The Benefits Of Coconut Oil

I’ve often spoke of how confusing nutrition can be – one week we hear one news item and the next week the complete opposite.  Well, here we go again.  Last week the local paper that publishes my articles carried a syndicated article from a Dr. Komaroff “Coconut Oil No Substitute For Healthier Vegetable Oils.” Of course I needed to respond!

If you’ve been reading my articles for the last few years you know this is exactly the opposite of what I’ve been saying.  The underlying premise of that particular article is questioning why coconut oil is catching on among the health conscious given that we “know” that saturated fat is bad for us and that coconut oil is one of the highest in saturated fat.

Let’s start with the basics – why our body needs fat and what the different types of fat are and what they do in the body. The bottom line – we need fat but we need the right kind.  It is this “right kind” where we find the disagreements. 

Fat is used to build our cell membranes and is the starting point for many hormones.  It is the saturated fat that is critical to cell membrane structure and ultimately the health of the cell.  A less than optimal structure will lead to a less than optimal cell.  Hormones direct most of the body’s critical functions.  Not enough fat, not enough hormone production.  Fat provides the body with energy, and saturated fat is the main source for the heart.  Just as glucose fuels the brain, saturated fat fuels the heart. 

Fat is required for our body to absorb the fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E, and K. If we are not eating the right fats our body will not utilize these vitamins.  Ever wonder why there seems to be this Vitamin D crisis in the country?  Everyone you know is told they are Vitamin D deficient.  Perhaps they are not getting sufficient fat to utilize the vitamin.  This is why I am particularly fond of traditionally produced cod liver oil.  It contains the essential fatty acids (Omega 3) that the body needs plus natural Vitamins A and D.  All together in one package as nature designed. 

Fat regulates body temperature and cushions the organs.  It is essential for infant brain development and for the female reproductive system. A woman will not ovulate unless she has sufficient body fat. 

There are two types of fats – saturated and unsaturated (further defined as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated).  Saturated fats are solid while unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature.  Unsaturated fats are much more sensitive to light and heat.  When heated they oxidize forming “free radicals” that damage cells and are linked to a variety of diseases including cancer and heart disease. This is the whole key to fats!  Saturated fats can “take the heat” so they are useful in cooking.  This is why I recommend butter and coconut oil.  These fats will not be oxidized by cooking.  It is the unsaturated fats, such as (yes) olive oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil that are damaged when cooking.  Olive oil when used in salad dressings and not heated is very healthy, so continue to use it in that manner. Please note the health statistics.  Since we’ve been encouraged to use vegetable oils for heart healthy reasons their consumption has increased and so has heart disease! 

Another fat we hear of are trans fatty acids.  These are formed during the process of hydrogenation.  Polyunsaturated oils, usually corn, soybean, safflower, or canola, are heated to high temperatures and injected with hydrogen atoms.  During the heating process the nutrients in the oils are destroyed, the oils become solid and have oxidized.  Trans fats have been linked to many ailments, including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems.  Trans fats are commonly found in commercial baked goods, cookies, crackers, margarines, vegetable shortenings, and processed dairy products. 

Back to coconut oil.  First if you read the aforementioned article closely the author does not ever come up with a reason coconut oil is bad.  His only defense is, “Although it seems like it has positive effects on cholesterol, we don’t really know how coconut oil affects heart disease.”  This seems a bit odd as the whole argument against saturated fats is that they cause cholesterol to increase which causes heart disease. If you read my articles you know that is a questionable claim as well.  But regardless, if you follow his logic, since coconut oil has positive effects on cholesterol, it should therefore have positive effects on heart disease.  So how could that be bad?

Here’s the rest of what he didn’t tell you about coconut oil.  It is rich in lauric acid - an antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiparasatical, and antiviral substance.  It supports thyroid function, skin, heart health, and weight loss.  The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are converted in the body into quick energy, and are not stored as fat.  Coconut oil is the best oil for heating.  It can be used in baking and is the best choice for light stir frying or frying.

Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator.   He has offices is in Thiensville and Glendale.  To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (262) 389-9907, e-mail bernie@brwellness.com or go to www.brwellness.com.

The Dick Diet - Contents of the Book

Here's a preliminary outline of the book chapters:

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is described as a major health issue confronting a sizeable and growing population of men in the United States and throughout the world. The chapter defines erectile dysfunction, how it is measured and presents the author’s primary research findings. The purpose of the book - to encourage men to live healthier lifestyles is explained. The study of the nutrition and lifestyle habits and the sexual function of male respondents illustrates the magnitude and true nature of the problem and why this is an important work. The introduction concludes with chapter overviews.

Chapter 1 – Getting It Up: This chapter explains the anatomy and physiology behind how the erection process works. The physical processes (anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, nervous system and endocrine system) and the mental and emotional processes are detailed. How the erection process is designed to work and where it can go wrong is explored through a discussion of the types of erectile dysfunction and an understanding of the origin of the chemicals required for healthy functioning and what foods produce them. Most men (and women) are completely unaware of the complexities of this process and the fine tuning involved.

Chapter 2 – Keeping It Up: This chapter describes the risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction. It describes what they are and how they relate and compare to one another. An analysis and discussion is presented of each: age, alcohol consumption, diet, male hormones, inflammation and obesity, sedentary lifestyle, cholesterol, prescription drugs, smoking, stress, motorcycle riding, vascular diseases (endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular disease), metabolic syndrome, diabetes, neuropathy, depression, lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate conditions.

