reducing fat as well as sweets? It is to promote weight-loss. Overweight is of primary concern with diabetes so losing excess weight is a priority. Another reason for low-fat diet is to reduce risk of heart disease, which is a common consequence of diabetes.

There is one fat that diabetics can eat without fear. The fat is coconut oil. At one time, coconut oil received a negative press because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease, but are in fact very healthy.

Medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil as well as in mother's milk help increase metabolism and are easily digested than fats found in other oils. When there's an increase in metabolic rate, the body burns up more calories thus promoting weight loss. The fatty acids in coconut oil are absorbed directly by the liver for conversion into energy rather than into body tissues as fat.

Coconut oil puts less of a demand on the enzyme production of the pancreas. This lessens the stress on the pancreas during mealtime, when insulin is produced most heavily, thus allowing the organ to function more efficiently. It also helps supply energy to cells because it is absorbed without the need of enzymes or insulin. It has been shown to improve insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Coconut oil in the diet enhances insulin action and improves binding affinity compared to other oils (polyunsaturated vegetable oils). It has been promoted as "heart-friendly." Increasing consumption of coconut oil is a means to prevent diabetes.

If you are a diabetic or borderline diabetic, consumption of most fats should be avoided. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is different. It helps stabilize blood glucose levels and aids in shedding excess body weight. It is probably the only oil a diabetic should include in their diet.