Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Benefits
There are many wonderful potential health benefits of coconut oil – and not just in the kitchen! Here are a few.
- Coconut oil contains antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties that may help strengthen the immune system.
- Consuming coconut oil regularly may reduce incidences of sickness.
- Coconut oil helps to stimulate the body's metabolism which helps promote weight loss.
- The fatty acids in coconut oil may destroy candida, which triggers weight gain, carbohydrate cravings and fatigue. It also helps burn stored fat.
- People suffering from diabetes, obesity, gallbladder disease or Crohn's disease may benefit greatly from coconut oil.
- Coconut oil does not produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream.
Additional Benefits of Coconut Oil
Did you know? Coconut oil may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance over time. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and protects against insulin resistance. It can even help prevent Type II Diabetes.
Many studies claim MCFAs in coconut oil may also help enhance physical and athletic performance. Because of its metabolic effect (boosts your metabolic rate) coconut oil speeds up the activity of the thyroid, and cell regeneration increases.
However, the fat in coconut oil does not have a negative effect on cholesterol. In fact, it may help improve your cholesterol profile. It helps prevent heart attack and stoke and may even cure heart disease.
Coconut oil can improve the look of your skin because of its resistance to oxidation and free radical formation. It keeps your connective tissues strong and aids in exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Coconut oil acts as a natural skin conditioner. Deeply penetrating and moisturizing. It helps with anti-aging, eczema and even provides some sun protection.
Coconut oil helps to promote normal platelet function reducing the risk of blood clot formation.
Coconut oil can be used to condition your hair. The fatty acids work from the insides of the strand outward providing protein, eliminating dandruff and aiding in re-growth. The natural aroma of coconut oil is very soothing. You can apply the oil to your head and massage gently to help remove mental fatigue.
Cooking with Coconut Oil
Cooking with vegetable/seed oils causes the formation of molecules more toxic than trans fat. Plus, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola - 90% of soy, corn and canola oils are GMO. You can try using coconut oil when you cook instead of butter, margarine, and vegetable oils.
Although extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a smarter choice, it's not the best for cooking due to its chemical structure. Heating EVOO makes it susceptible to oxidative damage.
Coconut Oil Roasted Sweet Potato Fries:
Eat It by the Tablespoon
Many people like to eat a tablespoon or two of coconut oil pure day straight from the jar. If it's not something you prefer to do, you could try adding it to your coffee in the morning or mixing in a smoothie.
Coconut Oil for Skin, Hair, & Body
You can try whipping coconut oil to make a fantastic body cream. Some people even add pure essential oils. You can also use it for skin ailments such as eczema. It also makes a great hair conditioner or massage oil.
Quick Facts
Sources
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19115123
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx
- http://coconutresearchcenter.org/
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
- http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html