Researches have proved that Alzheimer’s disease is directly linked to the food that we eat. People struggling with dementia make significant and healthy lifestyle changes and follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Coconut oil can be extremely helpful for people fighting with dementia as it is an important element of an anti-inflammatory diet.
What is Dementia?
In dementia, the brain functions are highly affected due to the environmental and hereditary factors. It is a neurodegenerative disorder that can be cognitive and can result in symptoms like impaired judgement and memory-loss.
Is Alzheimer’s disease linked with Dementia?
One of the types of Dementia is Alzheimer’s disease that involves forming tau tangles and beta-amyloid plaques in the neurons (brain cells). Cognitive functions of the brain are affected when tangles and plaques start inhibiting neurons.
Inflammation is one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s. These tangles can act like protection against inflammation, as suggested by many studies. For this reason, patients of Alzheimer’s are suggested to follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has plenty of benefits apart from improving neurological functions of the brain. Let’s take a look at some of the most essential benefits of coconut oil:
- Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), also known as medium-chain fatty acids. MCT oil has been known to improve the cognitive functions of the brain. Coconut oil is a magic for diabetic and dementia patients, as it helps to improve insulin resistance.
- Coconut oil does not contain any unhealthy cholesterol or trans-fat.
- Coconut oil contains a good amount of MCTs that can help people in losing weight and excessive fat.
- Overall health of consumers is boosted as it contains healthy fats. Studies show that one tablespoon of coconut oil can contribute 0.8 g monounsaturated fat and 0.2 g of polyunsaturated fat.
- Coconut oil has been known to be excellent for heart health.
- Consumption of coconut oil improves the immune system as it contains polyphenols that act as powerful antioxidants.
Coconut Oil and Dementia
Coconut oil has been linked with the diets of dementia patients for centuries. The ketones produced in the breakdown of coconut oil after its consumption can cross the blood-brain barrier and can act as an energy source for the brain. Researchers have proven that coconut oil can improve the brain’s memory by maintaining the health of neurons. Energy is provided to neurons by coconut oil that in turn results in reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation.
MCT oil is excellent for increasing the insulin resistance that makes it easier for neurons to absorb energy. Virgin coconut oil is considered to be the most effective for neuron healthy functions.
The amount of coconut oil consumed varies from patient to patient. It is suggested to consume coconut oil with the advice from healthcare providers.
Consuming Coconut oil on Dementia diet
It has been suggested that while you are on a dementia diet, you need to consume coconut oil. Coconut oil cannot be mixed with food while cooking; however, there are other healthier options to consume coconut oil in a dementia diet. The caprylic acid derived from coconut oil helps to improve the cognitive functioning of the brain. This acid is an excellent remedy for Alzheimer’s patients.
Lastly, extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, and walnut oil are also considered healthy in treating dementia symptoms.
All of these oils when consumed with healthy lifestyle changes can improve cognitive functions at an early age and can result in treating dementia.