Living To Be 100

What should you eat to reach a goal of living to be 100? Coconuts should be at the top of your list right next to wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass nutrition and coconut oil are keys to optimal health. However, in the past, coconut oil had gotten a bad rap since it’s a saturated fat. Most fats and oils we consume are long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) from animal and vegetable sources and are saturated fats. These fats and oils have a negative effect on the body’s cholesterol. LCFA increase our risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

But not all saturated fats are bad. Lauric acid is the main fatty acid in coconut. It’s a medium-chain saturated fat based on the number of carbon atoms it contains. Lauric acid does not have a negative effect on the body; in fact, it’s beneficial. It’s easily digestible and is converted to energy quickly. Coconut oil does not cause obesity because it’s readily used by the body and is not stored.

Here are 10 more coconut oil health benefits and why it’s high on the list for living to be 100. The coconut:

1. strengthens the immune system
2. is a staple in Thailand, which has a very low cancer rate
3. water contains about 400 cc water and contains vitamin C and several vitamins in the B group
4. is an antiviral and is used in the treatment of AIDS, SARS, influenza and other viruses
5. kills fungi, yeast and parasites
6. reduces inflammation
7. aids in healing dry, cracked skin when used topically
8. acts as an antioxidant and protects the body from free radicals and consequent premature aging
9. helps relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
10. is a high-quality protein containing all of the amino acids and also contains magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur

Use 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily. Add to smoothies. Use on salads or to stir fry or saute vegetables. The best type of coconut oil is extra virgin, organic and unrefined. 

For more information on living to be 100 and on top vitamins and minerals, visit: http://margaretpriddy.usana.com

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.

A recent article published in the British Journal of Nutrition summarizes the roles of selected vitamins and trace elements in immune function.

Adequate intakes of micronutrients are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immunity by affecting antibody responses, leading to imbalances in the immune system. This situation increases susceptibility to infections, which increases disease and death risk. In addition, infections aggravate micronutrient deficiencies by reducing nutrient intake, increasing losses, and interfering with utilization by altering metabolic pathways.

Inadequate intakes of micronutrients are common in people with eating disorders, smokers (active and passive), individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, certain diseases, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the elderly.

Micronutrients contribute to the body’s natural defenses on three levels by supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa), cellular immunity and antibody production. Vitamins A,C,E and the mineral zinc assist in enhancing the skin barrier function. The vitamins A,B6,B12,C,D,E and folic acid and the minerals iron, zinc, copper and selenium work in synergy to support the protective activities of the immune cells.

Finally, all these micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin C and iron, are essential for the production of antibodies. Overall, inadequate intake and status of these vitamins and minerals may lead to a suppressed immune system, which increases the risk of infections and aggravates malnutrition.

Therefore, supplementation with a multivitamin/mineral that includes these micronutrients can support the body’s natural defense system by enhancing all three levels of immunity.

Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.                                                      

For more information on health and top vitamins and minerals, visit: http://margaretpriddy.usana.com/

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.