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The Coconut Oil Miracle
Presents a guide to the health benefits of natural coconut oil, includes recipes and nutritional tips, and explains how it promotes weight loss, protects against degenerative diseases, and strengthens the immune system.
304 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2003
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1436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 27, 2009
This is a very unconventional book from what is taught in nutrition courses. It is very necessary for students to read this as medium chain fats are hardly ever discussed. It took me a hard time to digest the material simply because I had been so brainwashed in school but after I got over it, I practiced it on myself and have seen a vast improvement in my health and my childrens'. Anyone interested in nutrition and health should have a copy of this book. As a nutritionist, I will vouch for it....and after reading other sources about the beaurocracy of how Americans were driven to fear of natural tropical oils...then I got it! Scientists will tell you it is hoky...it is not. It's just not the popular thought du jour. There is research out there to back it up...it's hard to find because it is certainly hidden..but it is there. Think this...how could civilization have survived thousands of years on huge consumptions of tropical oils and never have suffered the demise that some would like you to believe it will cause you from simply eating a little bit?
June 11, 2013
Interesting how there was not one negative review here. Come on think people don't be like sheep. The book is skeptical. Yes I'm using coconut oil. With every claim he makes I check the reference. Mind you he failed completely to use not one footnote. Proving his lack of scientific writing skills. Editor is? Not found! Furthermore when studies are done only in mice that does not by any means say same results will occur in humans.
Specifically on p. 104 his, "Skin elasticity test " is so very bogus. That test is a hydration test used in medical practice. A child's skin will not retract well when dehydrated. Yes it slows down with age but due to natural thinning of the skin.
All in all I failed to purchase a scientific book and that has me kicking myself.
R.N., B.S.N.,R.N.C.
Specifically on p. 104 his, "Skin elasticity test " is so very bogus. That test is a hydration test used in medical practice. A child's skin will not retract well when dehydrated. Yes it slows down with age but due to natural thinning of the skin.
All in all I failed to purchase a scientific book and that has me kicking myself.
R.N., B.S.N.,R.N.C.
August 12, 2009
Anyone with any health problems, especially digestive issues, or who wants to best preserve the good health they do have, should take advantage of the wealth of great info/research pesented in this book.
One of my children had had some physical/behavioral symtoms that lead me to use a glutenfree/casein free diet for awhile(and a fish oil supplement), which helped a good deal, but there was still clearly a piece of the puzzle missing. Coconut oil/milk/meat has been that piece. It's potent healing properties are truly an every day miracle. Plus the recipes for coconut cookies(you can make them with agave sweetener instead of sugar) and the curried cauliflower soup are supper tasty! Highly recomended.
One of my children had had some physical/behavioral symtoms that lead me to use a glutenfree/casein free diet for awhile(and a fish oil supplement), which helped a good deal, but there was still clearly a piece of the puzzle missing. Coconut oil/milk/meat has been that piece. It's potent healing properties are truly an every day miracle. Plus the recipes for coconut cookies(you can make them with agave sweetener instead of sugar) and the curried cauliflower soup are supper tasty! Highly recomended.
April 11, 2023
Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is NOT the same as other saturated fats and is good for you, may even help prevent heart disease and other illnesses. It is digested differently and more directly than other fats and for many years hospitals have used its main ingredient for infants and other patients that have a hard time absorbing nutrients. Dr. Fife does an excellent job of explaining WHY. I wish everyone could read this and learn how to improve their health. I would give this 10 stars if I could!
This was an AMAZING book. It explained so much in detail that I listened to parts of it a second time as I went along, unable to stop. I listened to the revised and updated version well-narrated by Peter Berkrot for Tantor Audio on the Libby app. (I think listening might be easier than reading because of so much info but that's only my preference). I was fascinated! I'm so glad I accidentally became aware of this book and sought it out. I plan to get a copy to have for reference and also to obtain some of his other books and read them.
Years ago I had heard that coconut oil was recommended to use in cooking and one of my cousins had started using it. I felt conflicted because I knew it was a "saturated" fat and so continued with using olive oil for cooking and butter regularly on toast. NOW I CAN'T WAIT TO START USING HEALTHY COCONUT OIL and avoid other kinds of vegetable oils, which he explains could add cell-damaging free radicals to our bodies. I also intend to use it as my main skin cream. This book had so much good information for those of you who believe the kind of food we eat can make a difference in our health.
