I'm Appalled.

I shouldn't really be surprised. And I guess I'm not. Appalled is more accurate. Appalled that once again those getting the coverage and speaking out in the health field are ones that are giving, what I strongly feel, to be poor advice.

So what got to me? A new study has revealed that movie popcorn is ladden with mounds of 'unhealthy' saturated fat and that portion controls make even a medium unbuttered popcorn almost your entire daily caloric intake. Nutritionist Hurley, with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, was interviewed by www.msnbc.com to weigh in on the study. Her advice implied that lard would be healthier than the coconut oil being used by many theaters. As if that's not bad enough, the TODAY show nutrionist, Joy Bauer, expressed plainly that movie theaters should replace current coconut oil with canola oil. What?

Let's get clear on what's happening here. First of all, I fully agree that popcorn sizes are way too large at theaters today. Bigger is not better America. Second, canola oil is not natural; it's genetically-engineered and that is not healthy eating at all. The body does not like it. Canola oil actually operates more closely to a big, bad trans-fat. It's NOT heart healthy so stay away from it. For more details on why I avoid canola oil go here: (http://www.lisasarnowski.com/articles/2009/11/05/canola-oil) And finally, coconut oil is really healthy for us and is truly a healthy fat. We should be grateful some theaters are still using it!

To anyone who has studied the health of tropical cultures you will know coconut oil has been a nutrional staple for thousands of years. One of the infamous researchers was a dentist by the name of Dr. Weston Price. In the 1930's he traveled throughout the South Pacific examinig dental health and traditional diets while comparing the two with peoples' overall health. The results: those eating high amounts of coconut products in their diet were healthy and trim despite the high fat concentration in their diet.

Loads of research has also provided us with numerous other coconut oil benefits such as:

promotes weight loss (if you need it);
supports your thyroid gland;
keeps your skin healthy and youthful;
supports your metabolism;
helps keep your immune system strong;
supports your cardiovascular system; and
increased energy and endurance (due to a high rate of fat conversion).

So what's the problem? Why wouldn't you want to consume coconut oil with all these amazing health benefits? Better yet, why wouldn't these nutrionists and authors discuss the health benefits of coconut oil? Ahhh! See why I'm appalled!!!!

Next time you go to the movies ask what kind of oil they use. If it's canola oil, run quickly to your seat. If it's coconut oil, buy your small popcorn and enjoy the true flavor to the film :) Do you know any theater close to your home that uses coconut oil?

Submitted by lisa on Fri, 11/20/2009 - 4:38pm

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One more question on this....I thought coconut oil was high in saturated fat. I noticed on your list of foods, you say to avoid saturated fat. What's the difference with coconut oil? Thanks!

Submitted by Stephanie (not verified) on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 5:03pm.

Another great question Stephanie!

While techincally coconut oil is a saturated fat, scientifically speaking it comes down to the structure of the oil's fat molecule that make either healthy or unhealthy. All oils and fats are composed of molecules known as fatty acids. There are two ways to classify fatty acids - either on saturation or molecular size/length of the fatty acid.

Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) whereas most other oils are long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on the size. It is the size of the fatty acid in coconut oil, the MCFA, that makes it so beneficial. Not only does it protect against heart disease, have no negative effect on cholestorel and lowers the risk of artheriosclerosis, but it is also boost energy and endurance as well as provide a lovely lotion for your skin!

Submitted by lisa on Sun, 03/14/2010 - 8:39pm.

I didn't know that about canola oil! What about olive oil? Is that REALLY good for you? Or is that a lie too?

Submitted by Stephanie (not verified) on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 4:18pm.

Hi Stephanie,

Rest assured that olive oil is still one of the best healthy fats you can include in your diet! The reason for this is because it's a monosaturated fatty acid and has high antioxidant substances. Studies show that olive oil lowers the LDL ('bad') cholesterol while raising the HDL ('good') cholesterol.

When buying olive oil quality is key. Always reach for Extra-Virgin Olive Oil as it is the least processed and comes from the first 'pressing' of the olives - known as cold-pressed. Choose organic whenever possible. If you have access to purchase from a proper oil store or local company that is preferred for oil quality. Olive oil is best used up to medium heat. To store, keep in a dark bottle or a cupboard away from light and heat.

Submitted by lisa on Sun, 03/14/2010 - 8:38pm.