Mary Enig Phd - Iconoclast & coconut oil pioneer

Mary Enig: coconut oil pioneer
from: Coconut Oil Benefits

Mary Enig – iconoclast and champion of coconut oil

Mary Gertrude Enig is one of the first establishment figures in America to challenge the orthodox view that saturated fats in a diet increase the risks of heart disease. Her research clearly shows the importance of including fats such as coconut oil in a healthy diet. Enig at one point was a whistle blower when research data was altered to promote polyunsaturated fats. In many ways Mary Enig PhD is a pioneer for the cause of coconut oil in the diet.

Coconut Oil - mechanisms and more, Ray Peat

Coconut Oil  by Ray Peat Phd

Extracts:

Coconut oil is unusually rich in short and medium chain fatty acids. Shorter chain length allows fatty acids to be metabolized without use of the carnitine transport system. Mildronate, which I discussed in an article on adaptogens, protects cells against stress partly by opposing the action of carnitine, and comparative studies showed that added carnitine had the opposite effect, promoting the oxidation of unsaturated fats during stress, and increasing oxidative damage to cells. I suspect that a degree of saturation of the oxidative apparatus by short-chain fatty acids has a similar effect--that is, that these very soluble and mobile short-chain saturated fats have priority for oxidation, because they don't require carnitine transport into the mitochondrion, and that this will tend to inhibit oxidation of the unstable, peroxidizable unsaturated fatty acids. 

While components of coconut oil have been found to have remarkable physiological effects (as antihistamines, antiinfectives/antiseptics, promoters of immunity, glucocorticoid antagonist, nontoxic anticancer agents, for example), I think it is important to avoid making any such claims for the natural coconut oil, because it very easily could be banned from the import market as a "new drug" which isn't "approved by the FDA." We have already seen how money and propaganda from the soy oil industry eliminated long-established products from the U.S. market. I saw people lose weight stably when they had the habit of eating large amounts of tortilla chips fried in coconut oil, but those chips disappeared when their producers were pressured into switching to other oils, in spite of the short shelf life that resulted in the need to add large amounts of preservatives. Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers, potato chip producers, and movie theater popcorn makers have experienced similar pressures.
 
The cholesterol-lowering fiasco for a long time centered on the ability of unsaturated oils to slightly lower serum cholesterol. For years, the mechanism of that action wasn't known, which should have suggested caution. Now, it seems that the effect is just one more toxic action, in which the liver defensively retains its cholesterol, rather than releasing it into the blood. Large scale human studies have provided overwhelming evidence that whenever drugs, including the unsaturated oils, were used to lower serum cholesterol, mortality increased, from a variety of causes including accidents, but mainly from cancer.

Study (1999) coconut oil - glycogen use reduction during/post exercise

Preexercise medium-chain triglyceride ingestion does not alter muscle glycogen use during exercise

Preexercise medium-chain triglyceride ingestion does not alter muscle glycogen use during exercise

+ Author Affiliations

1. ¹ Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The Human Performance Laboratory, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712

• Submitted 25 May 1999.
• accepted in final form 23 September 1999.

Abstract

This investigation determined whether ingestion of a tolerable amount of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT; ∼25 g) reduces the rate of muscle glycogen use during high-intensity exercise. 

On two occasions, seven well-trained men cycled for 30 min at 84% maximal O₂ uptake. Exactly 1 h before exercise, they ingested either 1) carbohydrate (CHO; 0.72 g sucrose/kg) or 2) MCT+CHO [0.36 g tricaprin (C10:0)/kg plus 0.72 g sucrose/kg]. The change in glycogen concentration was measured in biopsies taken from the vastus lateralis before and after exercise. Additionally, glycogen oxidation was calculated as the difference between total carbohydrate oxidation and the rate of glucose disappearance from plasma (R_d glucose), as measured by stable isotope dilution techniques. 

The change in muscle glycogen concentration was not different during MCT+CHO and CHO (42.0 ± 4.6 vs. 38.8 ± 4.0 μmol glucosyl units/g wet wt). 

Furthermore, calculated glycogen oxidation was also similar (331 ± 18 vs. 329 ± 15 μmol ⋅ kg^{− 1} ⋅ min^{− 1}). The coingestion of MCT+CHO did increase (P < 0.05) R_d glucose at rest compared with CHO (26.9 ± 1.5 vs. 20.7 ± 0.7 μmol ⋅kg^{− 1} ⋅ min^{− 1}), yet during exercise R_d glucose was not different during the two trials.

Therefore, the addition of a small amount of MCT to a preexercise CHO meal did not reduce muscle glycogen oxidation during high-intensity exercise, but it did increase glucose uptake at rest.