Pharmaceutical companies and the big food monopolies must try to counteract much health information that might cause them to LOSE MONEY. Unfortunately this is the reality today. So the most healthful info does not get to the general public, and often doesn't get to medical doctors even though they have the best intentions. Do not be fooled.
I studied organic chemistry in college, but Dr. Fife explains the different kinds of fats/oils so clearly, that anyone interested should be able to understand. The book explains that saturated fats have a much longer shelf life than polyunsaturated fats, which could already be rancid before you bring them home from the store.
He had an interesting explanation about the change from "tropical oils" (coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil) and even beef fat (for french fries) which were used by fast food businesses until the 1980's and 90's. Due to the soybean oil (SAS) and processed vegetable oil businesses and MEDIA HYPE, which scared the public, all these chain restaurants switched away from the tropical oils, which HAD BEEN (according to researchers) MUCH HEALTHIER. He gives the example that originally french fries absorbed about HALF the amount of fat as they now do with the change to unhealthy vegetable oils. Until I listened to this book, I thought polyunsaturated were the healthier oils. Olive oil is the only one that is.
The author also covers many uses of coconut oil as a healing skin cream and gives examples of cases where the oil improved conditions for which Drs. were unable to find solutions. So the info in this book could bring hope to many. He quoted several individuals, who saw great improvement in the appearance of skin and hair and others, who saw it cure painful or irritating conditions they has suffered from for many years that Drs. weren't able to help with.
Dr. Fife covers many areas where coconut oil has improved conditions both from taking it internally as food and by applying it to skin. He stated that he himself had struggled unsuccessfully with dieting for many years until he started using coconut oil. He had not continued to diet but after several months noticed he had lost 20 lbs and has kept it off ever since, not dieting but using coconut oil regularly and eating a reasonably healthy diet.
[ I have to look up the spelling of the special part of the coconut and will add it to this review. It sounds like "loric" acid, which is also found in mothers' milk.]
The most compelling argument for using coconuts is the info about inhabitants of certain Polynesian islands who ate coconuts and cooked with them up to 50% of their diet and until they immigrated to New Zealand or became affluent enough to start eating a Western diet, had "NO" incidence of heart disease or diabetes and were described has having strong well-built bodies and beautiful hair and and skin and pleasant personalities. (Yes, I believe diet also affects our emotional health).
In the last chapter of the book he gives info on how to use coconut products, how to choose them and what is a suggested amount. What I especially liked about this book is all the helpful detail that makes it so useful. Dr. Bruce Fife seems to be a caring healer, who really wants to be helpful towards improving health. I didn't have time to cover all the subjects in the book, including one where coconut oil helped improve dementia. However, a more recent book by Dr. Fife, titled "Stop Alzheimer's, Now!" is what I plan to read next, because it's described as having a lot of info on the brain.
This was an AMAZING book. It explained so much in detail that I listened to parts of it a second time as I went along, unable to stop. I listened to the revised and updated version well-narrated by Peter Berkrot for Tantor Audio on the Libby app. (I think listening might be easier than reading because of so much info but that's only my preference). I was fascinated! I'm so glad I accidentally became aware of this book and sought it out. I plan to get a copy to have for reference and also to obtain some of his other books and read them.
Years ago I had heard that coconut oil was recommended to use in cooking and one of my cousins had started using it. I felt conflicted because I knew it was a "saturated" fat and so continued with using olive oil for cooking and butter regularly on toast. NOW I CAN'T WAIT TO START USING HEALTHY COCONUT OIL and avoid other kinds of vegetable oils, which he explains could add cell-damaging free radicals to our bodies. I also intend to use it as my main skin cream. This book had so much good information for those of you who believe the kind of food we eat can make a difference in our health.
Pharmaceutical companies and the big food monopolies must try to counteract much health information that might cause them to LOSE MONEY. Unfortunately this is the reality today. So the most healthful info does not get to the general public, and often doesn't get to medical doctors even though they have the best intentions. Do not be fooled.
I studied organic chemistry in college, but Dr. Fife explains the different kinds of fats/oils so clearly, that anyone interested should be able to understand. The book explains that saturated fats have a much longer shelf life than polyunsaturated fats, which could already be rancid before you bring them home from the store.
