title: The role of dietary coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: potential mechanisms of action.
abstract: Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., is a tree that is cultivated to provide a large number of products, although it is mainly grown for its nutritional and medicinal values. Coconut oil, derived from the coconut fruit, has been recognised historically as containing high levels of saturated fat; however, closer scrutiny suggests that coconut should be regarded more favourably. Unlike most other dietary fats that are high in long-chain fatty acids, coconut oil comprises medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). MCFA are unique in that they are easily absorbed and metabolised by the liver, and can be converted to ketones. Ketone bodies are an important alternative energy source in the brain, and may be beneficial to people developing or already with memory impairment, as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Coconut is classified as a highly nutritious 'functional food'. It is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals; however, notably, evidence is mounting to support the concept that coconut may be beneficial in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidaemia, elevated LDL, insulin resistance and hypertension - these are the risk factors for CVD and type 2 diabetes, and also for AD. In addition, phenolic compounds and hormones (cytokinins) found in coconut may assist in preventing the aggregation of amyloid-β peptide, potentially inhibiting a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. The purpose of the present review was to explore the literature related to coconut, outlining the known mechanistic physiology, and to discuss the potential role of coconut supplementation as a therapeutic option in the prevention and management of AD.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University,270 Joondalup Drive,Joondalup,WA6027,Australia.
authors.forename: W M A D B
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Fernando
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University,270 Joondalup Drive,Joondalup,WA6027,Australia.
authors.forename: Ian J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University,270 Joondalup Drive,Joondalup,WA6027,Australia.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Goozee
authors.affiliation: Department of Wine,Food and Molecular Biosciences, Centre for Food Research and Innovation, Lincoln University,Lincoln,New Zealand.
authors.forename: Charles S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Technology, School of Public Health,Curtin University,WA,Australia.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jayasena
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University,270 Joondalup Drive,Joondalup,WA6027,Australia.
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Martins
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D000975:Antioxidants; D001315:Australia; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D000074263:Coconut Oil; D003059:Cocos; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D055951:Functional Food; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000628:therapy; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007657:Ketone Bodies / Q000378:metabolism; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D012307:Risk Factors; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D000975:Antioxidants; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005227:Fatty Acids; D007657:Ketone Bodies; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D010938:Plant Oils; D000074263:Coconut Oil
keywords: Alzheimer's; Amyloid; Coconut; Diabetes; Saturated fat