Niue

Niue, the island of the coconuts. :-)

My question relates to coconut oil. I have come across websites that claim that cocnut oil has many beneficial health properties including the prevention of diabetes. Nobody on the islands ever mentioned this, but the people on the French islands all used monoi or a similar coconut product for skin and hair care.

Do any of you who have lived on a Polynesian island know about other benefits of coconut cooking oil?

As to cooking uses, it's not a very healthy product from what I've read, wrong kind of lipids, etc. But for skin stuff, hair, etc. it is very good.

It should have no effect on diabetes, but if it does, it would probably be negative as it has a lot of calories, and fat helps increase diabetes, etc.

In the Cooks a lot fo good food---taro leaves, etc., even breadfruit---are then fried in coconut oil, and it adds tons of calories.

I'd stick to external uses if health is a concern, or just use a tiny bit on foods for a little flavor.

Thanks for your answer Raro.