He had an interesting explanation about the change from "tropical oils" (coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil) and even beef fat (for french fries) which were used by fast food businesses until the 1980's and 90's. Due to the soybean oil (SAS) and processed vegetable oil businesses and MEDIA HYPE, which scared the public, all these chain restaurants switched away from the tropical oils, which HAD BEEN (according to researchers) MUCH HEALTHIER. He gives the example that originally french fries absorbed about HALF the amount of fat as they now do with the change to unhealthy vegetable oils. Until I listened to this book, I thought polyunsaturated were the healthier oils. Olive oil is the only one that is.
The author also covers many uses of coconut oil as a healing skin cream and gives examples of cases where the oil improved conditions for which Drs. were unable to find solutions. So the info in this book could bring hope to many. He quoted several individuals, who saw great improvement in the appearance of skin and hair and others, who saw it cure painful or irritating conditions they has suffered from for many years that Drs. weren't able to help with.
Dr. Fife covers many areas where coconut oil has improved conditions both from taking it internally as food and by applying it to skin. He stated that he himself had struggled unsuccessfully with dieting for many years until he started using coconut oil. He had not continued to diet but after several months noticed he had lost 20 lbs and has kept it off ever since, not dieting but using coconut oil regularly and eating a reasonably healthy diet.
[ I have to look up the spelling of the special part of the coconut and will add it to this review. It sounds like "loric" acid, which is also found in mothers' milk.]
The most compelling argument for using coconuts is the info about inhabitants of certain Polynesian islands who ate coconuts and cooked with them up to 50% of their diet and until they immigrated to New Zealand or became affluent enough to start eating a Western diet, had "NO" incidence of heart disease or diabetes and were described has having strong well-built bodies and beautiful hair and and skin and pleasant personalities. (Yes, I believe diet also affects our emotional health).
In the last chapter of the book he gives info on how to use coconut products, how to choose them and what is a suggested amount. What I especially liked about this book is all the helpful detail that makes it so useful. Dr. Bruce Fife seems to be a caring healer, who really wants to be helpful towards improving health. I didn't have time to cover all the subjects in the book, including one where coconut oil helped improve dementia. However, a more recent book by Dr. Fife, titled "Stop Alzheimer's, Now!" is what I plan to read next, because it's described as having a lot of info on the brain.
March 10, 2012
I'm so annoyed I didn't come to the idea of using coconut cream and coconut oil as replacements for dairy products sooner!
I wish so much I had. The coconut ice creams and hot chocolates and other dishes I have been making since reading this book, and others like it, are just delicious and so good for you as well. I've been going a bit coconut crazy I have to admit!
This book is just excellent. If you aren't convinced that eating coconut oil, with its high level of HEALTHY saturated fat is good for you and wont make you gain weight, then I highly recommend either this book or 'Eat Fat, Lose Fat.'
(The other coconut books I have read also had far better recipe sections than this one - the recipes in this book were its low point.)
Don't believe the hype, extra virgin coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods you could ever eat, and it also has an anti-viral effect which is beneficial for those of us battling chronic illnesses and makes a great moisturiser as well.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)
I wish so much I had. The coconut ice creams and hot chocolates and other dishes I have been making since reading this book, and others like it, are just delicious and so good for you as well. I've been going a bit coconut crazy I have to admit!
This book is just excellent. If you aren't convinced that eating coconut oil, with its high level of HEALTHY saturated fat is good for you and wont make you gain weight, then I highly recommend either this book or 'Eat Fat, Lose Fat.'
(The other coconut books I have read also had far better recipe sections than this one - the recipes in this book were its low point.)
Don't believe the hype, extra virgin coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods you could ever eat, and it also has an anti-viral effect which is beneficial for those of us battling chronic illnesses and makes a great moisturiser as well.
Jodi Bassett, The Hummingbirds' Foundation for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)
November 2, 2009
Pretty interesting book on a natural food source that has fallen out of vogue. I thought it was odd that the only place I saw coconuts, coconut oil and coconut milk was at health food stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, etc.). Why would that be if it's not healthy to consume? A friend of mine answered that question by providing this book to me. I'm glad he did.
