All of digestion boils down to one thing: absorption. Without absorption, we cannot access any of the nutrients we ingest. No matter how much good food you put into your body, if your digestion isn’t absorbing the nutrients properly you wont receive the benefits. High quality coconut oil is known to assist the digestive process for healthy nutrient absorption.
Gain the benefits from all the healthy food you put into your body
Dietary saturated fats found in coconut oil are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, some B vitamins, amino acids (proteins) and vitamins A, E, K and D. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight and also occurs naturally in a limited number of foods (mainly animal products). Despite our beautiful weather here in Australia, Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue and is associated with a host of health problems, including (but not limited to) increased risk of: rickets, death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in the elderly, asthma in children and cancer. Wow! This is something those who promote a low-fat diet forget to mention. We can certainly see how important these fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are in ensuring the body is functioning optimally!
However, not all oils are created equal when it comes to enhancing nutrient absorption. A recent animal study compared the effects of feeding coconut oil versus safflower oil on the absorption of carotenoids from tomatoes. As in previous studies, coconut oil enhanced tissue uptake of tomato carotenoids to a greater degree, a benefit attributed to coconut oil's medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). In addition, MCFAs are easily digested, thus putting less strain on your digestive system which is especially important for those of us with pre-existing digestive or metabolic concerns that are already having trouble absorbing nutrients from the foods we consume.
A number of studies suggest the ideal time to consume coconut oil is 20 minutes before each meal to enhance nutrient absorption. Individuals weighing between 40 and 58 kg should consume 1 tablespoon before each meal (for a total of 3 tbsp daily), while those between 59 and 82 kg should consume 1.5 tbsp before each meal, for a total of 4.5 tbsp daily. Those weighing over 82kg should take 2 tbsp of coconut oil before each meal, or 6 tbsp daily.
Also adding coconut oil to both your raw and cooked dishes is an easy and excellent way to ensure the nutrients you are consuming are being efficiently absorbed into the body’s cells. Otherwise you may be left with very expensive pee (think the price of organic blueberries …)
How to use coconut oil
A few simple ways coconut oil may be incorporated into your diet is by adding a tablespoon to your favorite raw juice, smoothie, or pudding, or frying up some tempeh or beans using coconut oil. The mild, subtle flavor of Coconut Magic’s certified organic coconut oil means it can be added to foods such as juices and soups without overpowering the taste … you really can’t go overboard!
So, whether you take it medicinally and/or as part of your meal or snack, including coconut oil into your daily regime is likely to lead to myriad of digestive health benefits. As my nutritionist always says “we aren’t what we eat … we’re what we absorb”.
Here's to happy absorption! :)
