Coconut Cogitation

Coconut oil may improve brain health

There’s evidence that coconut oil may be a potent weapon in the battle against Alzheimer’s Disease (and other types of dementia) and, perhaps, psychological problems (such as depression).

Not just any old coconut oil will do the trick, though. You’ve got to set your sights on coconut chastity. I’m talking about Virgin coconut oil (VCO), which is extracted from fresh coconut meat without the use of high heat or chemicals, preserving its natural nutrients, flavor, and aroma. VCO is typically pressed from fresh, moist coconut flesh (a process called “wet-milling”) or by cold-pressing dried coconut meat (copra). VCO is solid at room temperature, but literally melts in your mouth (above 76 degrees Fahrenheit).

Promiscuous coconut oil, on the other hand, should be shunned. It’s been through the wringer. The processing will probably leave this oil unappealingly deodorized, bleached or otherwise refined.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

Several studies have explored the potential of coconut oil to improve brain function in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other types of cognitive impairments.

In 2021, for instance, Canadian researchers evaluated more than eighty volunteers to determine whether a coconut oil based drink could improve cognitive (thinking) function. The scientists randomized half of the volunteers to receive the special formula, while the other half chugged a placebo. The test period lasted more than six months. Those who quaffed the coconut oil beverage enjoyed significantly improved memory and language function.

In 2024, Saudi Arabian scientists scoured the medical literature and determined that the bioactive ingredients in coconut oil may have the power to improve memory in those afflicted with AD and significantly slow the progression of the dreaded disease.

You may be wondering what’s so special about coconut oil. It turns out that it’s rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are linked to potential health benefits (like improved metabolism) and also have antimicrobial properties. Up to sixty-five percent of coconut oil is comprised of MCTs (primarily lauric acid, caprylic acid , and capric acid). MCTs (rapidly converted to ketones in the liver) can be used by the brain as an alternative energy source when glucose metabolism is impaired (such as in AD). Ketones from MCTs may bypass glucose metabolism deficits, reduce oxidative stress, and decrease amyloid-beta plaque formation (a hallmark of AD). MCTs may also increase cerebral blood flow and support mitochondrial function.

The beneficial effect of MCTs on AD happens to be most pronounced in those who were unlucky enough to inherit a pair of APOE4 genes.

What’s APOE4? You may be asking.

Apolipoprotein E is a protein that plays a key role in transporting cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream and brain. The APOE gene (which encodes the apolipoprotein in your body) has three common variants, APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. Each gene type codes for something just a little bit different (like brown, blue or hazel eyes). Notably, the APOE4 variant is associated with an increased risk of AD and cardiovascular issues.

Depression:

If there’s one thing that chases my blues away, it’s getting my hands on a ripe pair of coconuts. And I’m not alone.

In 2023, Chinese researchers performed a study on rats which suggested that virgin coconut oil (VCO) may have antidepressant-like effects. First the scientists induced depressive behavior by increasing the rats’ blood level of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Then they fed the rats VCO. They reported that VCO treatment significantly alleviated depression-like behaviors. VCO (which contains polyphenols and lauric acid) also had direct effects on the rodents’ brains, reducing neuroinflammation and improving mitochondrial function in the hippocampus (part of the brain responsible for memory formation) and prefrontal cortex (executive area of the brain).

In 2023, Iranian researchers provided some insights into another mechanism by which VCO might benefit the brain. They randomized sixty volunteers to receive either VCO or a placebo for eight weeks. They discovered that the VCO group enjoyed a significant increase in BDNF.

BDNF? What’s that?

BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein found in the brain, spine and nerves. BDNF has been demonstrated to improve the function of the hippocampus and basal forebrain (part of the brain that promotes and facilitates learning). BDNF encourages growth and differentiation of new neurons (nerve cells) and synapses (areas where nerves join). BDNF enhances the survival of neurons subjected to certain degenerative diseases. For example, in Parkinson’s disease, BDNF enhances the survival of dopaminergic neurons, improves dopaminergic neurotransmission and motor performance. What’s more, it’s been well established that BDNF levels are low in depression.

So, are you ready to add coconut oil to your diet?

Not really, I hate coconuts. Is there anything else I can try?

Why, yes.

Numerous studies have suggested a benefit of purified MCTs in AD. One such study was published in 2019 by Japanese Researchers. A group of patients suffering from AD were provided with a MCT based ketogenic formula which they imbibed daily. Participants showed significant improvements in cognitive function, particularly in memory and executive function, as measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale.

Purified MCT oils are used in specifically engineered ketogenic formulas. Such concoctions are more concentrated and produce higher ketone levels than coconut oil. Several MCT based products have made it to market. One well known formulation is Axona (a medical food containing caprylic acid), which has been marketed for AD.

Before you jump on the coconut bandwagon, though, take note. Coconut oil’s high saturated fat content (80-90%, primarily lauric acid) may increase LDL cholesterol, posing cardiovascular risks.