Coconut fats.
Ceylon Med J
;
2006 Jun; 51(2): 47-51
Artigo
em Inglês
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-48566
ABSTRACT
In many areas of Sri Lanka the coconut tree and its products have for centuries been an integral part of life, and it has come to be called the "Tree of life". However, in the last few decades, the relationship between coconut fats and health has been the subject of much debate and misinformation. Coconut fats account for 80% of the fat intake among Sri Lankans. Around 92% of these fats are saturated fats. This has lead to the belief that coconut fats are 'bad for health', particularly in relation to ischaemic heart disease. Yet most of the saturated fats in coconut are medium chain fatty acids whose properties and metabolism are different to those of animal origin. Medium chain fatty acids do not undergo degradation and re-esterification processes and are directly used in the body to produce energy. They are not as 'bad for health' as saturated fats. There is the need to clarify issues relating to intake of coconut fats and health, more particularly for populations that still depend on coconut fats for much of their fat intake. This paper describes the metabolism of coconut fats and its potential benefits, and attempts to highlight its benefits to remove certain misconceptions regarding its use.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
IMSEAR (Sudeste Asiático)
Assunto principal:
Sri Lanka
/
Óleos de Plantas
/
Humanos
/
Doenças Cardiovasculares
/
Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde
/
Estado Nutricional
/
Fatores de Risco
/
Medição de Risco
/
Ácidos Graxos
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo de etiologia
/
Fatores de risco
País/Região como assunto:
Ásia
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Ceylon Med J
Ano de publicação:
2006
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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