Jarrow Formulas Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil capsules from the fresh flesh of the coconut palm fruit (Cocus nucifera) is unrefined and expeller-pressed in a controlled, indoor environment. This specific process does not utilize any solvents and preserves the volatile compounds responsible for imparting the rich, familiar flavor of coconuts. Coconut oil is an excellent source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid (C-8).

MCT absorption circumvents the lymphatic system and does not rely on bile salts for absorption, like most types of lipids. As such, it can provide readily available energy and a possible host of other health benefits.

who can benefit from Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil?
Individuals seeking the energy production, cardiovascular and weight management benefits of coconut oil medium chain tryglicerides from a certified organic source will be interested in Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil

what distinguishes Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil capsules?
• organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 100% unrefined and expeller pressed with solvent free processing
• great source of health MCTs, which promote better absorption of minerals and fat soluble vitamins
• a portable fast energy source during a very low carb diet

background reading
Coconut oil has been traditionally used in Asian cuisine as cooking oil, as well as for imparting a delicious flavor characteristic of coconuts. In addition to its culinary contributions, coconut oil also contributes toward a healthy diet, primarily due to its medium chain triglyceride(s) (MCT) content. Coconut oil contains over 50% of its fat content as MCT.

MCT metabolism
From a nutritional standpoint, MCT have traditionally been regarded as biologically inert substances, merely serving as a source of fuel (i.e. calories) that is more efficiently metabolized compared with long chain triglycerides (LCT) found in typical food oils. This quality of MCT has been shown to offer benefi ts depending on the clinical situation. Unlike LCT, MCT do not require the intestinal lymphatic system or bile salts for absorption, and hence they are referred as “quick fuel.”

For this reason, MCT are often given to people who have difficulty absorbing conventional long chain fatty acids. MCT do not contain essential fatty acids, and therefore they are normally only substituted for up to 50-70% of dietary fat. However some evidence suggests that the absorption of long chain triglycerides may be improved if combined with MCT. MCT are metabolized primarily in the liver. The safety of MCT consumption in humans is not a concern, as several clinical trials have shown no adverse effect from levels of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day.

Heart function
We owe a portion of our understanding of the effects of MCT on the heart to the citizens of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, a significant amount of dietary fat consists of MCT from coconut oil, and data indicate that the citizens of Sri Lanka score particularly high in the area of heart-health. This realization led nutritional and medical researchers to look at the effects of coconut oil MCT in more depth.

Feeding MCT to rats resulted in animals with lower body weights, a smaller amount of fat deposits and excellent survival rates. Maintenance of a healthy body weight supports heart and artery function as we age. MCT consumption is also associated with healthy levels of serum and liver cholesterol within a normal range. Furthermore, in a double-blind study, 1.7 g of MCT daily at breakfast signifi cantly promoted healthy cholesterol levels within a normal range compared to that of the LCT group at 8 weeks. Other studies have shown positive effects on triglycerides, within a normal range.

MCT have physical and metabolic properties that are distinct from those of long-chain fatty acids, making them a readily available cellular energy source. These properties have been used advantageously in clinics for more than 50 years in people who are either undernourished or possess lipid absorption and long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects. In this latter contingent, nutritional interventions with MCT have been shown to promote healthy heart function. Current research supports the notion that suboptimal heart function is associated with heart-energy deficiency, and that MCT can support heart energy.

Healthy body mass
Some research suggests that MCT may support metabolic rate and energy expenditures in the body when substituted in the diet for other types of fat. MCT may induce satiety, leading to decreased consumption of calories. Increased metabolic rate and decreased caloric intake may lead to a decrease in body fat. MCT contain 6 to 8.5 kcal per gram.

In one study conducted in a group of 40 subjects, randomized into 2 test groups, MCT or corn oil was administered as part of daily food intake for 90 days. The MCT group showed a significant reduction in body weight. In a double-blind crossover study, subjects were asked to keep their usual lifestyle, including diet and physical activity while consuming MCT as part of their diet. The results indicated that body fat mass was signifi cantly lower after 3 weeks when consuming MCT compared to soybean oil. These results suggest that coconut oil, and the MCT found within, may have a role in the promotion of weight management.

Jarrow Formulas Virgin and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocus nucifera) is expeller-pressed from the dried flesh (copra) of the coconut palm fruit, and does not utilize any solvents in the manufacturing process. Coconut oil is a source of medium chain triglycerides (MCT), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid (C-8).