30 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil - A Superfood that May Save Your Life

A real superfood

The results of approximately 1500 different studies have proved that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods you can get. Extensive research has also conclusively discovered, and made universally known, the secrets of coconut oil.

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This knowledge has created, over the past few years, unprecedented popularity and demand for coconut oil. It is sought after, not only for the medical benefits the oil offers, but also for the dozens of day to day uses it provides.

Using coconut oil for health benefits is an important natural way to improve and maintain optimum health.

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Important nutrients

Coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats called medium-chain fatty acids, or MCFAs, which are also known as essential fatty acids. Dietitians mostly recommend that we should avoid saturated fats, but remember that our bodies need both saturated and unsaturated fats to maintain health.

It has long been recognized that omega 3 and 6 are essential fatty acids necessary for good health, however solid research has revealed that the main MCFAs in coconut oil are even more uniquely health beneficial.

These MCFAs include

Caprylic acid which is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory.
Lauric acid is fat burning, anti-microbial, antibacterial, and also has hormone-balancing properties.
Capric acid is an excellent moisturizing and skin-renewing substance, which is often included in cosmetic ingredients because it is also considered to be safe for sensitive skin.

Studies have shown that coconut oil also possesses trace amounts of iron, choline – part of the vitamin B group, is high in antioxidants, and contains plant sterols, which act in the intestine to lower the absorption of cholesterol from food.

It is interesting to note that coconut oil contains no cholesterol, no carbs, no sugar, no fiber, and no protein. In fact, nothing at all to put fear into the hearts of the diabetic and high cholesterol brigade.

What it does contain is an abundance of amazing health-promoting substances, which can help to get your health on the right track.

30 Marvelous Benefits of Coconut Oil

A natural, non-greasy skin moisturizer, which is quickly absorbed and effectively replenishes the skin.
It can also be used as a face cleanser and sunscreen, as well as to treat several other skin disorders.
You can also rinse your mouth with a little coconut oil to rid your mouth of bacteria, and help to prevent gum disease.
If you have dandruff or very dry hair, the fatty acids in coconut oil can dramatically improve the condition.
In general, coconut oil is a wonderful natural remedy for almost any skin problem.
The MCFAs in coconut are easier to digest than other fats, and are more rapidly processed by the liver, which means that they are immediately converted into energy, instead of being stored as fat.
Because coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats, it helps to increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body which counters the levels of bad cholesterol – LDL.
Increasing HDL in the body has a far-reaching effect in promoting heart health, and seriously lowering the risk of heart disease.
The MCFAs help to balance insulin reactions in the body and take strain off the pancreas, by providing consistent energy that is not dependant on glucose reactions.
This helps to prevent insulin resistance, and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that because of the fat burning abilities, it is effective for weight loss, and especially useful for losing stubborn belly fat.
MCFAs are also good for building muscle, and are often used in muscle-building supplements.
Capric and Lauric acid in coconut oil is an excellent natural treatment for candida and yeast fungal infections, which lead to unpleasant symptoms ranging from fatigue to intestinal and vaginal infections.
Coconut oil has very high levels of antioxidants which help to fight the free radicals which rampage around in the body, causing damage to all the organs.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the caprylic acid in coconut oil, help to lower the risk of arthritis.
A further study revealed that the high levels of antioxidants reduced pain and inflammation in arthritis, playing a dual role as a pain killer and an anti-inflammatory agent.
Lauric acid is known to create an unfriendly environment for bacteria, viruses, and parasites wanting to invade your body.
Urinary tract and kidney infections are no match for coconut oil. The MCFAs work as a natural antibiotic.
Research has shown that coconut oil helps the liver to function well, and directly protects it from damage.
Because the MCFAs are so easy to digest, the pancreas is spared having to use enzymes to break the fat down. The pancreas is under less pressure, and this is beneficial for the health of diabetics.
A study published way back in 2004 revealed that The MCFAs improved memory problems in older patients.
Many long distant athletes also use coconut oil during training or long-distant events because of the almost instant fuel offered by the quick digestion process of coconut oil.
This digestion process of the MCFAs is a huge factor in helping the body to absorb vital fat-soluble vitamins, and the minerals calcium and magnesium.
A study involving children who were suffering from diarrhea, found that introducing coconut oil into the diet on a regular basis, can reduce the length of time a child may suffer from diarrhea.
Coconut oil is able to soothe athlete’s foot, which is a very irritating condition that is not easy to heal.
Soothing diaper rash effectively will soothe many sore baby bottoms!
The antibacterial properties will also ease and relieve painful, itchy eczema.
Consuming coconut oil is also known to reduce hypertension.
It helps to keep arteries from getting blocked and sustaining injuries.
It is most beneficial for keeping overall immunity at an optimum level.

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Are all coconut oils the same

There are only 2 main kinds of coconut oils – refined and unrefined. Refined oils are made from copra, which is dried coconut meat. Unrefined coconut oil is produced from fresh, raw coconut meat.

Refined oils have no coconut taste or aroma, and usually goes through processes that include being deodorized and bleached.

Unrefined oils contain no added chemicals, and high degrees of heat is not used to refine the oil. It has all the health benefits of coconut oil, and also has a distinct coconut flavour.

It is worth noting that although refined coconut oils do not offer the same health benefits of raw, or unrefined oils, they are still good sources of the excellent MCFAs. Most of the coconut oils available in commercial food stores are refined, unless otherwise stated on the label.

What are things to look out for when buying coconut oil

Decide whether you want to opt for refined or unrefined oil. Bear in mind that refined oil is cheaper to buy, and although still a good source of MCFAs, chemicals have been used in the manufacturing process.

A definite no – no is to buy any oil which is labelled hydrogenated or perhaps partly hydrogenated. This process creates the dangerous, synthetic trans-fats.

If you are a purist when it comes to natural foods, then look for the labels which state “virgin” or “extra virgin” coconut oil.This refers to the use of fresh, raw coconuts, without the addition of any chemicals in the manufacturing process.The genuine unrefined oil will also have a pleasant, mild coconut flavour and scent.

Side effects

There appear to be no real negative health side effects when using coconut oil. There is a caution though, not to overdose on coconut oil when using it for weight loss. Some people have been advised to take several tablespoons per day to encourage fat burning.

One tablespoon of coconut oil is equivalent to about 13 grams of fat, so it is no wonder that folk taking 4 tablespoons per day, often complain of nausea and vomiting.

If you are trying to lose weight, reduce your daily intake of coconut oil to the recommended dosage, follow a healthy diet, and eat less for a healthy, successful weight loss.

How to get coconut oil into your diet

Here are some easy ways to take coconut oil.

Add coconut oil to your cooking.
Use coconut oil to coat the pan when cooking eggs.
Add it to a breakfast smoothie.
You can substitute coconut oil for butter and margarine in most baking recipes.
Mix it into your yoghurt for a different taste.
Make some chocolate coconut brownies packed with healthy fats to boost energy. The kids will love the taste.
When making a fry-up, coconut oil is a fantastic, healthy choice.
You can also take coconut oil by the spoonful, but to avoid any prospect of nausea, do not overdo it!