Monday, March 10, 2014

Coconut Oil Is Not A Health Cure


I will be adding to this post. 


From my Twitter account @ktanimara

"Coconut Allergy Revisited" 2017
http://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/4/10/85/htm

"case..coconut allergy..6-year-old child, despite previous regular exposure..cutaneous and oral route..important to be aware..allergenic potential of coconut..even if..allergen has previously been tolerated"

"FACT SHEET"
http://pwrnewmedia.com/2009/aadAnnualMeeting90304/downloads/Sensitive_Skin.pdf
"natural ingredients, such as coconut oil and avocado, can cause acne outbreaks..be careful when selecting products labeled “natural” or “organic,”"

"Cocos nucifera..phytochemical..pharmacological review" 2015
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/2015nahead/1414-431X-bjmbr-1414-431X20154773.pdf
"studies..focused on..effects..different parts of..plant..without demonstrating..mechanisms underlying..actions..formulations..must be developed..conduct clinical trials" UNPROVEN!

"Ask the doctor: Coconut oil" updated 2016
"use coconut oil sparingly..research so far..short-term studies..We don't really know how coconut oil affects heart disease" 
UNPROVEN benefits. Quacks shill it TO SELL BRANDS for deals/hoped for ones!

"Skin cancer", 2016, color and bolding added by me, @AADskin

aad.org/media/stats/co 
"Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29." 

"Suntan and Sunburn", 2015, color and bolding added by me 

"A suntan or sunburn is a sign that skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays."

"The Faces of Pediatric Melanoma", 2014, color and bolding added by me, @MDAndersonNews
youtu.be/3YM26fspmqM?li 
"Childhood melanoma affects kids of all ages and all races."

Skin cancer is NOT almost "unknown in the Philippines", another despicable LIE told by quacks and coconut oil marketers to shill+sell coconut oil as an alternative to Regulated SPF sunscreens!

"Melanoma: Deadly skin cancer", 2014, color and bolding added by me, 
@cebudailynews
"NRACebu City, Philippines"

http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/41815/melanoma-deadly-skin-cancer
"What are the types of skin cancers? The three are, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Basal cell cancer, which rarely spreads, unless neglected, usually affects the face, the part most exposed to the sun ... BCC is the commonest skin cancer among Filipinos. Squamous cell cancer ... affects ... Filipinos ... usually parts that are NOT exposed to the sun, like legs and feet. ... melanoma ... is the most aggressive and deadliest of those three. ... What are the prevention measures? ... if you have to go out, use an umbrella and sunscreen (SPF 85+ and higher are now available for the face) ...The use of at least SPF 30 or higher is preferred, applied generously about 30 minutes before outdoor activities, and every two hours thereafter especially after swimming or sweating a lot."

"In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics", 2010, color and bolding added by me 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P 
"SPF value of olive oil and coconut oil was ... around 8" NOT enough UV protection used on it's own to protect anyone! 

For the latest on skin cancer, melanoma, and sunscreens, please see this blog post
http://ktanihairsense.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-latest-on-skin-cancer-melanoma-and.html.

Coconut IS a known allergen!

"About.com: The coconut allergy guide", 2015, color and some bolding added by me 
http://www.marycliffallergy.com/blog/2015/4/1/aboutcom-the-coconut-allergy-guide
"Foods to Avoid with a Coconut Allergy ... Coconut is present in many foods as a derivative such as coconut oil, rice, sugar, water, cream, milk, and milk powder. ... in cakes, chocolates, rum, candy, and many desserts. ... included in infant formula. And ... coconut-derived ingredients are found in soaps and shampoos. ... Foods that Contain Coconut ... Coconut  Coconut milk  Coconut water  Coconut oil (highly refined oils are generally not problematic) Coconut cream  Coconut milk powder  Coconut sugar"

"DR. FRANK LICHTENBERGER MD, PHD DISCUSSES PLANT BASED ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FOR ECZEMA", 2015, color and bolding by me, @ADRescueWear
"coconut oil ... extracted seed oil, and may contain allergens. ... coconut allergy has not been studied rigorously enough to know if the coconut meat, oil, or both is the primary cause of coconut allergy in those affected. Generally ... people with coconut allergy have other similar allergies such as soy glycinin, walnut, and hazelnut. It is not known exactly how frequent coconut oil allergy affects people ... In the cases that I was able to diagnose coconut allergy as part of the atopic process, switching from coconut oil to mineral-based oil was able to improve eczema scores rapidly."