While not the most articulate or eloquent piece of writing you'll run across, Fife takes the time to break down cocunut's history (pushed out of the mainstream when saturated fats all fell under one umbrella and then became taboo as soy products and vegetable oils were being pushed), its differentiation from most fats (MCFA's are becoming a more widely researched nutrient in fight infections, cancer and viruses) and its multiple uses.
Most eye-catching to me: despite the influx of soy products and the promotion of vegetable oils by the FDA, the very people consuming them at the highest rates see their odds for heart disease, cancer and drained immune sytems rise dramatically. Meanwhile, tropical people consume diets of over 50% saturated fats from tropical oils and have an almost non-existent rate of these health issues.
Much like green tea or the acai berry, coconuts have been overlooked by the western world because our medicine has manufactured both money and an inflated ego in creating its own pharmaceuticals. The natives of the lands that consume things like the naturally occurring items listed, however, have reaped their benefits for centuries.
While not the most articulate or eloquent piece of writing you'll run across, Fife takes the time to break down cocunut's history (pushed out of the mainstream when saturated fats all fell under one umbrella and then became taboo as soy products and vegetable oils were being pushed), its differentiation from most fats (MCFA's are becoming a more widely researched nutrient in fight infections, cancer and viruses) and its multiple uses.
Most eye-catching to me: despite the influx of soy products and the promotion of vegetable oils by the FDA, the very people consuming them at the highest rates see their odds for heart disease, cancer and drained immune sytems rise dramatically. Meanwhile, tropical people consume diets of over 50% saturated fats from tropical oils and have an almost non-existent rate of these health issues.
Much like green tea or the acai berry, coconuts have been overlooked by the western world because our medicine has manufactured both money and an inflated ego in creating its own pharmaceuticals. The natives of the lands that consume things like the naturally occurring items listed, however, have reaped their benefits for centuries.
May 20, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Coconut Oil Miracle". Having been a proponent of the use of coconut oil myself, I found so many additional ways in which to incorporate it into my daily life...not only in recipes, but also for hair and skin care. There are several recipes in the back of the book that I plan on using, as well; and I had no idea how much the soybean industry and our own government had brainwashed us, for many, many years, into believing that polyunsaturated fats were better for us than the tropical (saturated) fats, like coconut and palm kernel oils. Sadly, much of our physical ills are a direct result of using those highly touted polyunsaturated fats in our diets. Excellent book, in my opinion, and I've been telling everyone I know to read it.
July 6, 2012
This book has good info, but is a bit outdated; this book was first published in the 90's and cites studies from this time. It's such a shame that negative advertising against the tropical oils has driven the public and food manufacturing to the consumption and use of oils that's making so many Americans fat. I'm going to give coconut oil a try, although some of the author's claims seem too good to be true!
April 1, 2014
This was a more interesting book than I had first thought it would be. I have used coconut oil a little in the past but I think he's made me a believer and I will be making it a part of our diet in the future. I usually look at stuff like this with a bit of a jaded view but I passed certain facts past my pharmacologist husband and he didn't disagree with the author. Looking at a new style of cooking and eating!
January 22, 2010
After reading this book and doing other research I added coconut oil to our diet and cut out other fats except raw butter and some olive oil (but not for cooking since heat destroys a lot of what is good in olive oil) and Richard and I both have already noticed that we feel better and have more energy. That's after only a few weeks.
April 8, 2020
If you don't want read more than a line then, just stop using all refined vegetable oil like sunflower, groundnut, soyabeen, saffola etc., replace all with coconut oil and start taking 3 and half tablespoon full of coconut oil (preferable virgin) daily.
Coconut oil has above 90% saturated oil and it is Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA). This type of fatty acid of Coconut is working as panacea. Lobby of vegetable oil manufactures make villain out of tropical oils like coconut and palm kernel oil and effect is seen in increase of heart disease, diabetes, cancer etc. All processed vegetable oils release detrimental free radicals, however, saturated fat of coconut oil is much stable at heat due to its unique carbon and hydrogen bond.
Though sometimes the book may seem repetitive but to provide information on working of coconut oil on human body it becomes necessary. Further, author provides many mouthwatering recipes at the end so that people can start building coconut eating habit.
Coconut oil has above 90% saturated oil and it is Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA). This type of fatty acid of Coconut is working as panacea. Lobby of vegetable oil manufactures make villain out of tropical oils like coconut and palm kernel oil and effect is seen in increase of heart disease, diabetes, cancer etc. All processed vegetable oils release detrimental free radicals, however, saturated fat of coconut oil is much stable at heat due to its unique carbon and hydrogen bond.
