Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Eating coconut oil on a regular basis has numerous health benefits. If you do some basic research on the health benefits on coconut oil you will discover just how amazing this food really is. These benefits include healthier skin and hair, lower cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased levels of immunity, proper digestion and metabolism. It has been show to provide relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and other viruses, cancer, and bone strength. The reason it is so effective and healthy is because of high levels of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. The presence of these acids contributes to coconuts antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial and general body nourishing properties.

Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking — even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. Plus, this ultra-safe oil can give your body important antioxidants that can help build stronger cells and improve your overall health and well being.

In addition to being superior for cooking and baking, coconut oil also makes superb topical oil that can help to naturally rid the skin of dangerous toxins. It also gives the skin the perfect mix of hydration and antioxidants that it needs to stay healthy, smooth and younger-looking longer.

This amazing oil is great for everyday uses, it can make your hair healthy, skin sensational, cure your indigestion, heal wounds and infections and is great for culinary cooking or “uncooking” for you raw foodies. Coconut oil also has some great health benefits. You might find it hard to believe, but this oil can help with both weight loss and heart health…I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true!!

1. Wonderful for weight loss

It contains something called short and medium-chain fatty acids; these fatty acids help in taking off excessive weight.  Since it is easy to digest, it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. It  also helps to burn more energy by increasing the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas. Doesn’t mean you should eat a gallon of it…everything in moderation!!

2. It has been shown to lessen the effects of diabetes

The healthy fat in coconut oil plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar. This is done by slowing the digesting process and ensuring a steady, even stream of energy from food by lowering the overall glycemic index of a meal. For example, if you include coconut oil in a meal with carbohydrates, the carbs are broken down into glucose more slowly, thereby keeping your blood sugar levels steady after you eat.

3. You can get strong bones and teeth from coconut oil

Since coconut oil improves calcium and magnesium absorption in the body.  So it makes it beneficial for dental and bone health….so you don’t have to worry so much about those cavities!!!

4. It is heart healthy

I know it’s crazy, but it is heart healthy!!  Even though coconut oil is high in saturated fats, it is actually beneficial to your heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps to prevent various heart conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries.  Something for you and your heart to be happy about!!

5. It’s a great way to improve your immune system

Coconut oil contains some fancy names; antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight infections and the flu.  It must be good for you if it is anti anything!!!

6. Eases digestion

Coconut oil contains anti-microbial properties, which can have a soothing effect on bacteria, candida, or parasites that cause poor digestion and conditions like indigestion, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Good for the skin

Coconut oil not only helps your skin manage the aging process (fine lines/wrinkles, etc.), but it is also an excellent natural moisturizer that’s free of toxins and pesticides. It keeps the skin’s connective tissues strong, which prevents sagging and wrinkles.

8. Improves hair health

Coconut oil can also help nourish your hair and keep it vibrant and healthy. Coconut oil can make hair appear thicker by adding body, its antibacterial properties protect the scalp against infections that cause itching, dandruff and weak or dry hair. In addition, Vitamins E and K found in coconut oil nourish hair and boost health and shine.

9. Good for your brain

Medium Chain Triglycerides, the primary type of fat found within coconut oil, have been found to boost cognitive performance, and even stall or reverse neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages. This is because our brain is made primarily of fat and restricting your diet of healthy saturated fat (the kind found in coconut oil) can result in inadequate nutrition for the brain.

10. Helps you manage sugar cravings

May seem counter-intuitive, but increased consumption of fat can actually help you beat your sugar cravings, while improving your health. Saturated fats found in coconut oil provide solid sustenance for your body and brain, which can help naturally eliminate your cravings for sugar.

11. Improves hair health

Another great benefit of coconut oil is in protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities and disease. Simply rubbing a little fresh coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier than virtually any other dental treatment.

Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. One 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.

Unsaturated fats found in canola, corn and other vegetable oils, as well as margarine suppress the metabolism, which makes it harder to lose weight — and easier to gain it. Over time, this metabolism suppression may result in 20-30 pounds of excess weight that your body cannot get rid of. Coconut oil, on the other hand, helps to increase thyroid function and boost your metabolism — 2 important components to shedding unwanted pounds.