It has been shown that coconut oil increases absorption of calcium and magnesium, speeds up the weight loss process and can even help fight depression and anxiety.
Coconut Oil Composition
Most of the fats that we consume must first be broken down before they can be absorbed by the body. The fatty acids found in coconut oil are digested immediately and go straight to the liver to produce energy. Because of this coconut oil is beneficial to those with diabetes or gallbladder issues.
Coconut oil is composed mostly of saturated fats, which are in the form of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs/MCFAs). These medium chain fatty acids affect the human body differently compared to short and long chain fatty acids.
- Lauric Acid – Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin, which aids in healthy immune function. This fatty acid makes up 40% of the total fat composition of coconut oil.
- Caprylic Acid – Caprylic acid is a healthy fat that contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- Capric Acid – By converting to monocaprin in the human body, Capric acid aids in immune boosting and has antimicrobial properties.
Coconut Industry
The Coconut production industries are based in Indonesia, Philippines, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with Philippines containing the highest amount of Fair Trade Certified coconuts.
Coconut growing and harvesting has been the primary livelihood for generations of farmers across the world. The need for coconuts has increased in the past few years, yet coconut prices have remained quite low. This affects farmers as they do not have access to the resources that will enable them to keep up with the coconut demand.
When purchasing coconuts or coconut products consumers should be on the lookout for the Fair Trade Certified label. This indicates that the coconuts used were farmed with care the people producing them and the planet. The farmers producing Fair Trade Certified coconuts earn extra money to invest in and improve their resources.
To create more opportunity for coconut farmers and increase the amount of Fair Trade Certified coconuts around the world, consumers need to ask their local stores for Fair Trade Certified products and make each other aware of its benefits through social media platforms.
Humboldt provides natural and organic produce. For more information on our organic food offering email us on hello@humboldt.global.