6 Reasons to Avoid Coconut Oil, Milk or Flour

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My clients occasionally do see problems with coconuts (and I do too).  Sometimes it’s the oil and sometimes the meat or milk.

Self-experimentation is one of the cornerstones of the Paleo/Ancestral lifestyle. Here are 6 reasons to try a coconut-free experiment.

Should you avoid coconut oil, milk or flour with Herpes or Shingles?

Coconuts is the largest seed in the world.  Like all nuts and seeds, coconut has protein, fat and carbohydrates. Coconut oil only contains fat, no protein.

The problem for Herpes and Shingles is the protein Arginine, found in abundance in nuts, grains, bone broth, gelatin and chocolate.  And coconut meat!

Lysine helps manage viral outbreaks, as Arginine and Lysine counteract each other.  Too much Arginine, and you may have an outbreak.  So, no coconut cream for you…   

I have multiple articles and Podcasts on HSV Virus. Plus supplements and a program to get this virus under control. Use the blue Search box and search Herpes. Check out the Herpes Control supplement pack too.

If you have a tendency to Herpes outbreaks, any coconut product (except the pure fat) may bring them on.

Lauric Acid in coconut oil is helpful as the anti-viral Monolaurin, so as long as it’s tolerated, it will help fight the viruses.

Coconut milk, coconut cream concentrate and coconut flour will all aggravate Herpes and Shingles.  If you eat these and have herpes that are easily triggered, take a Lysine to help counter the Arginine.

Should you avoid coconut oil if you’re underweight?

Coconut oil has a solid reputation for weight loss.  This comes from two areas – the thermogenic effects of MCT’s (Medium Chain Triglycerides) that promote fat burning and metabolic increase, and the hunger satisfaction that fat provides, helping us want to eat less.

If you are underweight, coconut oil may be the wrong fat for you.  If the thermogenic effects burn body fat and “rev up” metabolism, that’s all wrong for you.  Advice is often given to eat more coconut oil if you’re hungry or need to maintain your weight, but I think ghee, pastured healthy lard and extra protein and veggies will do a better job.

All quality fats will help fill you up and cut hunger cravings, not just coconut oil.  But undereating, especially of carbs, can be a problem for many in the Paleo world.  (See my article on this).

Should you avoid coconut oil if you’re anxious?

If you struggle with anxiety, insomnia and incessant mental chatter, coconut oil might make you more hyper.  It’s not true for everyone though, as most people are greatly soothed with more fat in their diet.

But if those “revving up” and “fast energy” qualities of coconut oil rev YOU up, your anxiety and hyperness can get worse.

An elimination challenge is the way to find out what’s true for you.

Could you have an allergy or intolerance to coconut?

Like anything else, you can have an intolerance to coconut.  Do an elimination and challenge to see what improves without coconut, and then what occurs after reintroduction.

What about canned coconut milk?

As said, you’ll have issues with Herpes or Shingles viruses with coconut milk and coconut butter.  What else might be an issue?

BPA is a chemical used to line cans, and canned coconut milk may have BPA lining.  Natural Value and Native Forest claim to be BPA free, as well as other random choices, but it’s impossible to know who’s telling the truth.

Guar gum and Carrageenan gums aren’t good for us, and can be very irritating to the gut lining.  There are other gums, such as xanthan, locust bean and more to also avoid when possible.  Gums make canned milk creamier and smoother, but some brands are gum free. Check the label…

How about Coconut Water?

As far as the issues discussed here, the pure water is fine.  However, it’s not clear whether pasteurized containers of naturally sweet coco water are good for your carbohydrate management…. It’s sweet!

Remember that issues may be with the oil or with the meat, or maybe both, so experiment separately and see.

Best wishes!    Beverly Meyer