Modern scientists are often skeptical of what they call “homeopathic†or old-fashioned medicine that has been practices by natives and older cultures for thousands of years. In recent years, however, they are beginning to see the value brought by some of these medicines and are actually beginning to take them seriously enough to do some research as to their healing benefits in the treatment, and even the prevention of, such diseases as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
One of these “medicines†is the oil derived from the coconut. Polynesian and tropical island inhabitants have known for centuries the healing properties of coconuts. They even call the coconut palm tree the “Tree of Life,†and it has a long and respected history of healing powers. Recent studies have given the oil of the coconut the label “the healthiest oil on earth.â€
The coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, but its value goes far beyond its nutritional contents. Published studies in medical journals have shown that the coconut, in one form or another, possesses a wide range of health benefits – including those that can fight and prevent Alzheimer’s. Can it help to improve your memory? Not sure.
Research has found that coconut oil can produce an energy supply to the brain, as an alternate to insulin. Your brain runs on insulin, and the more balanced your insulin supply the better for your brain. Diabetics have a problem producing, or keeping their insulin levels in check, and these causes many brains to become damaged or “dehydrated,†and die off. Fortunately, your brain can also run on more than one type of energy supply. This is where coconut oil comes in.
Your body produces ketones, or ketoacids, when it converts fat (as opposed to glucose) into energy. Ketones actually appear to be the preferred source of brain food of patients affected by diabetes or Alzheimer’s, and the primary sources of ketones are the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil! Studies have shown that MCTs can feed your brain and prevent the dying out of the nerves cells, and even restore and renew nerve and neuron function in the brain after damage has set in. What a great find for people who have Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases!
“In Alzheimer’s disease, the neurons in certain areas of the brain are unÂable to take in glucose due to insulin resistance and slowly die off, a process that appears to happen one or more decades before the symptoms become apparent,” according to Dr. Mary Newport, “If these cells had access to ketone bodÂies, they could potentially stay alive and continue to function.”
This is Ron White, two-time USA Memory Champion , memory training expert, and memory keynote speaker. The research into the use of coconut oil and its value in fighting Alzheimer’s and other diseases is important, and could be a turning point in discovering a cure. Anything that will help to regenerate brain cells and improve memory is a start in the right direction in improving life for aging people, and those with neurodegenerative diseases.
Sources:
Dr. Mercola – Four Tablespoons of This “Brain Food” May Prevent Alzheimer’s: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/12/13/can-this-natural-food-cure-or-prevent-alzheimers.aspx
Coconut Research Center: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org
Dr. Mary Newport – What if there was a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and No One Knew?: http://www.coconutketones.com/whatifcure.pdf