Skip to content
Shop

Book review – “The Coconut Oil Miracle” by Bruce Fife

by Keshava Ram Bonanthaya 16 May 2010

If a 250-page book can be written exclusively about one product—without much repetition, full of logic, and entirely understandable by a layperson—it suggests just how miraculous that product must be. In this case, the product is Coconut Oil. Now, why isn’t there a similar book about the so-called healthy and widely used oils like Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, or Hydrogenated Oils (Vanaspati)?

The book is smartly organized because the author understands that readers have been misinformed for years. In the first chapter, he works on dispelling deeply held myths. In the next, he builds a solid foundation by discussing the basics of fats and the human body. Each of the following chapters explores specific benefits of coconut oil, providing scientific reasoning and real-world examples. Finally, the author guides readers on how to choose and use coconut oil effectively.

Summary of the Book

The miraculous health benefits of coconut oil have been suppressed by Western companies to protect their business interests. Tropical oils like Coconut Oil and Palm Kernel Oil were once popular in the U.S., but they threatened the domestic soybean oil industry. To promote their own oils, these companies funded research claiming that coconut oil, due to its saturated fat content, caused heart disease. This conclusion was drawn by testing hydrogenated fats on rats. Later, they launched massive campaigns against tropical oils while promoting their own products. Although these campaigns succeeded commercially, they adversely impacted public health—leading to increased cases of obesity, heart disease, and other illnesses among Americans.

Saturated fats are highly stable, with all carbon atoms fully bonded to hydrogen atoms via stable single bonds. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, contain double bonds between carbon atoms, making them prone to oxidation and the formation of harmful free radicals—especially when exposed to heat, light, or pressure. That’s why coconut oil has a shelf life of around two years, while other oils typically spoil within six months.

Fatty acids are classified by the length of their carbon chains. Those with fewer than 12 carbon atoms are called medium-chain fatty acids, while those with more are long-chain. The shorter the chain, the easier it is to digest. Coconut oil contains mostly medium-chain fatty acids, which are quickly metabolized by the liver to produce energy. In contrast, other fats are more likely to be stored in the body. This is why coconut oil supports weight loss and is also favored by athletes for a quick energy boost.

Coconut oil has excellent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties—with no known side effects. It is considered one of the ultimate natural medicines. If the general public fully understood this, pharmaceutical companies could face major losses. Coconut oil is widely used in Ayurvedic therapies, and ancient Indian knowledge has long acknowledged its health benefits. Although AIDS has no cure, patients are often advised to consume coconut oil to strengthen their immune systems.

In addition, coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant that removes dead skin cells and improves complexion and hair health. It is highly effective in preventing premature aging of the skin.

Coconut oil comes in two main forms: Virgin and Refined (RBD – Refined, Bleached & Deodorized). Virgin Coconut Oil is minimally processed and retains the natural smell and taste of coconut. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, undergoes treatment at around 200 degrees Celsius and is often deodorized using chemicals. It is bland and does not alter the flavor of food. The author recommends Virgin Coconut Oil as the healthier choice.

This is just a brief summary. The book includes many more fascinating facts and detailed analyses that make it a highly engaging read. Personally, I felt both delighted and angered after reading it—delighted because I grew up (and still continue) using coconut oil for both edible and cosmetic purposes, and angered because American companies and some doctors misled people into avoiding coconut oil in favor of unhealthy, refined, and hydrogenated oils.

Neither the author nor I claim that Coconut Oil is the only healthy fat. Other good fats include Butter/Ghee, Olive Oil, Sesame (Til) Oil, and Palm Kernel Oil in their raw forms. But Virgin Coconut Oil stands out as the healthiest among them.

Read the book online @ Google Books
Buy the book @ Flipkart.com

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose options

Edit option
Back In Stock Notification

Choose options

this is just a warning
Login
Shopping cart
0 items