Category Archives: “Super Foods”

Coconut Oil: A Hot Button?

03 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by in "Super Foods", Alzheimers.net, Coconut Oil, Diet, Helpful Resources, Mom, Ruminations

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Image courtesy of Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Coconut oil. It’s a very controversial subject in the world of Alzheimer’s.

Some online support groups actually ban posts about coconut oil suggesting any discussion on the topic gives people false hope.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s.

No survivors.

No cure.

Simply put, if coconut oil cured Alzheimer’s, well… I wouldn’t be writing this. In fact, this blog wouldn’t exist at all. What a wonderful thing that would be, but for now, as the saying goes, “if ands or buts were candy and nuts, then every day would be Christmas!”

Coconut Oil and Brain Health

Last spring, I wrote an article for Alzheimers.net exploring coconut oil’s potential impact on brain health. If I had known about it ten years ago, would I have tried adding coconut oil to my mom’s diet? You bet your bottom dollar. I would have tried anything in an attempt to stave off the symptoms for as long as possible. Am I convinced that adding it to my diet will prevent me from getting this insidious disease? Not at all. Do I think it’s the magic antidote we’ve all been looking for? No.

Image courtesy of Toa55 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

However, my *personal opinion is – no harm, no foul. I’ve replaced my old cooking spray with a coconut oil spray. I stir a teaspoonful of the solid form into my coffee or oatmeal, and I cook with it when it makes sense to do so. I also use coconut milk – simply because I like the taste! I believe there are overall health benefits associated with coconut, but my advice is simple. Do your research, discuss with your doctor, and make the choice that’s best for you.

Ultimate Guide to Coconut Products

Should you decide to explore adding coconut products of any sort to your diet, Lisa Richards provides an excellent Ultimate Guide to Coconut Products. On this page, she discusses everything from coconut oil to coconut flour to coconut….vinegar??! Yes, that’s right – coconut vinegar! Lisa’s guide is chock full of information; everything you wanted to know about coconut and more!!

*Disclosure: I am not a doctor, nor have I ever portrayed one on TV. The statements herein are my opinions and do not constitute medical advice.

Revisiting Coconut Oil

29 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in "Super Foods", Coconut Oil, Diet, Dr. Mary Newport, Helpful Resources, Prevention, Tips

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If your life has been touched by Alzheimer’s, chances are you would do just about anything to reduce your own risk of getting it one day. These days, there is a great deal of discussion about diet and its effect on brain health, and coconut oil is receiving a lot of attention.

In her 2011 book, Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones, Dr. Mary Newport asserts that her husband has shown a marked improvement with the regular use of coconut oil. Watching a video on their experience piqued my curiosity, so I did some research and began trying to work it into my own diet. Finding ways to do that, however, has been a challenge.

I’m excited to have recently discovered www.freecoconutrecipes.com, which is loaded with ideas for using the oil. Up to this point, my favorite way to eat it has been in oatmeal where it adds just a subtle hint of coconut flavor. I’ve also mixed it into smoothies, but that tends to be problematic since the oil solidifies at between 65 and  75 degrees (F). As a solid, it’s nearly impossible to incorporate without leaving lumpy bits behind, but this article provides a great tip for getting around the pesky clumping issue.

When buying, be sure to look for organic, cold pressed, virgin coconut oil. This heart healthy oil is non-hydrogenated, contains no trans-fats, and provides plenty of health benefits in addition to improving brain health. Here are a few:

  • Decreases cholesterol levels; increases HDL (good cholesterol)
  • Acts as a natural antibiotic
  • Improves the body’s use of insulin
  • Boosts thyroid function for increased energy
  • Acts as an antioxidant
  • Acts as a great skin and hair moisturizer
  • Helps psoriasis

If you’ve incorporated coconut oil into your diet, leave a comment sharing your favorite ways to use it!

Tuesday’s Gleanings

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in "Super Foods", Advocacy and Awareness, Blogging, Caregivers, Diet, Helpful Resources, Humor, Inspiration, Research, Tips

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picWell, it seems my self-diagnosed ADHD is in full swing tonight. I sat down over an hour ago to finish my Caregivers piece for tomorrow… and lo and behold, I haven’t even opened the document yet.

BUT…. I found another wonderful resource for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers and advocates. Check out The Dementia Queen… “Insight with a dash of humor on the side.”

The DQ, Sue Paul, is an occupational therapist and geriatric specialist. She works with ALZ and dementia patients, and, like many of us, created her blog in hopes that her experiences can help those struggling with the disease(s). Kudos to Sue!

On another note, and speaking of great kudos, I received this message from Max Wallack today:

“Unfortunately, even with the support of so many tireless Alzheimer’s advocates, my cause for Alzheimer’s research is not the winner of the $10,000 award in the Kids Who Give contest. However, the contest was a wonderful experience because I came to have contact with so many people who share my passion to make a difference in the course of this disease. Today, one supporter even donated $5,000 of his private funds for Alzheimer’s research at BUSM. I will continue to work hard and pursue my lifelong goal to tackle this disease on multiple fronts, encompassing compassionate care of those afflicted, support for weary caregivers, and research to find treatments and, perhaps, a cure.”

On behalf of Alzheimer’s/dementia caregivers, advocates, and families, I’d like to congratulate Max not only on his efforts in the Kids Who Give contest, but really on all of his endeavors. I don’t doubt for a second that we’ll be hearing great things about this young man. His future is bright, and we’re thankful that he has committed himself to the ALZ cause.

And, last but not least… (I warned you, didn’t I?? ADHD!!)   Have a glass of red wine while you read this article –> Red Wine Provides Hope for Alzheimer’s Sufferers.

Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK are finding that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and green tea extracts, is not only good for the heart, but may also slow the progression of ALZ. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that resveratrol prevents the formation of amyloid protein clumps which attach to brain cells, ultimately causing them to die.

So there you have it! In less than 400 words, we’ve met a Dementia Queen, celebrated an amazing young scholar and role model, and touted the benefits of red wine. How’s that for variety!?

~Goodnight friends.