Chapter 3 – The Dick Diet Foods: nutritional therapies for erectile dysfunction: In this chapter the first element of The Dick Diet is introduced – food. The Dick Diet foods and consumption guidelines are described. Rosen’s Five Rites of Nutrition are introduced and explained. We are what we eat, we are what we eat eats, we are what we digest, we eat what we are, and the importance of balance and moderation. The relationship of specific foods to specific chemicals needed by the body for the erection process to work efficiently is described.

Chapter 4 – The Dick Diet Supplements: herbal and supplement therapies for erectile dysfunction: This chapter provides an explanation of the various herbs and supplements that are used around the world to treat erectile dysfunction. Herbs discussed are: ashwagandha, ginkgo, ginseng, horny goat weed, maca, rhodiola rosea, saw palmetto, tongkat ali, tribulus, and yohimbe. Supplements discussed are: L-arginine, Omega 3 fatty acids, and anti-oxidants (pycnogenol, grape seed extract, red wine extract, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E). The reader will learn what they are, how they work, why they work. This chapter will also include a discussion of allopathic treatments such as devices, surgeries and pharmaceuticals and why natural therapies are preferred.

Chapter 5 – The Dick Diet Lifestyle: exercise and relaxation therapies for erectile dysfunction. This chapter will explore the importance of both exercise and relaxation and how they relate to erectile dysfunction. Exercise techniques such as cardiovascular training, burst training, and yoga are discussed along with breathing and meditation techniques for relaxation.

Chapter 6 – The Dick Diet: sample diet and menus.

Conclusion

The Dick Diet - The Book is Coming

Yes, I'm working on a book called The Dick Diet which this blog will accompany. The book is an active project so many of the posts will highlight what I am writing about. Here's a quick summary of what the book is all about:

•The purpose of the book is to show the relationship between nutrition (defined as diet, supplementation, exercise, and relaxation) and men’s health (specifically erectile functioning). The goal is to encourage men to take action and follow this plan to optimize their health and sexual performance.

•The core message regarding the association between nutrition and erectile dysfunction is compelling enough to get a man’s (and a woman’s) attention.

•There are other books on the market about erectile dysfunction. This book is decidedly different. While other books focus on medical treatments (surgeries and pharmaceuticals) for erectile dysfunction, this book focuses on prevention and natural remedies including healthy food, nutritional supplements, and herbs.

•It is my belief that current messages warning of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer from lifestyle have not been effective in changing behavior. It is my belief that delivering the message through the vehicle of their very “manhood” will drive it home and behavioral changes will occur.

•The book will help men improve their overall health and encourage men to accept responsibility for their own health. It will provide alternative ideas to medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

•The book is not intended to be a “diet” book or a “cook” book, although it will contain dietary and cooking advice. This is not a “diet” but a way of life.

Welcome to The Dick Diet Blog

Welcome to the Dick Diet blog site. I'm sure you are asking - what is this all about? Quite simply - it is about men's health and one of the most prevalent issues facing men (and women) today. It is about erectile dysfunction and nutrition. Did you know that over 50% of men over the age of 40 suffer some from some form of ED? And did you know that nutrition plays a major role in both causing ED and in reversing ED?

Where did this all come from?

Here's my story: Several years ago I began my own journey to better health. Along the way I've lost over 45 pounds and have never felt better than I do now. I no longer have an allergy triggered asthma every fall. I no longer have to get up several times during the night to go to the bathroom. I no longer have to worry about where the closest bathroom may be! All of this has come from cleaning up my diet and bringing my life into better balance. I have learned what good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can do for the body and the mind as well.

Over this same period I transitioned from the life of a corporate executive to that of a small business owner. During the latter years of my corporate life I began to make the changes to a healthier lifestyle and I'll always remember the comments I would get from other men about what I was or was not eating and drinking. My favorite quote was, "I'm going to eat what I want and then I'll have the big one." Back then I would just smile. It was only once I left that world that I realized what my answer should have been. "Well, you better hope it kills you, but most likely they're going to keep you alive and your quality of life will suck."

But that pretty much reflects the male attitude about health. Even today the majority of my clients are women. Why is it that men have less awareness around their health and seem to be waiting for the big one? Why is it that they don't seem to care about the risk of cancer or diabetes or heart disease or stroke? Why does it have to happen before they "see the light".

Then I thought to myself - what if I could identify something that they would care about and something that they would not want to lose? As they say - it always comes back to sex! Coincidentally, I needed a topic for my dissertation for my PhD. I wasn't sure what to research, but noticed the unending commercials about ED. It didn't take me long to put 2 plus 2 together. These companies were spending a lot of money to advertise. There must be some underlying issue. That's when I started my research and discovered the 50% number referenced above.

Through this blog I'll communicate what I have learned about erectile dysfunction and educate you as well. Each week I'll create a new post. I invite you to come along for the ride!



Bernard Rosen, PhD is a Nutrition Consultant and Educator. He works with individuals, groups, and at corporations to create individualized nutrition and wellness programs. He is an expert in the field of Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction. His office is in Thiensville, WI. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, e-mail at bernie@brwellness.com, call (262) 389-9907 or go to www.brwellness.com.