Coconut, the nation’s Kapruka needs protection

As one who has been involved in research into health benefits of coconut oil and also been managing a modest family owned coconut plantation for over 15 years, I would like to throw my hat into the ring in the debate involving President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s directive regarding a moratorium on expansion of Oil Palm cultivation in Sri Lanka.

The proponents of Oil Palm cultivation seem to suggest that Oil Palm, which finally results in the production of Palm oil, is economically more profitable, and healthwise not harmful or comparable to coconut oil. Dr. Waidyanatha, an agronomist of repute in his open letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which appeared in The Island of 27th August 2020, makes the following statements concerning effects of palm oil on health. “Some concern has been expressed over some bi-products formed during palm oil processing supposed to be carcinogenic, but the latest research has established that consuming palm oil in moderation hardly poses a health risk. Whilst some saturated fatty acids in palm oil may be cholesterol elevating, coconut oil it can be argued to be worse in that regard, in that the cholesterol elevating saturated fatty acid content is more”. Such wooly statements by one not qualified in the field of health or nutrition is not only misleading but dangerous.

I have previously drawn the attention of readers of this esteemed newspaper of the dangers of importing and consuming large amounts of palm oil by our population (‘Epidemic of coronary heart disease ‘the issue of Coconut products and heavy taxing of palm oil imports: The Island 2016/12/16). Dr. W tries to further support his argument by stating “Further, apart from others, the high (38%) monounsaturated fat content in palm oil has a distinct health benefit, in that it decreases the LDL (bad) cholesterol” doing so, he seems to suggest Palm oil decreases LDL cholesterol but coconut oil does not. However, if I may quote a study from Malaysia, which concluded that Soya bean based mayonnaise diet lowered Total cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations without significantly changing LDL-C:HDL-C ratio or small LDL particle distributions compared to the Palm oil-mayonnaise die (Karuppiah T. et al Lipids Health dis. 2016; 15: 131). Many studies have shown both copra derived as well as virgin coconut oil to raise the good cholesterol (HDL –cholesterol), and several studies have also demonstrated a simultaneous lowering of LDL –cholesterol. For example a randomized controlled four week trial done in the U.K. published in 2018, showed that LDL cholesterol pattern in those consuming V.C.O was similar to those consuming Olive oil when compared to butter fat. More importantly, though was their final conclusion which is most relevant to readers of the newspaper – “The effects of different dietary fats on lipid profiles, metabolic markers and health outcomes may vary not just according to the general classification of their main component fatty acids as saturated or unsaturated but possibly according to different profiles in individual fatty acids, processing methods as well as the foods in which they are consumed or dietary patterns”.

These findings do not alter current dietary recommendations to reduce saturated fat intake in general, but highlight the need for further elucidation of the more nuanced relationships between different dietary fats and health”( Kay-Tee Khaw et al BMJ Open. 2018; 8(3): e020167.). Whether copra derived coconut oil or V.C.O. are equally effective and are yet to be decided in a well-designed controlled trial.

In another article appearing in The Sunday Times of 30 August 2020, this time against Oil palm Cultivation – Quintus Perera quoting from a recently held seminar makes the following statements: A specialist in Humanities is reported in the article to have claimed that “coconut has very strong resistance properties which could prevent infection of COVID-19 as it appears that those countries which use coconut extensively are immune to contracting the virus. In this sphere he said that Sri Lanka did not get this advantage as the coconut oil is adulterated with palm oil”. As far as I know, no such evidence exists from any source. The writer goes on further to state “that extensive research showed coconut oil contains chloric acid which is not present in palm oil, whereas coconut is good for the health but palm oil is not according to research.”! www.sundaytimes.lk/200830/business-times/palm-oil-has-tremendous-impact-on-environment-414461.html 4/5)

As far as I know, chloric acid is a highly toxic acid. The writer must surely have been confusing chloric for lauric! Lauric acid is well known to have antibacterial and possibly antiviral properties. No well documented evidence is available on effects of Lauric acid on Covid-19. Moreover, Lauric acid is secreted by Sebaceous glands of the skin, and not from mucous membranes of the nose or upper respiratory tracts.The Covid -19 virus is not known to enter via the skin!

There is then the question of economic feasibility. Dr. R. Mahindapala former Director C.R.I. writing to The Island 31st August 2020, mentions more or less in passing “coconut, at last, is getting value added by conversion to powder and packaged milk – a welcome development as we have been struggling to get away from the traditional copra and oil extraction.” — implying a greater degree of value addition for coconut products. In my humble opinion, Coconut was and still is The “Kapruka”. Apart from kernel products, coconut water is now exported. Coconut Timber is still extensively used for rural housing, coconut shells for manufacture of activated charcoal, coir which is turned into fibre, pith for planting material – mainly for export, manufacture of brooms from ekel, spoons etc. all of which are eco-friendly and biodegradable! Many of these products are not only forex generating but employment generating as well. How do these compare with Oil Palm?

If the President or someone in his office reads this, I would like to make one further comment and one plea. I was requested by the then Chairman of The C.R.I. in 2011, to help plan and execute research into medical benefits of coconut oil. This was commenced and a couple of projects were completed and a major clinical trial on use of virgin coconut oil in Alzheimer’s disease is still ongoing. Sadly with Yahapalanaya an elephant expert became Chairman, C.R.I., and thenceforth the institution did not see the need to continue the research! A further example, around 2014 I met with the Director Coconut Development Authority and proposed doing a study to determine the health effects of repeatedly using Coconut oil vs Virgin coconut oil vs” Kurutu thel”. The latter is very commonly used by small time street wadai sellers for example. He gave me a patient hearing but that was the last I heard from him! During the time I collaborated with the C.R.I., I also worked with the Asian & Pacific Coconut Community serving on their Advisory board and met with many officials from overseas. My plea is to amalgamate the C.R.I., C.C.B. and C.D.A. into one authority like the Coconut Development Board of India, which is headed by an I.A.S. officer and not a political appointee who could be a square peg in a round hole! Such a move would greatly improve the efficiency and productivity of three branches responsible for development of the coconut industry, as happens in India.

Dr. ASOKA S. DISSANYAKE
Former Prof. of Physiology, Fac. Of Medicine, Univ. of Kelaniya
Visiting Fellow, Fac. Of Medicine, Wayamba University