Though sometimes the book may seem repetitive but to provide information on working of coconut oil on human body it becomes necessary. Further, author provides many mouthwatering recipes at the end so that people can start building coconut eating habit.
August 8, 2011
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a long time before I actually managed to get hold of it. And I wasn't disappointed.
It turns out that we have all been deceived about the saturated fat in coconut oil being harmful.
Coconut oil is composed primarily of medium- and short-chain fatty acids. The medium-chain fatty acids are broken down and used mostly for energy production - thus they produce energy not fat. They have no negative effect on blood cholesterol and help protect against heart disease.
Saturated fats, having no missing hydrogen atoms or double-bonded carbons, are not vulnerable to oxidation and free radical formation like unsaturated fats. Saturated fats remain stable even when heated to normal cooking temperatures, and coconut oil is by far the safest oil to use in cooking, though you must ensure that you use temperatures below 350 degrees F, i.e. avoid letting the oil smoke. In fact the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil give it unique properties and make it the healthiest oil of them all.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oils are oils composed of 100% medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These are derived from coconut or palm kernel oils. Coconut and MCT oils are used in hospitals to treat malabsorption syndrome and burnt or severely ill patients, among others. Coconut/MCT oil has been an important ingredient in baby formulas and especially in treating premature babies. The MCFAs in coconut oil are lauric acid (48%), caprylic acid (8%)and capric acid (7%). However, coconut oil contains "a complete set of MCFAs", "provides a balance of several fatty acids rather than just two" and is a completely natural product.
South Sea islanders, whose traditional diet consists mostly of coconut products, are extremely healthy - those who have stuck to this diet, that is, and who haven't begun to consume Western junk food.
MCFAs from coconut oil can "kill bacteria and viruses that cause influenza, herpes, bladder infections, gum diseases and numerous other conditions". It acts as an antioxidant and protects the heart and arteries from injury "caused by bacteria, viruses and free radicals". Heart disease rates in India tripled when people were advised to stop eating coconut oil since it caused heart disease (!?) and instead started to consume margarine and processed vegetable oils. Fungal and yeast infections can also be cured by coconut oil.
Coconut oil contributes to healing innumerable disorders, including digestive and nutrient absorption disorders, Crohn's disease. osteoporosis, gallbladder disease, viral infections, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, liver disease and prostate enlargement. It provides valuable nourishment for new-born babies.
Mpreover, replacing the other oils and fats with coconut oil will lead to weight loss if you are overweight. The author of the book reports losing 20 pounds after he began to use coconut oil instead of processed vegetable oils.
Fife advises us to use up to 3 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil in our diet. We can use both dried and fresh coconut, coconut milk or coconut oil either eaten directly by the spoonful or merely used in cooking. 7 ounces of dried coconut or 10 ounces of coconut milk also provide the necessary 3 1/2 tablespoons of oil. You can also apply the oil to your skin or scalp, which is apparently practically as good as eating it.
I myself drink from 1/3 to 1/2 can of coconut milk every day, use about 3 tablespoons of the oil in cooking every or every second day, and rub it all over my skin every night.
I suffer from Crohn's, but have had no "attacks" of raging and painful stomach acid since starting to partake of coconut oil, and have experienced having too little stomach acid (an unpleasant sensation of being completely unable to digest any food) paradoxically only when drinking too much coconut milk! However, after having used the oil and milk regularly for about a month, I no longer experience this symptom at all. I have extremely (pathologically) dry skin, but after having applied the oil for a week or so the skin on my arms looks more normal and the skin on my face looke and feels much better. The oil has a beneficial effect on slight cuts I have on my leg which otherwise are having extreme difficulty in healing. They now have begun to heal. Also, for a year or so I was plagued by stomach pains due to harmful bacteria, and these pains have to all intents and purposes disappeared thus saving me a fortune I on oregano oil, strong garlic products and potent herb pills. Howver, I have been treated in the same period by a MAP (Medical Assistance Program) team, who are perhaps primarily responsible for this progress. (See reviews of the book MAP by Machaelle Small Wright.)