"Contact reactions to lipsticks and other lipcare products", 2014, color and bolding added by me,
http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/lipstick-reaction.html
"allergens identified in lipsticks and lipcare products as causing allergic cheilitis reactions: ... lanolin; castor oil; olive oil; almond oil; coconut oil"

"Contact Dermatitis: A Practice Parameter-Update 2015", color and bolding added by me, @AAAAI_org

https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/MediaLibrary/PDF%20Documents/Practice%20and%20Parameters/Contact-dermatitis-2015.pdf
"These parameters are not designed for use by the pharmaceutical industry in drug development or promotion. ... In lip balms, propolis produced by bees, lanolin, coconut oil, almond oil, peppermint oil, and vitamin E are potential sensitizers."

"Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)Treatment Skin Care at Home", 2016, bolding added by me, @NIAIDNews
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/eczema/Pages/treatment.aspx
"Lubricate or moisturize the skin two to three times a day using ointments such as petroleum jelly. Moisturizers should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances, and other skin-irritating chemicals. A humidifier in the home also can help." 

"Carrington 1/13/15", 2015, color and bolding added by me, @US_FDA 


"Coconut Oil ... kill bacteria, ease acid reflux ... lower incidence of hemorrhoids ... soothes ear aches ... reduces joint ... muscle inflammation ... Lauric acid ... in coconut oil ... protect ... heart by reducing total cholesterol ... not ... safe and effective for ... uses

Email Reply: Is coconut oil a health cure? 
No, it is not. It can be a great oil to use for some cosmetic applications, and in food. However, it has limitations. Countries where it has been part of a staple diet, do NOT as claimed by those promoting it have low, or no rates of cardiovascular disease, e.g. Sri Lanka, 2011, and the Philippines, 2013. Beware of websites that are actually owned by companies selling "health foods" promoting "Big Pharma against coconut oil", and other conspiracies with advertising by coconut oil suppliers.

"Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013", 2014, color and bolding added by me


"obesity has become a major global health challenge ... obesity increasing ... no national success stories have been reported in the past 33 years" - 0 countries reported success.

"Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to medium-chain triglycerides and reduction in body weight (ID 643, 677, 1614) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/20061 EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA)2, 3 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy", 2011, color and bolding added by me


"a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of medium-chain triglycerides and reduction in body weight"

"Coconut: The 'healthy' food that's bad for you", 2015, color and bolding added by me

http://nydn.us/1alcFal
"coconuts are not all they’re cracked up to be — despite claims of raising levels of “good” cholesterol ... fighting Alzheimer’s ... "This is no miracle oil," says cardiologist Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, the director of the Women's Heart Health Center at Lenox Hill Hospital ... coconut sugar isn’t the answer, either ... it’s still sugar ... coconut milk ... lighter version still has 4 grams of saturated fat per cup more than you’d find in a large order of McDonald’s fries ... some people shouldn’t even toy with coconuts ... "I caution patients with high cholesterol or a history of heart disease," says Kate Patton, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic's Heart & Vascular Institute."


"Know Your Fats", 2015, bolding added by me 

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Know-Your-Fats_UCM_305628_Article.jsp, @American_Heart 
"2,000 calories a day, less than 140 calories (or 16 grams) should come from saturated fats

Coconut oil is almost all saturated fat - too much in 1 dish ... 

Coconut oil fat, 2015, bolding added by me
https://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/generic/coconut-oil?portionid=26017&portionamount=1.000
"13.6g per tablespoon" = approximately 4.5g per teaspoon

"HIV On a Dangerous Threshold in Sri Lanka", 2014


"UNICEF Philippines - HIV/ AIDS - Issue", 2013


"Coconut oil", 2013, color and bolding added by me

, @ScienceBasedMed 
"There is no justification for adding it to the diet on top of the usual consumption of other fats. There is no credible evidence to support any of the many health benefits claimed for using it as a supplement."