Coconut Oil - general ref links

Coconut Oil - general ref link:

Coconut-Info.com - the place for information on the health benefits of coconut products

Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil Information, Coconut Oil

Why Coconut Oil is Good For You

The Coconut Diet™

Virgin Coconut Oil | Fresh Shores Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Thyroid, Adrenal, and Energy Effects

100% Pure Virgin Coconut Oil - HIV and AIDS

Natural Health News: Coconut Oil Components Confound HIV Charge

AIDS/HIV and Coconut Oil

Study (1998) - MTC oil (like coconut) used thereputically in Stress & Sepsis

Medium-Chain Triglyceride-Based Fat Emulsions: An Alternative Energy Supply in Stress and Sepsis

Medium-Chain Triglyceride-Based Fat Emulsions: An Alternative Energy Supply in Stress and Sepsis

1. André C. Bach

1. Clinique Médicale A, Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France

1. Daniel Storck

1. Clinique Médicale A, Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France

1. Zahia Meraihi

1. Clinique Médicale A, Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTS) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have special physicochemical properties such as small molecular weight, small interfacial tension against water, and for the fatty acids, solubility in biological fluids. 

As a result the metabolic pathways followed by these fats in an organism are different and simpler, or identical but more rapid, than those followed by long-chain triglycerides (LCTS) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs).   Consequently the MCTs have found numerous applications in oral or enteral nutrition and, more recently, in parenteral nutrition. 

The infusion of conventional fat emulsions in stress and sepsis is still controversial. A main question is whether an MCT supply can be beneficial for these patients. In this review, we will discuss different aspects of modified lipid and protein metabolism: exchanges between exogenous fat particles and lipoproteins; exogenous fat clearance, storage, and oxidation; reticuloendothelial system function; nitrogen balance ; and hepatic function. 

For each of these perturbations, the MCT/LCT and structured lipid emulsions are theoretically capable to provide an appropriate solution. The efficiency of these emulsions has been demonstrated experimentally on animal models of stress and sepsis. However, the value of MCT-based fat emulsions for these pathological states has still to be ascertained by clinical studies. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 12:82S-88S, 1988)

Study (1981) - saturated coconut oil unhamful to Polynesians

Cholesterol, coconuts, and diet on Polynesian atol... [Am J Clin Nutr. 1981] - PubMed result

Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Aug;34(8):1552-61.

Cholesterol, coconuts, and diet on Polynesian atolls: a natural experiment: the Pukapuka and Tokelau island studies.

Prior IA, Davidson F, Salmond CE, Czochanska Z.

Abstract

Two populations of Polynesians living on atolls near the equator provide an opportunity to investigate the relative effects of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol in determining serum cholesterol levels. The habitual diets of the toll dwellers from both Pukapuka and Tokelau are high in saturated fat but low in dietary cholesterol and sucrose. Coconut is the chief source of energy for both groups. Tokelauans obtain a much higher percentage of energy from coconut than the Pukapukans, 63% compared with 34%, so their intake of saturated fat is higher.

The serum cholesterol levels are 35 to 40 mg higher in Tokelauans than in Pukapukans. These major differences in serum cholesterol levels are considered to be due to the higher saturated fat intake of the Tokelauans. Analysis of a variety of food samples, and human fat biopsies show a high lauric (12:0) and myristic (14:0) content.

Vascular disease is uncommon in both populations and there is no evidence of the high saturated fat intake having a harmful effect in these populations.

PMID:

7270479

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Free full text

Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances

LinkOut - more resources

Study (1997) - coconut oil not cause indian heart disease

The role of coconut and coconut oil in coronary he... [Trop Doct. 1997] - PubMed result

The role of coconut and coconut oil in coronary heart disease in Kerala, south India.

Kumar PD.

Source

Department of Medicine, Medical College, Kerala, South India.

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is common in India and, recently, an increase in the incidence of CHD was reported from the South Indian state of Kerala. The traditional Indian diet is low in fat content. The high incidence of CHD in Indians is, therefore, in contrast to western studies that have correlated high fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake to CHD.

Consumption of coconut and coconut oil that contain high amounts of saturated fat and are thought to be strongly atherogenic, are believed to be one of the main reasons for the high incidence of CHD in Kerala. To explore this presumed link, we studied 32 CHD patients and 16 age and sex matched healthy controls.

Consumption of coconut and coconut oil was found to be similar in both groups.  The groups did not differ in the fat, saturated fat and cholesterol consumption.

The results imply no specific role for coconut or coconut oil in the causation of CHD in the present set of Indian patients from Kerala. The exact reason for the high and increasing incidence of CHD among Indians is still unknown.

Comment in

• Trop Doct. 1999 Apr;29(2):122.

The Kitavan Study - commentaries and analyses

further to 50kzone: The Kitava Study (1989) - 70% carb diet and no disease here are links to commentaries and analyses of the Kitava Study:

Interview with a Kitavan

Extract:

What parts of the fish are eaten? As islanders, we eat almost every creature and body part of a sea creature. Especially fish eggs, it is one of the favorites of children. They always prefer it burnt on the fire and consumed greedily. Every part of the fish is eaten except for the feces, gall bladder, bones and the scales.