The only complaint I have as regards this book is that it could have been made clearer that in addition to coconut oil your body requires essential fatty acids, coconut oil containing only 2% of these. Bruce Fife does mention the need for extra EFAs in one of the "boxes", entitled "Essential Fatty Acids", but not otherwise in his main text, where he talks only of throwing out margarine, shortening and all the unhealthy processed oils. Though he states in this box that consumption of coconut oil can "enhance the efficiency of essential fatty acids by as much as 100 per cent", Fife concludes by stating that "for optimal health we should consume a small amount of EFAs along with a significantly larger amount of MCFAs".
There is a final useful chapter in the book comprising coconut oil recipes.
If you wish to obtain optimum health, and especially if you suffer from various health complaints, I would strongly advise you to read this valuable book.
It turns out that we have all been deceived about the saturated fat in coconut oil being harmful.
Coconut oil is composed primarily of medium- and short-chain fatty acids. The medium-chain fatty acids are broken down and used mostly for energy production - thus they produce energy not fat. They have no negative effect on blood cholesterol and help protect against heart disease.
Saturated fats, having no missing hydrogen atoms or double-bonded carbons, are not vulnerable to oxidation and free radical formation like unsaturated fats. Saturated fats remain stable even when heated to normal cooking temperatures, and coconut oil is by far the safest oil to use in cooking, though you must ensure that you use temperatures below 350 degrees F, i.e. avoid letting the oil smoke. In fact the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil give it unique properties and make it the healthiest oil of them all.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oils are oils composed of 100% medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These are derived from coconut or palm kernel oils. Coconut and MCT oils are used in hospitals to treat malabsorption syndrome and burnt or severely ill patients, among others. Coconut/MCT oil has been an important ingredient in baby formulas and especially in treating premature babies. The MCFAs in coconut oil are lauric acid (48%), caprylic acid (8%)and capric acid (7%). However, coconut oil contains "a complete set of MCFAs", "provides a balance of several fatty acids rather than just two" and is a completely natural product.
South Sea islanders, whose traditional diet consists mostly of coconut products, are extremely healthy - those who have stuck to this diet, that is, and who haven't begun to consume Western junk food.
MCFAs from coconut oil can "kill bacteria and viruses that cause influenza, herpes, bladder infections, gum diseases and numerous other conditions". It acts as an antioxidant and protects the heart and arteries from injury "caused by bacteria, viruses and free radicals". Heart disease rates in India tripled when people were advised to stop eating coconut oil since it caused heart disease (!?) and instead started to consume margarine and processed vegetable oils. Fungal and yeast infections can also be cured by coconut oil.
Coconut oil contributes to healing innumerable disorders, including digestive and nutrient absorption disorders, Crohn's disease. osteoporosis, gallbladder disease, viral infections, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, liver disease and prostate enlargement. It provides valuable nourishment for new-born babies.
Mpreover, replacing the other oils and fats with coconut oil will lead to weight loss if you are overweight. The author of the book reports losing 20 pounds after he began to use coconut oil instead of processed vegetable oils.
Fife advises us to use up to 3 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil in our diet. We can use both dried and fresh coconut, coconut milk or coconut oil either eaten directly by the spoonful or merely used in cooking. 7 ounces of dried coconut or 10 ounces of coconut milk also provide the necessary 3 1/2 tablespoons of oil. You can also apply the oil to your skin or scalp, which is apparently practically as good as eating it.
I myself drink from 1/3 to 1/2 can of coconut milk every day, use about 3 tablespoons of the oil in cooking every or every second day, and rub it all over my skin every night.
I suffer from Crohn's, but have had no "attacks" of raging and painful stomach acid since starting to partake of coconut oil, and have experienced having too little stomach acid (an unpleasant sensation of being completely unable to digest any food) paradoxically only when drinking too much coconut milk! However, after having used the oil and milk regularly for about a month, I no longer experience this symptom at all. I have extremely (pathologically) dry skin, but after having applied the oil for a week or so the skin on my arms looks more normal and the skin on my face looke and feels much better. The oil has a beneficial effect on slight cuts I have on my leg which otherwise are having extreme difficulty in healing. They now have begun to heal. Also, for a year or so I was plagued by stomach pains due to harmful bacteria, and these pains have to all intents and purposes disappeared thus saving me a fortune I on oregano oil, strong garlic products and potent herb pills. Howver, I have been treated in the same period by a MAP (Medical Assistance Program) team, who are perhaps primarily responsible for this progress. (See reviews of the book MAP by Machaelle Small Wright.)
