A simpler approach to understand coronary heart disease, fat facts and its correlation with consumption of coconut oil

摘要

The WHO has drawn attention that Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one our modern epidemics. CHD syn. Ischemic (lack of oxygen) Heart Disease has been defined as impairment of heart function due to inadequate blood flow to the heart compared to its needcaused by obstructive changes in the coronary circulation to the heart (atherosclerosis). The risk factors for CHD are (i) non modifiable : age, sex, genetic factor, personality etc and (ii) modifiable : cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, elevatedserum cholesterol, diabetes, obesity stress etc. Smoking has been identified as a major CHD risk factor. Hypertension accelerates the atherosclerotic process. Serum cholesterol concentration is an important risk factor for CHD at levels 220 mg/dl or more. The risk of CHD is 2-3 times higher in diabetics and high alcohol intake. Being rich in saturated fatty acid (SFA) coconut oil is bracketed with animal fats having cholesterogenic properties creating a fear complex about consumption of coconut oil resulting in elevated cholesterol. But the actual fact is that dominated fatty acid present in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digestable and do not circulate in the blood stream and not deposite in the body like long chain fatty acids. Studies conducted by different workers have revealed beneficial eutral results of coconut oil on animal or human health. The incidence of CHD could be better linked with consumption of cholesterol rich animal originated food, the sedentary habitsassociated with a tension ridden mechanical society.