Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 5 million Americans, is a devastating illness that not only takes a person’s life, but also erases their memories and sense of identity. While more than 99% of drug trials aimed at stopping or curing Alzheimer’s have failed, promising research in the field of alternative health suggests that we may be able to prevent memory loss and potentially even reverse it with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil.
Coconut oil and MCTs: A natural answer to memory loss
MCTs are naturally occurring dietary fats that are abundant in coconut oil, which used to be labeled “unhealthy” and blamed for clogged arteries. Today, however, coconut oil is recognized as one of nature’s most powerful superfoods, with the MCTs it contains effectively serving as brain food.
Your brain is 60% fat, so the quality of the fats you consume determines how well your brain’s cell membranes function. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can lead to memory loss since your brain requires higher quality fats to function properly. MCTs, when converted into ketones by your body, are top-quality sources of fuel, able to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide energy to your brain cells.
Ketones and Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s has been dubbed “type 3 diabetes” due to the way Alzheimer’s patients’ brain cells die because of an inability to process glucose for energy. MCTs from coconut oil bypass the brain’s need for glucose, supplying an alternative source of fuel to keep the cells healthy. In cases of Alzheimer’s, the brain areas affected by the disease can use ketones to replace the dysfunctional glucose.
Multiple studies have shown that ketones can significantly improve Alzheimer’s symptoms in people with mild to moderate cases of the disease. Furthermore, cognitive improvements have been reported in as little as 90 minutes after supplementing with ketones.
How to incorporate MCTs into your diet
The easiest way to reap the brain health benefits of MCTs is by adding coconut oil to your daily diet. You can cook with it, spread it on toast, add it to smoothies, or even dissolve it in your morning coffee.
When shopping for coconut oil, look for unrefined or virgin coconut oil, which has not been exposed to the high heat process that can diminish the oil’s health benefits. Additionally, buying organic coconut oil is not necessary, as coconuts do not absorb as many pesticides and contaminants as other fruits.
In conclusion, coconut oil is easily absorbed, simple to consume, and serves as a fat-burning fuel that promotes brain health. For those concerned about memory loss, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, incorporating coconut oil into your diet is a wise choice.
