Coconut & Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Eating coconut or coconut oil may provide relief from symptoms for some individuals.

Types

• Coconut flesh should be eaten raw and fresh and the oil consumed in its virgin state--unrefined, unbleached and free from chemical treatment--to obtain full nutritional benefits.

Benefits

• Coconut contains beneficial medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and lauric acid, also found in breast milk, which is thought to inhibit viruses, bacteria and protozoas. Coconut flesh is high in fiber and is thus good for overall digestive health.

Misconceptions

• Coconut flesh and oil were thought to be unhealthy because of the content of saturated fats, but many studies have proven that MCFA are indeed healthy because they can be processed by the body and not stored as excess like standard long-chain fatty acids.

Effects

• The nutrients in coconut promote digestion and the absorption of nutrients that people with Crohn's disease otherwise have trouble extracting. Coconut causes stools to bulk up, providing relief from constipation and diarrhea.

Considerations

• There is no cure for Crohn's disease; the best that doctors can do is to provide relief from symptoms. Coconut is a natural substance with no side effects that may provide risk-free relief.