Using Coconut Oil as your Healthy Alternative Cooking Oil
Did you know that most cooking oils change their molecular structure the warmer they get? So whilst the likes of Olive Oil and avocado oil are general seen as healthy oils, in fact, they lose some of their goodness in the heating process.
When an oil is heated past its ‘flash point’, often known as ‘smoke point’, it starts to break down, releasing a substance called acrolein, a chemical that gives burnt food its acrid flavour. Unprocessed oils are packed full of amino-acids, enzymes and minerals which are destroyed when the ‘flash point is reached and release free radicals. All unprocessed oils have lower flash points than processed oils, (which is why most oil is processed, longer shelf-life, etc), so for healthy cooking try and keep below the oil flash point.
Two cooking oils that are healthy for you; Rice Bran Oil & Coconut Oil have better flash points than most unprocessed oils: Rice Bran Oil is a very popular oil that is widely used in the far east, and Coconut Oil is used throughout the far east and middle east and parts of Africa where Coconuts are available in good supply.
Recently there have been some health concerns associated with Sunflower oil. Sunflower Oil has a high Omega 6 content which at these levels can cause inflammation in the body, and at any heat it releases high levels of aldehydes into cooking fumes. Aldehydes are toxic and can break down DNA and are associated with heart disease.
So, just as a rule of thumb, use oils like Olive and Avocado as dressing oils to get all their wonderful benefits, and oils like coconut and rice bran oil for frying, but try not to use oils regularly at high heats as this destroys the good things and can cause health problems.
At Natural Health World, we believe that making small changes to the way we prepare our food, the variety of our food (protein, healthy fats, vegetables), our exercise regime and natural supplementation (if required), can make a huge improvement to our overall health and wellbeing.
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D-Mannose FAQ
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D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
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D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
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Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
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D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
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No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
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The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
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D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
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There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
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Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
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If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
