When the supply of rain water becomes exhausted, villagers drink water from the canals, rice paddies and fish ponds. In general, there are no sewage plants or garbage collection systems in the villages all garbage and human and animal waste go into the fields and waterways. On the contrary, most western tourists express amazement at the sight of healthy, smiling children swimming in the murky waters of Bankok s canals. The answer lies in the protective factors inherent in the traditional diet. But the most protective factor in the Thai diet and one most ignored by investigators is the lauric acid found in coconut products.
Coconut oil provides additional benefits.
It strengthens the immune system and promotes optimal development of the brain and nervous system. It protects against cancer and heart disease, and promotes healthy bones. This may explain the beautiful, velvety skin tone of the Thais. Most of this fat is relatively saturated coconut oil or lard. Poor families use watered down coconut milk for curries, and lard very sparingly.