Generous amounts of saturated fats will benefit your cardiovascular system, as shown by a well-known study (the Tokelau coconut study)
The coral atolls of Pukapuka and Tokelau can be found 2,500 km north-east of Australia and 6,000 km south-west of Mexico. The Polynesian islanders consume a great deal of saturated fat and very little sugar. The coconut is their biggest source of energy, and it is the source of 63% of the energy-intake of the Tokelau islanders (coconut oil, grated coconut, etc.). On Pukapuka the figure stands at 34%.
The well-known Tokelau study demonstrates that consumption of coconuts (coconut oil, grated coconut, etc) is good for our health.
As the study concludes: coconuts keep our cardiovascular system healthy.
Cardiovascular disease is almost unknown on Tokelau and Pukapuka. Analysis of both the Polynesians’ food and their body fat clearly demonstrated to the scientists that lauric (12:0) and myristic (14:0) acid levels – both derived from the coconut – were high. Total cholesterol levels amongst Tokelauans were 35-40 mg higher and did not result in a rise in cardiovascular diseases.
What Amanprana has to say about saturated fats:
It has been clear since 1981, when the results of the Tokelau study were first published, that saturated fats were good for our cardiovascular system. Coconut oil and coconut products are good for you, even when you consume them in generous amounts.
A note on coconut oil and saturated fats:
At least 60% of a coconut is made up of fat. Coconut oil contains 92% (healthy) saturated fat and at least 40% lauric acid and 1% myristic acid.
Source: Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Aug;34(8):1552-61., Prior IA, Davidson F, Salmond CE, Czochanska Z