The only complaint I have as regards this book is that it could have been made clearer that in addition to coconut oil your body requires essential fatty acids, coconut oil containing only 2% of these. Bruce Fife does mention the need for extra EFAs in one of the "boxes", entitled "Essential Fatty Acids", but not otherwise in his main text, where he talks only of throwing out margarine, shortening and all the unhealthy processed oils. Though he states in this box that consumption of coconut oil can "enhance the efficiency of essential fatty acids by as much as 100 per cent", Fife concludes by stating that "for optimal health we should consume a small amount of EFAs along with a significantly larger amount of MCFAs".
There is a final useful chapter in the book comprising coconut oil recipes.
If you wish to obtain optimum health, and especially if you suffer from various health complaints, I would strongly advise you to read this valuable book.
February 27, 2016
I absoulety love this book. my Grandaughter Kaitlyn lent me her book to read. I have very many medical Problems. I take a ton of Preciptions a day.I couldn't Put this book down.There is so much Information on almost anything you need to know.after Reading the first day,I went to GNC Health store.I bought a small jar just in case I couldn't take swallowing it.I was Amazed the first time I took it. It is velvety smooth. It melts very fast and, has a mild nutty taste. Within a week I could feel It working.My digestive track was getting better everyday. I felt more energetic and not nearly as depressed. I can feel Improvement with a lot of my health issues. Also It's Great for brushing your teeth.mine are getting whiter each day. It's great for face lotion.Really helps with wrinkles and,dry skin.My hands are so dry that they would crack and bleed.Terrific for this. I put it on my hands and, rub in real good. Then Put on white cotton gloves.After two days I was Amazed again. Baby soft.In another day the cracks on my fingers were gone.I could go on forever about how Fantastic this is. Great to cook with too. lowers Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Lowers Cholesterol, It cured a man who was told he had very little time to live of Aids. Its so Wonderful. I thought the book would be boreing to read.I was wrong.I said earlier I couldn't Put the book down. I had to give my Granddaughter her book back so she could finish it.So I went and bought one for me.Just to have around. and if I needed more Information. I cant remember everything. Guess what!! My Granddaughter lost 30 Pounds.Trust me. You will love this book. I only hit on a few things. It fits the title. COCONUT OIL MIRACLE!! You will be Amazed.
July 24, 2016
As a food source, coconut is flavorful and delicious. But it has a strong cultural backing to its popularity. It is nothing miraculous medicinally: this is a type of oil that is calorically same to other oil, with a medium fatty acid chain which has no clear-cut medical implication. The research cited are largely small sample observational studies with no convincing evidence to cure modern ills such as CHD and obesity.
What does contra its heart-disease fighting property is the emerging obesity rate among islanders who traditionally consume coconut products. Coconut is perhaps a natural and neutral food item, highly energy efficient. When people are not exposures to western sugar-heavy highly processed food, they are probably ok -- if the coconut-promoting statistics are confirmed. But the current published official rate of obesity and diseases among people traditionally consume a lot of coconut foodstuff does not shine for the acclaims in this book. For example, the rate of obesity among peoples who live in Pacific islands are shockingly high (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity_...).
There is no compelling reason to believe that coconut is something miraculous. This book is backed by a major marketing outfit of coconut producer.
What does contra its heart-disease fighting property is the emerging obesity rate among islanders who traditionally consume coconut products. Coconut is perhaps a natural and neutral food item, highly energy efficient. When people are not exposures to western sugar-heavy highly processed food, they are probably ok -- if the coconut-promoting statistics are confirmed. But the current published official rate of obesity and diseases among people traditionally consume a lot of coconut foodstuff does not shine for the acclaims in this book. For example, the rate of obesity among peoples who live in Pacific islands are shockingly high (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity_...).
There is no compelling reason to believe that coconut is something miraculous. This book is backed by a major marketing outfit of coconut producer.
November 25, 2015
Part scare tactic, part hype, and heavily testimonial, but hidden within is a reasonable suggestion that coconut oil can be helpful in the prevention and treatment of health concerns. If everyone attempted to follow Fife's advise the coconut fields would be overwhelmed and the price would rise to an impossible level. I wonder if he is funded by the coconut and red palm industry.
