The Incredible Health Benefits of Coconut Oil Other than Cooking

Nature has blessed man with an incredible bounty of natural health remedies strengthened by its resources harvested from the earth.  One such super ingredient is coconut oil. This versatile yet humble ingredient has long been used throughout the ages for its multifaceted benefits in both cooking and health. The health benefits of coconut oil could well fill a book but it is the primary uses and advantages that we shall discuss here.

Image src-smile herb

 If you thought coconut oil was just a hair strengthening agent well think again. As one of the healthiest oils on the planet, coconut oil is surprisingly 90% saturated fat. As everyone knows saturated fat is bad for health but a number of research studies conducted on the nutritional habits of pacific islanders who consumed almost 60% of their dietary calories from coconut oil have never shown even remote signs of cardiovascular disease. While coconut oil may be a saturated fat bad for LDL or bad cholesterol, it in fact gives a huge boost to HDL or good cholesterol improving your lipid profile to a great extent. This too has been proved by medicinal research.

Virgin Coconut Oil Has Proven Antioxidant and Anti Stress Properties

Rather than regular Coconut oil it would be beneficial to buy organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil . Research studies prove the antioxidant effects of Virgin Coconut Oil.

Major benefits of coconut oil

• Lauric acid constituting 50% of coconut oil prevents heart problems, reduces high blood pressure, reduces damage to arteries and prevents conditions like arthrosclerosis.

• Coconut oil regulates thyroid function, improves immunity and reduces inflammation from disease.

• Both lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections. Research studies conducted in Nigeria found coconut oil to be more effective in treating Candida than Flucanozole.

• Medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil have been observed in research to improve metabolism and initiate fat burn for weight loss.

• Coconut oil can help treat allergies and sinusitis.

• By virtue of its fibrous nature, coconut oil can improve digestion, regulate bowels and relieve constipation.

• Improves the health of organs like the liver, pancreas and kidney

The Benefits of Consuming Coconut Oil

Consuming coconut oil can be immensely beneficial for health. While gaining all of the above mentioned benefits, adding coconut oil in food or consuming it as a health alternative improves the health of hair skin and bones. Consuming coconut oil regulates blood sugar, increases absorption and utilization of glucose and prevents diabetes. Coconut oil increases the body’s natural ability to absorb minerals like magnesium and calcium that benefits bones.

The health benefits of coconut oil consumption for older women prevent diseases like osteoporosis developed during middle age. Coconut oil’s main ingredient that gives it most of its beneficial properties is Lauric acid a known gram negative anti bacterial agent. This is another factor where the benefits of eating coconut oil come into play. Lauric acid is converted into monolaurin in the body. It then develops anti viral, anti bacterial, anti microbial and anti protozoan properties which protects against diseases like HIV, herpes, measles, influenza and giardia.

As coconut oil contains fewer calories than most oils, it is an ideal ingredient for sportsmen and athletes. Owing to the fact that fat in coconut oil is burnt faster than usual for energy it is thus not stored in the body nor does it clog arteries. There is % cholesterol in coconut oil.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil On Skin

• Coconut oil prevents acne because of its anti bacterial properties

• Reduces inflammation caused by skin disease

• Extra virgin coconut oil cures eczema by soothing the itching, relieving pain and rejuvenating skin

• Helps treat conditions like sun burn

• Improves skin tolerance to sunlight and can be used as a natural sunscreen

• Lauric acid is a rich source of vitamin E especially when you’re using extra virgin coconut oil. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant used in several healing treatments of skin problems. The presence of vitamin E helps eliminate free radicals primarily responsible for destruction of healthy cells.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil on Hair

As a beauty treatment coconut oil has been used by women throughout the centuries for revitalizing hair. Coconut oil increases your hairs ability to absorb and retain moisture preventing brittleness. It is a natural hair conditioner that reduces hair loss and increases hair growth.

The antifungal properties of coconut oil help in treating scalp conditions Seborrhic dermatitis or dandruff. It keeps away lice, prevents hair from tangling and contributes to the growth of strong luscious hair with bounce and shine. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil every night and bathing your hair in the morning is an effective remedy to strengthen your hair and prevent premature graying.

Oil Pulling and How Coconut Oil Benefits Teeth.

The health benefits of coconut oil are such that it benefits your entire body. Coconut oil has a positive impact on teeth by efficient absorption of calcium in the body necessary for strong teeth.

An effective remedy called oil pulling has been making waves throughout the world as an amazing natural treatment for dental problems and improving dental hygiene. Oil pulling requires one to swish and swirl coconut oil in your mouth for at least twenty minutes without swallowing. After doing so you need to brush your teeth normally.

Coconut oil pulling maintains oral health by preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar in your teeth and gums, its anti microbial properties kills bacteria in the mouth resulting in cleaner teeth, healthier gums and fresher breath. Coconut oil is also known to whiten teeth naturally. Coconut oil is a must have in every home in several parts of Asia, why don’t you?