Many studies have proven that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods today. Obviously, its benefits and uses go beyond what people realize.
Then again, one reason why coconut oil is so healthy is its fat content called Medium Chain Fatty Acids or MCFAs, which include Caprylic, Lauric, and Capric acid. While these fatty acids are already perfect sources of energy, there are actually countless reasons to love them. Here are some of them.
Easier to digest
Not stored as fat
Anti-microbial
Anti-fungal
Smaller in size, allowing easier cell permeability for immediate energy
Processed by the liver right away, which means they are immediately converted to energy instead of being stored as fat
According to research, here are the different ways coconut oil benefits the body:
1. Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Coconut oil is rich in natural saturated fats. These saturated fats not only increase the healthy cholesterol in the body; they also help convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterol. Moreover, they help promote heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.
2. Cures UTI & Kidney Infection and Protects the Liver
If you are looking for an alternative medicine for urinary (UTI) and kidney infections, coconut oil is the answer. The MCFAs in coconut oil work as a natural antibiotic by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and killing them.
3. Inflammation and Arthritis
In a study conducted in India, it was found that the high levels of antioxidants present in virgin coconut oil helped reduce inflammation and prevent arthritis. Extracted with only medium heat, the coconut oil that was used was found to suppress inflammatory cells.
4. Alzheimer’s Disease
Once MCFA is digested by the liver, it is converted into ketones, which are referred to as an accessible energy for brain consumption. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need of insulin to process glucose.
5. Helps the Immune System
The Lauric acid in coconut oil reduces Candida, fights bacteria, and creates a hostile environment for viruses.
6. Memory and Brain Infection
The Journal of Neurobiology of Aging found that the MCFAs in coconut oil improved the memory problems in their older subjects.
Since the MCFAs are absorbed easily by the body and are accessed by the brain without the use of insulin, the brain cells are fueled more efficiently.
7. Digestion, Stomach Ulcers, and Ulcerative Colitis
Coconut oil helps in digestion and aids the body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. And since coconut oil has omega-3 fatty acids and is quickly digested for use in various body functions, it is highly recommended than other natural and organic supplements.
In addition, coconut oil destroys bad bacteria and Candida, which can cause a sudden decrease in stomach acids, and eventually results in inflammation and poor digestion.
8. Gall Bladder Disease and Pancreatitis
Taking coconut oil eases the strain on the pancreas. Also, it has been known to alleviate the symptoms of gall bladder disease as well. Replace other long-chain fats with coconut oil to improve gallbladder and total body health.
9. Skin Issues
It is a wonderful facial cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It can even treat many skin disorders. Again, this is all because of the Capric and Lauric acids that reduce the inflammation and nourish the skin.
In addition, coconut oil protects the skin and has many antioxidants that promote healing. It also has antimicrobial properties, warding off Candida or other fungal sources that can cause many skin conditions.
10. Mouth Health
The famous oil pulling method has been used for centuries to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and help heal periodontal disease. In this method, coconut oil is the star due to its high concentration of MCFA. No wonder why people use it for oil pulling.
11. Type II Diabetes
The MCFAs in coconut oil help balance insulin reactions in the cells and promote healthy digestive process. By ingesting coconut oil, the pancreas is not strained and the body has a consistent energy source that is not dependent on glucose reactions. Hence, insulin resistance and Type II diabetes are prevented.
12. Weight Loss
Coconut oil can help with weight loss because of its energy creating abilities. In 1985, a study was published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. It said that a single injection of Capric acid resulted in “initially rapid, then gradual decrease in food consumption and a parallel loss of body weight” in male rats.
The Obesity Research Journal also published a study from Boston University Medical School that gives us a clue why MCFAs have fat burning ability.
13. Hair Care
Coconut oil can help those with dandruff and dry hair because it contains acids that help improve these conditions. In fact, you can make a lot of homemade concoctions with coconut oil. For example, you can create coconut lavender shampoo to improve hair or use coconut oil as a natural hair conditioner. By doing so, you are getting rid of dandruff and thickens hair.
14. Candida and Yeast Infections
Coconut oil is an effective natural treatment for Candida albicans and yeast infections. That is because it contains Capric and Lauric acids, which are both known for their antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
15. Balance Hormones
Coconut oil can help balance hormones because it is a great source of saturated fat, including Lauric acid. It may be an excellent fat to consume during menopause and may have a positive effect on estrogen levels.