Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a wide variety of health benefits such as increasing the immunes system, decreasing high blood pressure, increasing the metabolism. It also helps the digestion and conditions the hair and skin. Coconut oil has been used for years in Asia but has become popular here in the western world in the last decade. It can be used for skin and hair care conditioning as well as for cooking purposes.
Immunity
Coconut oil stimulates the immune system because it contains lipids which have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents. This can help to protect the body against colds/flu, candida, herpes and other ailments.
Obesity
Coconut oil contains saturated fat but it doesn’t harm the blood lipid levels. It contains fatty acids known as Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and they are broken down differently in the body. They can actually boost the metabolism and promote weight loss. Scientists have discovered that consuming 15-30 grams of MCTs per day can burn an extra 120 calories a day.
Conconut oil can reduce the appetite and is helpful for reducing fat around the abdomen.
Scientists have revealed that a study of 40 women with abdominal obesity who were advised to consume 30 ml of coconut oil daily, noticed a reduction in their BMI and waist circumference after three months. Another study of 20 males found that after they consumed 30 ml of coconut oil daily they noticed a decrease of 1.1 inches in their waist circumference.
Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy
MCTs convert energy called ketones from the liver, and this has a beneficial effect on the brain due to it providing more energy for malfunctioning brain cells. This can help conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. A study in 2006 showed that patients with mild Alzheimer’s who consumed medium chain triglycerides led to an instant improvement in their symptoms.
Tokelauans
The Tokelauans live in the South Pacific and they consume most of their calories and fat from coconuts. These people have no evidence of heart disease and are very healthy.
Hair care
Coconut oil is very restorative for dry hair. It is also helpful in strengthening weak hair that breaks easily. It is advisable to comb coconut oil through your hair, leave it overnight, and then wash it with shampoo and conditioner the following morning. Your hair will be smooth and silky.
Skin care
Coconut oil is beneficial as a skin moisturizer and can help to alleviate dry skin conditions. It is helpful for hard, cracked skin on your feet. It won’t help them to disappear but it will soften them.
Mouth care
It can also be used as a mouth wash and can reduce bad breath by killing the bad bacteria in the person’s mouth. Rinsing the oil in your mouth for five minutes a day can help prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums and chapped lips.
Ayurveda massage
Coconut oil is often used as a massage oil in Ayurveda massage. This is because it is rich in vitamin E and it helps to keep the skin supple and rejuvenated. It also contains capric acid and lauric acid which prevent bacteria from infecting the skin.
