Coconut butter (a.k.a. coconut concentrate) is simply the meat of the coconut that has been blended. The rich, creamy result is one of the best Paleo spreads available. It is very high in saturated fat, making it a better choice than the various nut butters out there. Products like almond butter, although certainly Paleo friendly, tend to be high in phytic acid (a.k.a. phytates) and Omega-6 fats. Phytic acid is an anti-nutrient that binds to nutrients in the seed, preventing the body from absorbing them. When eaten in excess, these phytates can lead to digestive issues and mineral deficiencies.
Polyunsaturated vs. Saturated Fat
Omega-6 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) that are inflammatory and highly unstable when exposed to heat or light. When we consume oxidized PUFAs, it can lead to oxidized cholesterol in our blood, a dangerous precursor to cardiovascular disease. Saturated fat, on the other hand, is extremely stable and its consumption has been shown to lower LDL levels in the blood while simultaneously raising HDL levels.
Some stores carry coconut butter, but you can also make your own. Mark Sisson has 10 tips for making your own delicious coconut butter.
