Ketones are used as fuel in the brain; in fact, they have been shown to improve synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive function. A daily intake of 2 to 3 tablespoons is all you need for general brain benefits. Mary Newport recommends 4 to 6 tablespoons per day of a combination of coconut oil and MCT oil to treat serious neurological disorders. It's been in all of people's “brain waves” lately.
But what about your head? Can coconut oil help? Before we delve into why coconut oil is a Neurotrition-approved fat source, let's first discuss what makes it special. The medium-length chains of coconut oil are easily absorbed and go directly to the liver where, unlike other fats, they are rapidly metabolized (i.e. Converted) into energy in the form of special molecules called “ketones”. Here's another possible use of coconut oil for the brain, again due to its metabolism into ketones.
Because this diet can be difficult to maintain, researchers found that supplementing a “regular” diet with MCTs (derived from coconut oil) can help increase the body's ketones without requiring a full ketogenic diet. Before you go out to buy some coconut oil, you should know that not all coconut oil is created equal. First of all, there is conventional coconut oil that is extensively processed (including the use of chemical solvents) and has no aroma or taste. So do the smell test and avoid dull things.
On the other hand, there is “Extra Virgin Coconut Oil” (EVCO), which is expelled at colder temperatures, without the use of solvents. This process preserves some of the “coconut” aroma and flavor, as well as some of the antioxidant polyphenols (antioxidant compounds found in plant food sources). That's why we recommend virgin coconut oil for your overall health and your brain. Wondering how to include coconut oil in your diet? Coconut oil is found in several coconut products, plus it can be prepared in countless recipes.
Here are our top Neurotrition-approved ways to get coconut oil. A recent study from Oxford University suggested that while the effects of coconut oil may be temporary, patients with Alzheimer's and dementia have seen short-term benefits as a result of its use. Newport's theory that ketones, which are byproducts of the breakdown of fats in the body, play an important role in brain health. The idea is that by increasing ketones, found in coconut oil, we can improve cognitive function.
There is some evidence to suggest that fats such as coconut oil may indirectly cause higher levels of a protein called acetylcholinesterase. Coconut oil is used to allow a slightly higher level of carbohydrate intake, which makes it a little easier to follow a very strict diet, but it still prevents the body from using sugar from carbohydrates as its main source of energy. Coconut oil melts at 76°F, so depending on the temperature in your home, some days it will be solid and other days it will be liquid. Studies show that coconut oil works by reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques that are believed to cause Alzheimer's disease, and that ketone bodies hold promise as a therapeutic tool.
It's been claimed that coconut oil could be used as a treatment, or even a cure, for Alzheimer's disease. So if you have anxiety, add coconut oil to your diet slowly and pay close attention to how it makes you feel. Some research suggests that coconut oil combats the effects of psychological and physiological stress. This means that simply adding coconut oil to the diet would not provide brain cells with an alternative energy source.
Researchers believe that the brain cells of people with dementia have problems with how they produce energy from glucose, which led to the theory that coconut oil could compensate for this. Researchers have called coconut oil a “functional antidepressant food” because of its unique combination of medium chain fatty acids and antioxidants. It also states that coconut oil can reduce diabetes complications, such as insulin resistance, retinopathy, and kidney damage. Coconut oil offers unique benefits for the brain, including the possibility of treating neurological disorders.
For the best results, experts recommend organic, cold-pressed, non-hydrogenated virgin coconut oil, and don't let the word “oil” scare you. .
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