Coconut oil is rich in beneficial fats, with Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) being the most valuable of them all. Specifically, these fats have been found to help boost cognitive functions in the elderly who have problems ranging from memory loss to Alzheimer’s. You will feel the effects of the fats not within 30 days or a few days, but immediately after taking even a small dose of 40m.
According to a groundbreaking study (published -- Neurobiology of Aging 2004), it was found that administering medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), found primarily in coconut oil, helps in improving cognitive functions immediately in the elderly suffering from memory disorders.
This study involved 20 subjects suffering from mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The participants were given emulsified MCTs or placebo treatment. The researchers followed the noteworthy increase improvement in blood plasma levels of ketone body beta- hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) 90 minutes after giving the treatment.
Based on the apolipoprotein E genotype of the participants, it was found that there was either continual increase or stagnancy in the beta-OHB levels in the 90 and 120-minute blood drawing within this treatment condition.
According to the tests conducted on cognitive functions, it was found that in 4 of the participants there was accelerated performance improvement in the Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog) because of the short MCT treatment.
Besides, higher level of ketone values were found to be linked with better improvement within paragraph recall with MCT treatment compared to placebo in all the participants (P=0.02).
The study provided valuable discoveries, as described here:
This research was performed using a double-blind placebo controlled design having 2 study visits. At each visit, the participants were given one out of two isocaloric conditions (690 calories) in random order. emulsified long chain triglycerides as placebo or emulsified MCTs. NeoBee 895 (by Stepan, Inc.) was the choice for MCTs. Heavy whipping cream was given not only because it was a source of long chain triglycerides, but also to improve the taste. It also contained long chain mono- glycerides and di-glycerides for emulsification. The researchers mixed MCTs (40ml) and heavy whipping cream (152ml) for creating emulsified test sample. The placebo was created using only heavy whipping cream (232ml).
The subjects started their fast from 8 in the evening (the night before they visited for the study). Blood sample was taken in the morning to find the APOE genotyping and plasma β-OHB levels (only during the first visit). The participants were then given the test beverage and then they spent 90 minutes resting. Their blood sample was again taken , followed by a 30-minute cognitive testing session. Then the final blood sample was taken after the test.
But what has left everyone confused is that a how a single dose of MCTs (2.7 tbsp / 40 ml) could provide immediate boost in cognitive functions in those suffering from cognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.
The clarification can be found in MCTs configuration and the particular needs of our brain.
Glucose is the main fuel for our brain and when there is development of suboptimal metabolism (hypometabolism) and resistance, it could cause damage to both the structure and functioning of our brain.
Ketone bodies, however, will supply your brain with other fuel source and not glucose. They can help in the renewal of metabolic processes taking place in your brain. This will help in immediately improving the cognitive functions.
Besides, MCTs are unlike various other facts which you are taking. Because they are smaller, they will not get deposited within the adipose tissue or form micelles.
Besides, over 97 percent of the most popular dietary fats are produced using long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). They have 14 and 18 long chain of carbons compared to the 5-12 carbons in the MCTs’ chains. This makes it easier to both use and absorb them. The liver will oxidize them and when taken in large amounts, they could also increase ketone bodies.
Coconut oil contains high amounts of these beneficial triglycerides because it contains around two-thirds of MCTs of its volume.
So you should replace all the unhealthy fats in your diet with coconut oil. So when you are cooking, use rancidity-resistant and sublimely saturated coconut oil in place the inflammatory and unhealthy vegetable oil (soy oil, canola, and grape seed).
coconut milk can also be used for preparing tasty curry. It has around 25 percent fats and around two-thirds of this fat is MCT. Thus, it will provide you a healthy dose of MCT.
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