"Sri Lankan Heart Disease", 2012, bolding added by me
"Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in Sri Lanka ... The average total fat intake of Sri Lankans is 25 percent of total energy, with 80% of that coming from saturated fat from coconut products (meat, milk, and oil) ... Sri Lankans consume 9 times more saturated fats than polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared with the current recommended ratio of less than one"

"COCONUT", 2012, bolding added by me
"Kerala, renowned for the universal and liberal consumption of coconut meat, milk and oil, not only has the highest level of total cholesterol in India, but also the highest rate of CAD, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome."

It is very clear that HIV needs to be destigmatized, to allow education, and treatment to reach those in countries where HIV is on the rise. It is also very clear "home brews" of lemon juice, herbs, coconut oil, or vinegar are NOT HIV treatments, in spite of their prevalence on the Internet. 


What is most alarming to me? The rise in HIV among those so young, Treatment is often rejected because of ignorance, and or stigmatization and laws. The laws? In some countries same sex is against the law. That also means those in need of education and treatment can be living in fear of reprisal.


WHO: Facts about HIV/AIDS, 2015

"As a result of recent advances in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive people now live longer and healthier lives. In addition, it has been confirmed that ART prevents onward transmission of HIV. ... 10 facts on HIV/AIDS"

"10 Tired Myths About HIV/AIDS - Wellness & Empowerment - EBONY", 2014, and excellent!


There is no shortage of false HIV/AIDS cures. 

"GAMBIA: President’s herbal HIV/AIDS 'cure' boosts ARV use", 2014

"The false science behind Egyptian army's AIDS and HCV cure", 2014


Preliminary animal studies, 2009, and below, do NOT make coconut oil an HIV/AIDS preventative treatment. Bolding of text by me

"This new approach, plausibly linked to interfering with innate host responses that recruit the target cells necessary to establish systemic infection, opens a promising new avenue for the development of effective interventions to block HIV-1 mucosal transmission."

"Drug-Eluting Fibers for HIV-1 Inhibition and Contraception", 2012, color and bolding added by me

"Since HSV-2 infection may occur through the vulva, the vagina, or the cervix, the mouse model developed by Moench et al. may be too sensitive to draw conclusions about how GML may affect HSV-2 acquisition in humans or nonhuman primates. Despite the surfactant nature of GML, the compound has been shown to have several protective qualities, including the ability to neutralize the toxic effects of pathogenic gram-positive bacteria [25],[51]. Recently, Li et al. provided preliminary evidence that GML is not only safe for chronic use in rhesus macaques, but actually prevents SIV mucosal transmission with repeated high dose challenge [26]. ...The functional combination offered by our drug-eluting fibers cannot be accomplished with any single technology currently in the development pipeline. ... All animals were obtained ..." 

"the mouse model developed by Moench et al." research referred to above, 2010, color and bolding added by me
"The following excipients markedly increased susceptibility to HSV-2 after a single exposure: 5% glycerol monolaurate (GML) formulated in K-Y® Warming Jelly, 5% GML as a colloidal suspension in phosphate buffered saline ... Our model has several limitations. Observations were made in mice rather than humans or non-human primates. ... Our results specifically caution against the use of ... and GML"  

To me, promoting false HIV/AIDS treatments or cures, whether through political "strategy", or marketing and advertising is right up there with using chemical weapons. Both can cost lives.


Email Reply: Coconut oil
If coconut oil worked as advertised (emphasis), HIV rates in countries where it is consumed the most would not be rising.
tml#.U0ftd5Ib7ZA.twitter


Email Reply: Coconut oil as a diaper rash cream?

I highly doubt it. Heat and moisture would offset it being helpful.
"Using Coconut Oil for Healing Diaper Rash Review - Does it Work?", 2013

Email Reply: Can coconut oil cause acne breakouts? 

