Coconut oil has gotten a bad rap. Yes, I've read the negative publicity but the truth is that it can help you lose weight and is perfect for heart health. It should be your oil of choice for baking and frying.

I can imagine what you are thinking. "Isn't that a saturated fat?" As my 3 year old grand daughter would say, "Yep." But did you know that saturated fat may keep you from having a heart attack or stroke?

This probably sounds like heresy to most of my readers but your body needs saturated fat for heart health and to nourish your brain, nerves and hormones. Every cell membrane is ideally made up of 50% saturated fat including your brain.

If you are deficient in saturated fat your energy drops and your hormones and metabolism head south. Saturated fat lowers two important heart attack risks, Lp(a) cholesterol and C Reactive Protein (CRP), a measure of inflammation.

The campaign against coconut oil started four decades ago when researchers fed animals coconut oil that was altered to remove the essential fatty acids. For reasons that are unclear, the researchers destroyed the excellent coconut oil by heating it to a high temperature and pumping hydrogen into it thus changing it to a highly toxic trans fat.

In summary they ruined the coconut oil and then blamed the oil for the resulting negative health results. Go figure.

According to Jane Heimlich, author of What Your Doctor Wont Tell You, the American Soybean Association jumped on the band wagon by advising their members to protest to public officials that coconut and palm oils were a threat to health and stealing U.S. soybean oil markets.

Major food companies, sensitive to consumer fears replaced the healthy tropical oils with toxic trans fat laden hydrogenated vegetable oils.

This is a perfect example of how great lobbying and advertising can mold public opinion. The ironic and sad thing about the 40-year negative campaign against coconut oil is the amazing health benefits that are being missed.

Coconut oil has been found to aid the body in destroying dozens of harmful viruses, supports the immune system, improves chronic fatigue, boosts energy and will even help you lose excess body fat.

Dr. Mary G. Enig, one of the worlds leading biochemists and a pioneer in research on fats and oils explains: "The fact is that for the last four decades, saturated fats, including coconut oil, have been condemned for the misdeeds of polyunsaturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates.

The diet police have arrested the wrong suspect.

Dr. Enig is also coauthor of a new eye opening book titled "Eat Fat Lose Fat" which discusses in depth the research on fats and oils and many of the erroneous conclusions that we take for granted as the truth.

Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University says, Never before in the history of man is it so important to emphasize the value of the Lauric oils in coconuts. These fats are similar to fats in mothers milk and have similar nutriceutical effects.

Nutritional expert, Dr. Joseph Mercola says, "For those with diabetes, its almost a sin that coconut oil has been kept hidden from them. It helps regulate blood sugar and raises the metabolic rate causing the body to burn more calories and thus promoting weight loss. A faster metabolic rate stimulates increased production of insulin and increases absorption of glucose into cells, thus helping both Type I and Type II diabetics."

If you going to try coconut oil there are some things to watch for. The quality can vary widely so be sure to look for organic virgin coconut oil made from fresh coconuts. Avoid the expeller pressed brands even though they are naturally cheaper.

We use and recommend the Doctors A-Z Extra Virgin Coconut Oil which is certified organic. It is the highest quality coconut oil that you can buy and we love it on our cereal and use it in all baking recipes.