Benefits of Coconut Oil

Benefits of Coconut Oil In the wide world of flora and fauna, coconut trees stand apart mainly for its overall usefulness. In fact, the fruit alone and the oil that is extracted from it have many benefits in the world of medicine and cosmetics.

Presence of saturated fats #Benefits of Coconut Oil

When generally thinking of using any kind of oil during cooking, the first thing that pops in our mind is the amount of fat the oil contains. Coconut oil is more than 90% saturated fat or about 11.8 grams per 15 milliliters compared to about 63% or 7.2 grams for the same amount of butter.

This saturated fat is generally considered to be ‘bad’ fat that tends to increase the cholesterol level, especially the bad cholesterol. But this theory does not apply in case of coconut oil.

About half of the saturated fats are medium-chain fatty acids which are easier to digest than the long-chain fatty acids present in most oils, including butter.

These medium-chain fatty acids go straight from digestive tract to the liver and become a quick source of energy. This itself is one of the great health benefits of coconut oil.

Benefits of coconut oil are many. One of the most famous ones is that it is an excellent moisturizer. You can use it in a variety of different ways, to nourish and protect your skin. It has also been used for ages as a diet aid and a wonderful natural cure for illnesses and diseases. You can add some to your favorite dish or snack and enjoy the delicious scent of it. Aside from its moisturizing ability, you can also use it for skin treatments and other uses.

Benifits of coconut oil are most definitely not limited to those few things mentioned above. It is beneficial to use it as a moisturizer for your face, body and especially your hair. It is very gentle on the skin and the hair and easy to get. If you suffer from dry, sensitive and damaged skin, this might be just the thing you have been looking for. You can also use it for dry and chapped lips. Aside from treating your dry and chapped lips, you can also use it to treat your skin so it can maintain its moisture. It will allow you to keep your skin free from blemishes and other skin problems that you might be having.

Benefits of coconut oil are varied, which is why you might want to take your time to research more about this wonderful oil before making any purchase. Its benefits to the skin is something that you cannot overlook no matter how hard you try. You should make sure that you’re using a certified organic oil when you are searching for the best possible oil for your skin. You can use it both internally and externally to treat various skin problems. You should also use it when the skin becomes overly dry and cracked because it will be able to heal those cracks and heal the skin.

Ketones− good for epilepsy #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Apart from producing energy, the medium-chain fatty acids are also turned into ketones in the liver which acts as a natural medicine for epileptic patients.

The diet of epileptic patients should include a very little carbohydrate and the large amount of fats, which increases the concentration of ketones in the blood.

The ketones can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic patients.

Effect on cholesterol #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Another great health benefit of coconut oil is that it levels cholesterol in the blood. The saturated fat present in the coconut oil increases the good HDL cholesterol in our body also Benefits of Coconut Oil.

Besides that, it also helps to convert the bad LDL cholesterol into less harmful form.

Studies have shown that coconut oil reduces triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol. It also increases HDL and improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status.

This proves to a great health benefit of coconut oil, as it increases the longevity of heart and decreases the risk of cardiac arrest.

Effect on Alzheimer’s #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Alzheimer’s disease in the most common cause of dementia, especially in elderly patients. The cause of the disease is due to the reduced ability to use carbohydrates for energy in certain parts of the brain.

Studies have shown that ketones can be an alternative option for providing the energy source to these malfunctioning brain cells.

Consumption of medium chain triglycerides through the coconut oil can improve brain function and hence reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Helps to burn more fat #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Obesity is currently one of the biggest health problems in the world. This is caused due to the less burning of body calories and hence accumulation of the excess amount of fat.

This fat gets accumulated especially in the abdominal cavity and around organs. This is the most dangerous fat of all and is associated with many chronic diseases.

Studies have shown that coconut oil can be very effective dealing with these fats.

The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase calories burned over 24 hours by as much as 5%. This can, in turn, reduce the body weight.

Reduces appetite #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Another health benefit of coconut oil is that it reduces appetite. This happens mainly because of the metabolization of fats into ketones, which has an appetite reducing the effect.

Studies have shown this to be a short-term effect. Had it been longer, it could have a dramatic influence on body weight over several years.

Kills harmful micro-organisms #Benefits of Coconut Oil

Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is the 12-carbon Lauric acid. When this acid is digested, it forms a substance called Monolaurin.

Both Monolaurin and Lauric acid is capable of killing bacteria, virus and fungi.

Studies have shown that these substances are capable of killing Staphylococcus Aureus, which is a very dangerous pathogen.

They are also capable in killing the yeast Candida Albicans, a common source of yeast infection in humans.

Usage as cosmetic and moisturizing agent Benefits of Coconut Oil

Many people use coconut oil as a cosmetic to improve the health and appearance of their hair and skin.

It improves the moisture and fat content of the skin and also acts as a sunscreen by protecting the skin from sun’s UV rays.

It moisturizes the hair and prevents them from getting damaged.

It can be used as a mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, which kills bacteria in the mouth, improves dental health and reduces bad breath.