The Use of Coconut Oil for Alzheimer's Disease
The Use of Coconut Oil for Alzheimer's Disease
In recent years, the popularity of coconut and particularly coconut oil, has soared because of its touted health benefits. Many manufacturers have begun to use coconut oil in packaged products, such as fried foods, sweets, shampoos, coffee as well as dietary supplements.. Many people use it for cooking. Daily consumption of spoonfuls of coconut oil will help us blast away belly fat and weight loss, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart disease, and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. A Survey In July 2016 found that 72% of Americans believed that coconut oil was helpful, though only 37% of nutritionists agreed.
Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is an edible oil in certain countries and has been consumed in tropical countries for thousands of years. The production of this oil has been increasing over the past decade mainly because of greater global demand.
The health benefit of coconut oil is not a marketing spin. Some research shows that adding coconut oil to our diet could be one of the easiest ways to improve our brain health, metabolism, and appearance. It even helps ease your anxiety. According to USDA, 100 grams of coconut oil contains 89,2 kcal of energy, 99,1 grams of fat, 1 mg calcium, 1,52 grams of vitamin E and 82,5 grams of saturated fatty acid. Coconut oil contains vitamin E but no fibre, protein, carbohydrates and only traces of vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil is also rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenol, phytosterol, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity as a plant product. Coconut oil is almost 100% fat and 80-90% saturated fat, which gives a firm texture at cold or room temperatures. This difference in the structure of coconut oil has implications, from how the oil is digested to how it influences your body.
Health benefits of coconut oil
At present, the consumption of coconut oil is booming all around the world owing to its tremendous health benefits. The unique chemical composition of coconut oil enriched with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) has led to exploring these nutritional and therapeutic influences. Marked improvements have been reported in Alzheimer's disease patients after consuming extra-virgin coconut oil for 37 days (Moore, 2008, Newport, 2008). Others have also said that the intake of coconut oil led to improvement in cognition (Freeman et al., 2011, Granholm et al., 2008, Nevin and Rajamohan, 2004). Other research studies have suggested that the coconut oil diet can provide Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, and stroke (Gasior et al., 2006) and improve memory (Fernando et al., 2015).
Coconut oil for Alzheimer's Disease
In recent years, there has been an increased number of studies focusing on the properties of coconut oil as a therapeutic supplement for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of dementia in Western societies. It is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. Symptoms eventually grow enough to include irritability, word repetition, and personality changes.
It is estimated that there are approximately 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease, and about 5.5 million people are affected. Still, there is
currently no treatment or cure for the disease. FDA suggests that coconut oil is undoubtedly one of the compounds that have reported anecdotal effects and are widely available for Alzheimer's disease. The use of coconut oil (extra virgin/virgin), coconut water, and coconut cream may significantly lower plasma cholesterol, blood pressure (BP) control, and blood glucose levels, risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease. Coconut has also been identified as a potential cognitive strengthener related to Alzheimer's.
The bioactive compound in coconut oil, such as plant phenol, helps inhibit the aggregation of beta-amyloid in the brain, a crucial characteristic of brain deterioration in the most typical form of dementia, namely, Alzheimer's disease. These compound also improves memory by supporting the health of the neurons in our brain, so it helps protect neurons in our brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Is coconut safe for everyone?
Despite the benefits ascribed to coconut oil, there are still some controversies concerning its positive effects of the oil. Some adults and children may experience an allergy to coconut fruit and coconut oil. Also, high-calorie daily doses of non-hydrogenated extra-virgin coconut oil for more than two or three years may increase the risk for adverse effects such as acidosis (Bergqvist, 2011, Maalouf et al., 2009, Shilhavy, 2012). Some researchers have also linked coconut oil to higher LDL cholesterol levels, high content of saturated fatty acids, and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (Dietschy and Turley, 2001, Laureles et al., 2002). So, it should be consumed in moderation. Coconut oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine short-term. Taking coconut oil in doses of 10 mL two or three times daily for up to 12 weeks seems to be safe.
