New research on olive oil polyphenols suggests that the effects of these substances could be even more important than previously thought. Experts previously assumed that it was the monounsaturated fat content of olive oil which was responsible for providing the most magnificent health benefits of the oil. But new findings suggest that it may actually be the olive oil polyphenols which are most important.
Recent European studies indicate that polyphenols “are the nutritional secret weapons” in olive oil. In these studies it was found that olive oil increases beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and decreased plasma triglycerides as well as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The olive oil polyphenol hydroxytyrosol acetate “inhibits synthesis of the body’s natural clotting factor.” This means that it decreases the “stickiness” of blood platelets, and could therefore work as effectively as aspirin by lowering the risk of clotting.
There has also been direct evidence of a cancer-protective effect from olive oil polyphenols. Research has been done in the fields of breast cancer, colon cancer, and gastric (stomach) cancer, among others. Research has also shown that olive polyphenols have antibiotic activity against the bacteria responsible for the great majority of cases of stomach ulcers. This shows that regular consumption of olive oil can protect the stomach lining from ulcers and also from stomach cancer.
Netto: 1 Liter (33.814 ounce). Price: IDR 123,000
2. Coconut Oil
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.
Coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.
Netto: 1 Liter (33.814 ounce). Price: IDR 34,000
3. Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin Coconut Oil has very good taste and smell, like those of fresh coconuts, since it is derived from fresh coconuts and is subjected to very low, if not totally nil, heat and sunlight. It is also not refined. This preserves all the natural goodness of this oil, such as high content of Vitamin-E and minerals, which are otherwise almost robbed from the Ordinary Coconut Oil during processes like heating, filtration, refining, bleaching etc. which are done to make it colorless and odorless. Further, Virgin Coconut Oil is very effective as a moisturizing agent. Its anti oxidant properties are far better than those of the normal coconut oil.
Not being subjected to heat (even if it is, it is subjected to very low heat), sunlight, being extracted from fresh (non-dried) coconuts with different process of extraction, it is certainly more in benefits than the ordinary coconut oil. It is higher in vitamin content, anti-oxidants (which is nil or negligible in ordinary coconut oil), minerals, medium chain fatty acids, taste, fragrance and even protein. The shelf life of virgin coconut oil is very long, much longer than any other edible oil and its own variant, the RBD (Refined Bleached Deodorized) coconut oil. It does not go rancid easily. Due to presence of higher amounts of Lauric and Capric acid, prospect of using VCO in aiding treatment of AIDS is also being explored.
Netto: 100 Mililiter (3.381 ounce). Price: IDR 29,000
4. Organic Fermentative Coconut Oil
Here, you will be delighted to know that some saturated fatty acids like Capric Acid and Lauric Acid present in your good old coconut oil raise the level of High Density Lipoproteins in the body, lowers Bad Cholesterol, boost immunity and fight ageing. They also increase rate of metabolism and thus help shed weight. Isn’t it amazing? Oil that helps loose weight! So, there is absolutely nothing to worry about your health while using coconut oil in cooking. The sweet, earthly and yet refreshing scent of coconut oil and its fabulous taste make it an ideal cooking medium. Dip fry in it and enjoy the aroma.
Netto: 500 Mililiter (16.907 ounce). Price: IDR 19,000
5. Grapeseed Oil
Grape seed oil has been touted for elevating antioxidant levels in the blood when taken as a supplement. Flavonoids, which are found in the skins and the oil from the seeds of the grape, are believed to promote healthy heart function and lower bad (LDL) cholesterol in people who take a supplement consistently over time. Grape seed oil can also help prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to the liver due to chemotherapy. The oil has also proved beneficial in preventing cancer and helping reduce the spread of cancerous cells in laboratory testing on animals.
It has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of abdominal pain and discomfort associated with pancreatitis, and it is used to treat cuts and scrapes and reduce swelling caused by sunburn. Because of its high smoking temperature, grape seed oil is great for cooking. It has the lowest saturated fat content of any oil, and its neutral flavor makes it a good match for any kind of food. As with any oil in your diet, moderation is key, so use it sparingly in place of vegetable oil or butter.
Netto: 1 Liter (33.814 ounce). Price: IDR. 155,000
6. Castor Oil
Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, textiles, medicines, massage oils and many other everyday products.
Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Hair loss, Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Castor oil is normally safe if used in moderation. A typical recommended dosage for Castor Oil is no more than one-half to one full teaspoon per day. However, pregnant and lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not take Castor Oil without their doctor's approval.
It has also been found to help with many everyday problems such as: Yeast Infections, Constipation, Gastrointestinal Problems, Menstrual Disorders, Migraines, Acne, Sunburn, Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Skin Abrasions, Inflammation, Castor Oil is also commonly used to induce labour, so pregnant women should always consult a doctor before using it.
Studies have shown that Castor Oil is a very strong laxative, which makes it very effective against constipation. Therefore, simply take a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning. You can mix the oil with orange juice, cranberry juice, prune juice, or ginger juice to take away from the bitter taste without affecting the laxative effects. However, do not take it continuously for more than 3 days. If symptoms persist for longer than 3 days, consult your physician immediately.
Netto: 1 Liter (33.814 ounce). Price: IDR 80,000
7. Palm Oil
Tocotrienols are fat-soluble vitamins related to the family of tocopherols. They are natural compounds found in various foods and oils such as palm olein, rice bran oil, wheat germ, barley, saw palmetto, and certain types of nuts and grains. The term vitamin E is now considered to be a generic name describing the bioactivity of both tocopherol (the vitamin E you are more familiar with) and tocotrienol derivatives. There are, however, distinguishing differences in the chemical structures of these two classes of vitamin E, and the variance is dramatic. (Just one quick example: Tocotrienols have the power to inhibit or kill tumors; not so with tocopherols).
Vitamin E is recognized as an essential nutrient. Although fat-soluble, it isn't stored as readily as the other fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, and K. The average diet today contains significantly less natural vitamin E than it did 50 years ago, and 50 years ago it was much less available than at the turn of the last century. Vitamin E deficiency has been a major contribution to the increase in degenerative diseases – no surprise to anyone who understands vitamin E as it relates to our changing food ways and our unchanging biochemistry.
The protective effect of palm oil tocotrienol as a potent antioxidant is significantly higher than that of the dominant form of vitamin E/alpha-tocopherol. Studies continue to show that this fraction from palm oil can be considered as an effective natural antioxidant supplement capable of protecting cellular membranes against oxidative damage. It can be 40 to 60 times more powerful than vitamin E in the prevention of lipid peroxidation. (Again: Oxidation leads to free radicals, the underlying cause of so many diseases).Netto: 1 Liter (33.814 ounce). Price: IDR 23,000
