This has reference to Ananda Jayasena’s letter in The Island of 10/02. This controversy has been going on for quite some time. Eminent cardiologist Dr. D. P. Atukorala has written several articles on the subject quoting well known scientists, to allay the fears of people about the consumption of coconut milk in curries and coconut oil for frying. He has shown that it is quite safe to consume coconut in any form.

Coconut has been part of our diet for centuries; it is called the poor man’s butter and when we were young and lived happily in the village a dish of grated coconut was a must with almost every meal specially with fish, meat, jackfruit, breadfruit or any other kind of yam. Pol sambol is a popular preparation that goes well with any kind of dish, often serves to cover up any "adu padu" in the meal and it goes well with bread too. Coconut milk is also used in preparing sweetmeats such as kavum, kokis, and atirasa and dodol is made with a whole lot of coconut milk. Villagers never used any other oil for frying but they never had any health problems.

It is the townsfolk who lead more leisurely and sometimes sedentary lives, travel and work in air conditioned comfort, get hardly any physical exercise, eat fast foods, meat etc. and breathe highly polluted air, who suffer form all types of diseases mentioned by AJ. It is they who are scared of coconut oil and preach to others without knowing the true facts.

I too strongly believe that there is an anti-coconut lobby launched by producers of palm oil, vegetable oil and corn oil to ensure a steady market for their products. But I have yet to read any article that could convince the people that these oils are superior to coconut oil and are cholesterol free.

To add a personal note, I developed a heart problem nearly twenty years ago and have been on medication throughout. Eight years ago on the results of an angiogram I was advised to go through by-pass surgery. Instead, with ayurvedic treatment I have so far been holding on without a problem. I consume coconut as I did before without any adverse effects, but avoid a lot of fried and oily foods for other reasons.

It is mainly the life style and food habits that cause heart disease, hypertension, diabetes etc. Rational living, avoidance of stress and suitable exercise can help one to remain healthy.