Yes, it can., 2009, color and bolding added by me
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/aadAnnualMeeting90304/downloads/Sensitive_Skin.pdf
"coconut oil and avocado, can cause acne outbreaks"

I have also read numerous reports of virgin coconut oil going off used in the sun, and in other conditions of high environmental heat and humidity.

Email Reply: Natural oils as a sunscreen?

Not on their own. They are often added to sunscreens with a REGULATED SPF. Skin cancer is NOT something you want to risk! 

I wrote about natural oils, UV and sunscreens here and here. More can be found here and here. It is completely irresponsible, and can result in a skin cancer risk, for anyone to promote any natural oils as the only protection needed from UV.


Email Reply: Does cosmetic mineral oil clog pores? 

No, it does not.
w.happi.com/contents/view, 2012, color and bolding added by me
"mineral oil and petrolatum are not comedogens"

WHO, "Sun protection", 2015


There are ethical issues doctors, drug, food, cosmetic companies, and all of us face. Does that mean it is "open season" on patients and or consumers? NO! The best way to beat FRAUD of ANY kind, and help others is to EXPOSE it. That can be done various ways.


"Sensa and Three Other Marketers of Fad Weight-Loss Products Settle FTC Charges in Crackdown on Deceptive Advertising", 2014

"Refund administration for consumer redress takes time, and the FTC is in the process of determining how best to provide redress in each case. When information becomes available regarding consumer refunds in these cases, it can be found here." Also note contact information at the end of the page for refunds. Go FTC!

Related
See Also"superfoods" in this link, bolding of text by me

"Under EU legislation, use of the term superfoods is not allowed unless it is accompanied by an authorised health claim that explains to consumers why the product is good for their health."
It is "old" news (since 2007) but good news just the same.


"Anti-quackery: Doctors uneasy after colleague evades kidnapping attempt ", 2014


"Fish Oil Claims Not Supported by Research", 2015


"Kale? Juicing? Trouble Ahead", 2014, Excellent article


Email reply: Juicing and kale 

I would not overdo either! That does not necessarily mean you need to regularly avoid kale, or juicing fruit. It does mean moderation is best. A healthy diet is not about fads and fantasies. If you should avoid certain foods, based on doctor's advice after tests, consult with your doctor first, and ask the questions you need to, to understand what you must do.

Raw food? It depends on whether food safety regulations, 2013, have been followed.


"COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION", 2015, It helps not harms.


"TOOTHPASTE", 2015, Good advice!

Monday, March 3, 2014

How "Moisturizers" Are Supposed To Work


I will be adding to this post.

I had another email on this topic. There are common misconceptions about "moisturizers". Humectants draw water from the air. However, if air is dry and too much of a humectant is used, or too much of one is in a cosmetic product, it can draw water from hair or skin and be counterproductive for the purpose used.

Can cosmetic mineral oil baby oil replace hair conditioner? Yes, best used on hair with little to no residue, or less conditioner than normally used first. Many people put more conditioner on hair lacking moisture and the result is more build-up (residue) and drier hair. It does not help.

Technically, no oil, or any other cosmetic ingredient moisturizes hair or skin. Water does so. Cosmetic mineral oil can help keep added water in both, or it can help maintain a moisture level. It can do so longer than most other ingredients, including vegetable oils and silicone.


That is what any "moisturizer" is supposed to do, and why cosmetic mineral oil is used in so many cosmetics for extra dry skin, for example. And also why mineral oil baby oil is often used in small amounts on damp to wet skin post bathing.


See also

This blog post, this link, and this one, updated 2015. The top three "moisturizing" cosmetic ingredients in order are: petrolatum (Vaseline is a brand), lanolin and mineral oil. The others following do not come close to the same performance for longer term moisturizing. The difference for longer hair is that mineral oil is neither heavy nor sticky, or greasy used alone in small amounts, like the first two. It does not contain and is not a wax. Petrolatum contains wax and mineral oil, and lanolin is a wax. Both can be difficult to remove from hair, while mineral oil can be washed out easily. Mineral oil has superb detangling properties, and it is also antistatic. It should not need reapplication between hair washes, if enough is used post washing.