Let me tell you about the wonders of coconut oil!
Coconut oil has been used extensively in many tropical countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines and even India.
There was a time when It was also popular in western countries such as the United States and Canada.
Unfortunately there was a strong propaganda campaign in the 1970s, spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry that made coconut oil less popular.
People started to believe that coconut oil was harmful for your body due to it’s high saturated fat content. It’s only really in the last decade that people have begun to question the claims of the propaganda.
But the real truth is this:
1.Coconut Oil is an Incredible Immune Booster!
Coconut oil is beneficial to your health in so many ways.
What make’s coconut oil so incredible is the high levels of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. This gives coconut oil anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial and wonderful soothing qualities.
Not only that….
Coconut oil can also help to boost your immune system. Your body takes the lauric acid found in coconut oil and turns it into monolaurin. This helps to deal with hidden viruses and bacteria that cause health problems such as herpes, influenza and even HIV.
Coconut oil can also provide relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, as well as improving your bone strength and dental quality.
And there’s more…..
2.Coconut Oil Promotes Weight Loss!
Capric, caprylic and lauric acids are chains of fatty acids that are broken down easily by your body. This means that that they provide you with quick usable energy in a very efficient way. Consuming coconut oil before exercising will give you a major energy boost, which will lead to greater results from your workout.
Short and medium chain fatty acids can help you to take off excessive weight. Coconut oil is very easy to digest and it supports the healthy functioning your thyroid and endocrine system. It also will increase your body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, which in turn means you burn more energy, which helps obese and overweight people lose weight.
Here’s another little thing….
Athletes, body builders and people on diets quite often use coconut oil as it contains far less calories than other oils. As the fat content is easily converted into energy it will not lead to accumulated fat in your heart and arteries.
3.Coconut Oil Helps With Your Digestion!
When using coconut oil as cooking oil it can seriously improve your digestive system. It can help prevent stomach and digestion-related problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The saturated fats found in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties, which help to deal with bacteria, fungi and parasites that can cause indigestion.
For the last 50 years researchers have seen that the medium chain fatty acids (MCFA’s) in coconut oil are digested differently than other fats. Because MCFA’s molecules are smaller, they require less of your bodies enzymes and energy to break them down.
People who have difficulty absorbing or digesting fats and fat-soluble vitamins can benefit greatly from MCFA’s. These fatty acids can also be important for people suffering from diabetes, obesity, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and some forms of cancer.
4. Coconut Oil is a Brain Booster!
In 2006 there was a study published in the journal Neurobiology and Aging that highlighted the effects of Medium chain Triglycerides (of which coconut oil has plenty of) and brain function. In subjects with Alzheimer’s or mid-cognitive impairment, the results were a large increase in “ketone bodies” which are associated with cognitive improvement.
One of the primary fuels for the brain is glucose, which is converted into energy. Your brain creates its own insulin to convert the glucose in your bloodstream, creating the food it needs to survive.
If your brain’s production of insulin decreases, your brain begins to starve, which is what happens to Alzheimer’s patients, there brain “starves” which leads to impaired function.
Now do you remember me mentioning “Ketone Bodies”?
Get this….
Ketone bodies will feed your brain and can prevent atrophy or starvation. They may even restore and renew neuron and nerve function in your brain after damage has set in. Ketones are produced when your body converts fat into energy, and a primary source of ketone bodies are the medium chain triglycerides found in Coconut Oil.
Coconut oil contains about 66% medium chain triglycerides.
So just over 2 tablespoons of coconut oil would supply you with the equivalent of 20 grams of MCT’s. This is amount is indicated as either a preventative measure against degenerative diseases or as a treatment for an already established case.
Everyone tolerates coconut oil differently, so I recommend you start slowly and work your way up. Coconut oil is best taken with food to avoid upsetting your stomach.
5. Coconut can make your skin radiate!
Due to the presence of medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil, it can leave your skin feeling smooth to the touch. Coconut oil can retain the moisture level of the skin, as the fats eliminate moisture loss through the pores of the skin.
Applying coconut oil to the skin can protect you from microbial infections that get into open wounds or even enter the body through the pores.
Coconut oil has high levels of vitamin E, which we all know to be great for the skin, promoting healthy skin growth, repair of wear and tear on the skin and protecting against cracking.
Rub it In…..
For skin care use, take a some coconut oil, either solid or liquid, on your palm. Rub your hands together and then rub it into the skin of the desired area. It is not necessary to apply coconut oil as often as your regular moisturising cream, you only need a small amount to create a protective shield that will last a long time.
Now we’re cooking….
When cooking at a high level heat, use coconut oil as it has a high smoke point, meaning that it won’t emit harmful free radicals, which other oils may do.
You can also roast all your favourite veggies with coconut oil, just coat the veggies, throw in some herbs and a splash of lemon juice and you’ll have a delicious healthy side dish.
