Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.” It has unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health. This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits.
Recent studies are showing that saturated fats are harmless. Many massive studies that include hundreds of thousands of people prove that the whole “artery-clogging” idea was a myth. Coconut oil doesn’t contain your average run-of-the-mill saturated fats like you would find in cheese or steak. they contain so-called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length. Medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently. They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into so-called ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
Here are the top 8 health benefits of coconut oil that have been confirmed in human studies.
- Weight Loss – Given that coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight.
- Immune System – Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.
- Increase Energy – It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is NOT a calorie. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats. One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totalling about 120 calories per day.
- Hair Care – Many people are using it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality.
- Skin Care – Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Study shows effectiveness as sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays
- Boost Brain Function – In Alzheimer’s patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. In one 2006 study, consumption of medium chain triglycerides led to immediate improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer’s.
- Dental Care – If you’re looking for a natural alternative to regular toothpaste, try going the DIY route. Your plan: Mix coconut oil with baking soda until it’s pasty enough to spread on a toothbrush.
- Oil Substitute – Lightly coat the bottom of your skillet with coconut oil to create a non-stick surface and delicious eggs or the next time you make your favorite brownie recipe, replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil. Your friends will be begging you for the recipe
This is really just the tip of the iceberg. People are using coconut oil for all sorts of things with incredible success.