Whole Health Source: The Kitavans: Wisdom from the Pacific Islands

Extract:

Grains, refined sugar, vegetable oils and other processed foods are virtually nonexistent on Kitava. They get an estimated 69% of their calories from carbohydrate, 21% from fat, 17% from saturated fat and 10% from protein. Most of their fat intake is saturated because it comes from coconuts. They have an omega-6 : omega-3 ratio of approximately 1:2. Average caloric intake is 2,200 calories per day (9,200 kJ). By Western standards, their diet is high in carbohydrate, high in saturated fat, low in total fat, a bit low in protein and high in calories.

Now for a few relevant facts before we really start diving in:

• Kitavans are not particularly active. They have an activity level comparable to a moderately active Swede, the population to which Dr. Lindeberg draws frequent comparisons.
  
• They have abundant food, and shortage is practically unknown.
  
• Their good health is probably not related to genetics, since genetically similar groups in the same region are exquisitely sensitive to the ravages of industrial food. Furthermore, the only Kitavan who moved away from the island to live a modern life is also the only fat Kitavan.
  
• Their life expectancy at birth is estimated at 45 years (includes infant mortality), and life expectancy at age 50 is an additional 25 years. This is remarkable for a culture with limited access to modern medicine.
  
• Over 75% of Kitavans smoke cigarettes. Even the most isolated societies have their modern vices.

The first study in the series is provocatively titled "Apparent absence of stroke and ischaemic heart disease in a traditional Melanesian island: a clinical study in Kitava." In it, Dr. Lindeberg presents data from interviews and electrocardiograms (ECG) suggesting that heart disease and stroke are absent or extremely rare on Kitava. The inhabitants are entirely unfamiliar with the (characteristic) symptoms of heart attack and stroke, despite the sizable elderly population. This is confirmed by the ECG findings, which indicate remarkable cardiovascular health. It also agrees with data from other traditional cultures in Papua New Guinea. Lindeberg states:

For the whole of PNG, no case of IHD or atherothrombotic stroke has been reported in clinical investigations and autopsy studies among traditionally living Melanesians for more than seven decades, though an increasing number of myocardial infarctions [heart attacks] and angina pectoris in urbanized populations have been reported since the 1960s.

Overall, Kitavans possess a resistance to degenerative diseases that is baffling to industrialized societies. Not only is this typical of non-industrial cultures, I believe it represents the natural state of existence for Homo sapiens. Like all other animals, humans are healthy and robust when occupying their preferred ecological niche. Our niche happens to be a particularly broad one, ranging from complete carnivory to plant-rich omnivory. But it does not include large amounts of grains or modern industrial foods.

Primal Wisdom: Paleo Diet Analysis: Kitavan Analogue Diet

Extract:

I decided to create a Kitavan diet analogue for analysis. They have an average caloric intake of 2200 kcal per day, so I aimed for that figure and incorporated the foods Lindeberg lists as their staples (above). The food list looks like this (click on images to enlarge for ease of reading):

The Kitavan Diet Offers a Multitude of Health Benefits

Extract:

Local foods, such as tubers, fresh fruit, coconut and fish, make up the backbone of the Kitavan diet. The most commonly consumed tubers include yam, cassava (aka yucca or manioc), sweet potato (aka kumara) and taro. Common fruit include banana, papaya, guava, pineapple, mango, and water melon. The consumption of Western food is extremely low, with an average Kitavan spending a meagre 3 US dollars per year on Western foods. The intake of dairy products, tea, coffee and alcohol is close to nil, and salt intake is low by Western standards. Also the consumption of oils, margarine, sugar, grains and cereals is low. The overall fat intake is equally low, and most fat consumed is saturated or marine n-3 polyunsaturated fat (omega-3 fat from seafood). In summary, the Kitavan diet comprises an abundance of foods that have a low glycemic index rating and that are rich in soluble fiber, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these characteristics may contribute to the exceptional health benefits associated with the Kitavan diet.

Blog discussions:

Kitavan islanders | Mark's Daily Apple Health and Fitness Forum page
Are all carbs bad? Americans vs Kitavans : Low-Carb War Zone Forum : Active Low-Carber Forums
Kitavan Diet: High Carb but no heart disease
Active Low-Carber Forums

The Kitava Study (1989) - 70% carb diet and no disease

TheKitavaStudy

by Staffan Lindeberg

"During an inventory in 1989, we found what appears to be one of the last populations on Earth with dietary habits matching what would have been the case for the population of Homo sapiens in their original habitats on the island of Kitava, one of the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea's archipelago.