I am already a coconut oil user and have used it to treat sinusitis with some success -- he did not mention my method. I may follow some of his advise but will also keep heed his caveats even though he underplays them.
June 30, 2009
Oils... saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated.....these and so much more are discussed in this very informative book....the nutritional and health benefits of coconut. Also includes recipes to experience the "healing miracles of the perfect food". Well written, easy to understand, even the chapter that discusses the chemical make up of oils to support the scientific foundation. I found this book informative and I had a better understanding of why some oils are good and others are bad.
May 7, 2011
My sister gave this book to me for my birthday, along with a jar of 100% virgin coconut oil, which I am about to try. It is very interesting, though somewhat repetitive. It is also a little hard to believe that coconut oil and other forms of coconut can be as good for a person as Bruce Fife claims. I will know better just what it can do after I try some of the recipes, and perhaps use it on my skin and hair as suggested. There are little stories of how other persons benefitted from the use of it, and there is the Coconut Research Center in Colorado as well.
April 9, 2012
This book was a wealth of information. I am shocked at how much coconut oil can help many people and how it is processed in the body! Not only does coconut oil help with thyroid disorders but you can use it as a topical lotion! If you are interested in learning more about your health and wellness, I highly recommend this book.
September 24, 2011
Interesting concept, very sciency. Would probably under stand it more if I was a science major. Going to try using coconut oil in my food and on my skin for a couple of months, see if there are any changes. Will change my review stars based on the results.
April 12, 2012
Everyone should read this book. Tons of good information that is so important for your family's nutrition. A little bit repetitive at times (only reason I didn't give it 5 stars), but very good otherwise.
November 5, 2010
This book was very informative. I actually read it in two days because it was so interesting. I am implementing coconut oil into my diet and have gotten rid of the oils he indicated were bad for me.
February 21, 2011
I really liked this book explaining the science behind coconut oil. It got a little too scientific for me in some parts but for the most part, the book was written for the lay person.
February 10, 2012
I'm on the coconut oil bandwagon. I use it every day and it's good to know all the health benefits.
May 24, 2012
This has been a amazing book. Almost my whole life I ave been told to stay away from this fat. I have so much more energy and just essentially feel better. Thanks so much for writing this book!
September 22, 2013
On page 3 this book claims coconut oil prevents and cures AIDS, along with every other ailment or condition. Snake oil.
April 4, 2015
The author likes to repeat himself a lot in this book. Other than that it is pretty good book.
July 9, 2015
Listening to the audiobook, though there isn't an option to choose it from the other editions.
December 14, 2020
Vegetable and soybean oils are extremely unhealthy but are found in most foods in the US because they can be produced inexpensively. Coconut and palm oil are much healthier alternatives. Coconut oil has a bad rap for increasing cholesterol but in fact this is not true. It consists primarily of medium chain fatty acids which the body burn immediately for energy. There are a wide array of health benefits provided by coconut oil which are outlined in the book. It has been shown to benefit brain health, help fight microorganisms that cause infection + illness and can be used topically as well.
September 15, 2025
Okay- book was good, a little woo woo. Did say antibiotics don’t do anything. I did like the explanation of the chemical makeup of saturated vs unsaturated fats.
I have been using more coconut oil and eating keto and it has changed how I view fat and fat intake in general. This book has changed, or at least added elements, of how I view big pharma and natural alternatives in general. Do I think coconut oil is a cure all? No. Do I think it could certainly add benefits, esp based off what he was saying? Sure. Already increasing coconut oil and coconut intake.
I have been using more coconut oil and eating keto and it has changed how I view fat and fat intake in general. This book has changed, or at least added elements, of how I view big pharma and natural alternatives in general. Do I think coconut oil is a cure all? No. Do I think it could certainly add benefits, esp based off what he was saying? Sure. Already increasing coconut oil and coconut intake.
March 28, 2021
Fife details a wide variety of benefits and uses of coconut oil, including lots of science in support. Fife does run a fine line in making drastic medical claims that could potentially be misconstrued; it’s important to remember that coconut oil is the star of the show, and all of his medical claims are directly related to it. It was interesting reading about the history of coconut oil in the food and health industries, and the long journey of convincing populations of it’s true healthiness.
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