By Joan L. McDaniel
Several years ago, I was run down, overworked and so sick I could hardly breathe. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, I was determined to eat my way back to health. My doctors did not know how to help because my illness was not terminal, or a huge moneymaker for the medical industry like cancer—so I had to help myself.
I have written over 100 articles based on my own research about using food as medicine. We need to take a hard look at our own health and start taking charge of our own bodies. Many public health problems can be associated with modern medical care such as the increase in allergic reactions, antibiotic resistant super bugs and the rise in dementia cases. Looking at alternate, holistic, homeopathic, and traditional medicines can offer some preventative answers. I have done extensive research in the field of nutrition. Having explored different natural foods and their contribution to our immune system, I have found foods good for our health and some that are toxic.
I became interested in coconut oil after reading an article my neighbor gave me. It was from her friend’s son, who had retired from the Center for Disease Control. I learned that coconut oil has tremendous health benefits which can compete with current medical drug industry solutions.
The article, Coconut Oil and Alzheimer’s Disease, is about anticipated competition to the pharmaceutical industry from coconut oil and its growing success at stopping, if not curing Alzheimer’s and other illnesses. The author suggested that an ingredient used in a promising drug trial was simply MCT oil derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, and that a dose of 20 grams (about 20 ml or 4 teaspoons) was used to produce unheard of surprising results. I have worked a number of years as a nurse and have never heard anyone say they could cure Alzheimer’s, and that includes Big Pharma.
Joan L. McDaniel
My neighbor, with love and great excitement, hoped something could be done for her husband, asked if I’d heard of this. She is ill also, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with very brittle bones. She has broken ribs just by moving incorrectly and is in constant pain. I responded, “I don’t know, I have not heard about it, but will find out.” I found more articles, one by Bruce Fife, N.D., N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor). He wrote several books, two of which are: Stop Alzheimers’s Now! and The Coconut Oil Miracle. He claims, just 2 teaspoons of coconut oil would help stop the advancement of Alzheimer’s. I had heard about coconut oil being the only safe oil to cook with and had purchased a jar and used it, but lost interest, besides, I never really cooked for myself.
With renewed concern for my own health, I re-read the article and jumped into further investigation and bought both of his books. While reading I was completely blown away. My curiosity moved from coconut oil to general health and nutrition. I made many dietary changes, and must admit my years of following a fat-free diet yielded close to zero results. I am finding the “forbidden foods” are really good for me and the fat-free diet was toxic to my health—besides, I never lost a pound, nor did it lower my blood pressure. In fact, I developed a borderline blood sugar problem.
I suddenly realized the value of my newly acquired knowledge to those with or without life threatening diseases, especially heart disease. I hope people will read the article and feel the same inspiration to help themselves. One amazing piece of knowledge involves Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative brain disorders (nerve damage). Unbelievable progress has been made in slowing the inflammation of the body and mind, which causes degeneration and aging, by reducing the damage done by free radicals. Further research shows most diseases involve high glucose, sugar and corn syrup, and trans fats.
Dr. Fife says Alzheimer’s (or brain disease) is a form of diabetes (of the brain). In fact, high blood pressure may be inflammation from increased sugar instead of increased sodium. With most disease processes being the result of inflammation, I feel coconut oil is “putting out the fire.” Current and past research is showing some very exciting results.
And what do you do with coconut oil? You cook with it. You eat it. You drink it. You sleep with it on your hair and skin. You rub it all over your body—you can even give it to your pet. It may not help with the common cold, but it will help with just about everything else. Coconut oil is not a cure-all, but it sure can help.
Coconut is a nut, or better yet a seed. You can eat the meat (dried, flaked, shredded, and whole), or coconut cream, coconut oil and coconut water. You have coconut butter, sugar, vinegar, coconut wine, and more. You can find coconut products in grocery stores, health-food stores, and Asian markets.
To learn more about Joan’s idea’s on nutrition, visit coconutcreamcare.com