Diet- natural foods diet of 70% carb, 20% fat, 10% protein

The residents of Kitava lived exclusively on root vegetables (yam, sweet potato, taro, tapioca), fruit (banana, papaya, pineapple, mango, guava, water melon, pumpkin), vegetables, fish and coconuts [27-29].

Fructose malabsorption

Fructose malabsorption

Fructose malabsorption (FM) is a digestive disorder characterized by impaired transport of fructose across the small intestine. This results in increased levels of undigested fructose in the gut, which in turn causes overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Undigested fructose also reduces the absorption of water into the intestine.

The clinical effects of FM include: intestinal dysbiosis, changes in motility, promotion of mucosal biofilm, and decreased levels of tryptophan, folates and zinc in the blood. Symptoms produced include bloating, gas, pain, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue (to name a few). Recent research has also tied fructose malabsorption to depression.

Lest you think this isn’t a common problem, studies have shown that up to 40% of people in Western countries suffer from fructose malabsorption.
 
Even in healthy people without fructose malabsorption, however, only about 20-25g of fructose can be properly absorbed at one sitting. Glucose assists in transport of fructose across the intestine, so in general foods with equal amounts of glucose and fructose will be better absorbed than foods with excess amounts of fructose (in relation to glucose).

While fructose malabsorption can cause symptoms in anyone, those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are particularly affected. While the prevalence of FM is the same in healthy populations and those with IBS & IBD, the experience of FM appears to be more intense in the latter group. This is probably due to the increased visceral sensitivity common in IBS and IBD patients.

In fact, one of the most promising clinical approaches to treating IBS & IBD right now is something called the FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides And Polyols. These include:

• fructose (fruits, honey, HFCS)
• fructans (wheat, onions)
• lactose (milk sugar)
• polyols (sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol & mannitol, along with fruits like apples, pears and plums)
• galactooligosaccharides (legumes & beans, brussel sprouts, onions)
• other sweeteners like polydextrose and isomalt

Studies have found that restricting FODMAPs can significantly improve the symptoms associated with IBS, IBD and fructose malabsorption.

What does this have to do with coconut milk, you ask? According to Drs. Gibson & Barrett, experts in fructose malabsorption, coconut milk is is a FODMAP and should be avoided by people with digestive conditions like IBS & IBD.

According to NutritionData.com, coconut milk has very little sugar of any kind – including fructose. Nevertheless, I do have patients that cannot even tolerate homemade coconut milk (which has no guar gum in it), even though they are fine with coconut oil. I assume that they are reacting to the fructos

http://www.mecfs-vic.org.au/sites/www.mecfs-vic.org.au/files/Article-BarrettPractGastro.pdf


3 reasons why coconut milk may not be your friend

Eat fat, lose fat - Mary Enig, Ph.D

note first: Scientists now saying carbs, not fat, are to blame for America's ills - latimes.com

Mary Gertrude Enig, PhD co-wrote a book called Eat Fat, Lose Fat

"Enig and Fallon attempt to correct what they see as Americans' false belief that tropical fats and oils (such as coconut and palm) are unhealthy, asserting that those fats (and coconut, especially) are beneficial saturated fats that should be more heavily incorporated into our diets. Enig, a biochemist and nutritionist, along with Fallon, president of the Weston A. Price Foundation (a non-profit dedicated to helping people implement healthy approaches to nutrition), say "high-fat, low-carb really works," eschewing the disastrous effects a high-fat diet can have on a person's heart.  Their approach skews  toward traditional diets and away from modern diets (e.g., chose animal fats over vegetable oils; raw or fermented dairy products instead of pasteurized ones)."

Coconut Oil - & Alzheimers, Dr Mary Newport

the first in a series on Dr Mary Newport who claims to have dramatically improved her husbands early onset Alzheimers with coconut oil:




Links for parts 1-6 here:
1 - http://youtu.be/iScs0uzQZFk
2 - http://youtu.be/LOrDIixbGMs
3 - http://youtu.be/fIfY-lHDLRk
4 - http://youtu.be/G-IOs0JE1zg
5 - http://youtu.be/Up6JrQhaDU
6 - http://youtu.be/G-IOs0JE1zg

çoconut oil proponents assert that Alzheimers is like "diabetes of the brain",  it involves some failure to bring glucose to fuel the brain. the fat in coconut oil behaves metabolically like a carbohydrate in that it is absorbed and is useable in the short term by the brain.  it works as an alternative fuel to glucose. see more here:

http://www.organiccoconutoil.info/Benefits-of-Organic-Coconut-Oil.html#anchor_25

Coconut Oil - & Alzheimers, anecdotal support

"Alzheimers & Coconut Oil: Our Story" - Ian Blair Hamilton and Cassie Bond offer anecdotal support for the contentions of Dr Mary Newport that Alzheimers can be greatly improved with dietary coconut oil: