Coconut Oil and Its Exciting Health Benefits
Table of Contents
Coconut oil is often dubbed as an “it” product that has been constantly trending for some time now in the health and wellness industry and that’s no big surprise. After all, this special oil has a wide range of uses and applications from beauty to skincare, beauty, and more.
This healthy oil is available almost anywhere you can buy food. If you’re planning to use this oil, you’ll surely be interested to know the health benefits it offers.
Safe for High-Heat Cooking
Coconut oil contains high amounts of saturated fat, making it among the best fats perfect for cooking in high heat, such as frying. Saturated fats can maintain their structure even when heated at high temperatures. These fats are different from the polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in vegetable oils.
Other oils like safflower and corner even tend to be converted to toxic compounds once heated, thus posing risky health effects.
You don’t have to be afraid of the saturated fat content in coconut oil as this is not connected to the possibility of heart disease.
Fight Off Infections
VCO is known for strong antibacterial properties that could help cure infections. It’s been discovered that the oil can thwart the growth of Clostridium difficile or “C. diff,” an intestinal bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea. The oil also fights off several other yeasts and bacteria, an effect that is often linked with lauric acid, which is the primary fatty acid found in coconut oil.
Improves Brain Function
The liver breaks down the medium-chain triglycerides or MCT content of this oil and turns it into ketones that can offer the brain an alternative source of energy. It is also said that MCTs have excellent benefits for some brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. The oil is also recommended by experts as an MCT source to increase ketone production.
Supports Dental Health
The oil from coconut trees can also serve as a potent weapon against bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. It is the bacteria found in the mouth that is responsible for gum disease, tooth decay, and dental plaque.
Swishing the oil in your mouth for 10 minutes, a process called oil pulling can help reduce the amount of these bacteria. This can be as effective as using an antiseptic mouthwash for rinsing.
Swishing with the oil every day can also significantly reduce plaque and inflammation in teens suffering from inflamed gums or gingivitis.
Increases HDL Cholesterol Levels
The oil is found to raise some people’s cholesterol levels. But its strongest, as well as most consistent effect, is the fact that it increases HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol.
It was found that women suffering from abdominal obesity enjoyed an increase in their HDL levels after consuming this healthy oil.
Boosts Metabolism
The MCT in coconut oil quickly absorbs fatty acids and can boost the amount of burnt calories. It has been revealed that MCTs can substantially increase metabolic rate albeit temporarily. On average, 15 to 20 grams of MCTs can increase the use of calories by approximately 120 calories over 24 hours.
Healthy Ingredient
Commercial mayonnaise usually contains added sugar, soybean oil, and many other unhealthy ingredients. But you can also prepare your homemade mayo using healthier ingredients such as coconut oil.
Homemade dark chocolate is another delicious way of harnessing the health benefits of coconut oil. Just don’t forget to keep it in the freezer or refrigerator since the oil can melt at 24 C or 76 F.
Skin Moisturizer
This healthy oil can also make an amazing moisturizer for your arms, elbows, and legs. This can also be used on the face although it’s not recommended for people with extremely oily skin.
The oil also repairs cracked heels. Just put a thin coat on your heels before going to bed, wear your socks, and continue this nightly routine until your heels become smoother.
Sun Protection
Coconut oil also protects the skin from the ultraviolet or UV rays from the sun, which can cause brown spots, and wrinkling, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
It’s found that the oil can also block around 20% of the UV rays of the sun. Remember, however, that this doesn’t offer a similar level of protection as traditional sunscreen that can block around 90% of UV rays.
It is also estimated that the oil has a sun protection factor or SPF 7 which is significantly lower compared to the recommended minimum in certain countries.
Hair Damage Protection
Coconut oil can maintain the health of your hair as well. The oil can significantly reduce the loss of protein from hair once applied after or before shampooing, something that can be observed in both healthy and damaged hair. It is believed that the distinct structure of lauric acid, which is the primary fatty acid found in the oil, can infiltrate the hair shaft in a way that other fats can never do.
Insect Sting and Bite Relief
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can also relieve the itch or pain resulting from insect stings or bites. The oil can also reduce infection risks and swelling. All you have to do is gently rub a small amount of the oil on the bite or sting and then cover this with a bandage.
Cut Down Belly Fat
Coconut oil is also said to reduce visceral fat or belly fat associated with increased risks of health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Obese men were also found to lose 1 inch from their waist fat after adding 2 tablespoons of this healthy oil to their regular diet. Women who added 2 tablespoons of the oil to their calorie-restricted meals daily had enjoyed decreased size in waist as well.
Relief from Eczema and Skin Irritation
Coconut oil can also improve dermatitis as well as other skin disorders almost as well as mineral oil and traditional moisturizers. Children suffering from eczema noticed major improvements after using the oil.
The next time you need a good oil, don’t forget to add coconut oil to your list.
