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10 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
July
19th, 2012
1— Enhance immunity and
fight infections
The main medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a substance
that has proven anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic
effects. MCFAs also boost metabolism
which helps the body repair and heal quicker. Coconut oil has been shown to
fight off diseases such as: herpes, measles, hepatitis, listeria (causes food
poisoning), staphylococcus, streptococcus, fungal/yeast infections, giardia
lamblia, and protozoa to name a few.
2—Decrease
risk of heart disease
Many studies link low-grade
bacterial and viral infections with heart disease. Coconut oil is effective in
fighting many of these infections. Saturated fats also help reduce levels of
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) which is an indicator of inflammation. Inflammation
has been linked to heart disease and may be the underlying issue in all disease
processes.
3— Promote
weight loss
MCFAs in coconut oil boost
metabolism and speed weight loss. Sally Fallon and Dr. Mary Enig recommend
taking coconut oil 20 minutes before each meal to enhance weight loss. Coconut
oil has a satiating effect and will help prevent overeating. They recommend 1-2
tablespoons in a mug of hot water, herbal tea (or even bone broth would be
great). Recommendations are 1 tbsp if you weight 90-130 lbs, 1 ½ tbsp if you
weight 131-180 lbs and 2 tbsp if you weight >180 lbs. For more in depth
information about weight loss using coconut oil and a nutrient-dense diet,
check out Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Sally Fallon and Dr. Mary Enig.
4—Improve
digestion
Coconut oil is easily digested and
absorbed compared to other fats. Therefore, it can be used as a medicinal food
to help nourish those with compromised digestion and difficulty digesting fats.
MCFAs are often used to help nourish those that are recovering from a serious
illness or injury. Cooking your food in coconut oil can help in the absorption
of other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
5— Boost
energy levels and enhance athletic/physical performance
Coconut oil contains special fats called medium chain fatty
acids (MCFAs) that allow the body to quickly convert coconut oil into energy.
Unlike other fats, MCFAs are absorbed by the intestine and quickly converted
into energy by the liver. Use coconut oil as a healthy way to boost energy
levels when you need a pick-me-up. Many athletes also use coconut oil to
improve performance and endurance.
6— Improve
skin health
Coconut oil applied topically moisturizes and nourishes the
skin. Used topically and orally, it can help in the treatment of skin
conditions to fight infection and help wounds heal faster. It can also help
minimize wrinkles and delay signs of premature aging.
7—Assist
with blood sugar regulation prevention/treatment of diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million
adults and children have diabetes in the United States. This is a serious
problem! But, good news…type II diabetes can be reversed with diet and
lifestyle modifications. Many diabetics that get on a Paleo type diet have
amazing success. Adding coconut oil liberally to the diet can also help to
control and effectively utilize blood sugar. The satiating effect of coconut
oil can also help reduce cravings for refined carbs and processed foods. These
problematic foods create insulin resistance which is the underlying issue for
diabetics.
8—Improve
brain health
Coconut oil is a mostly saturated
fat and provides nourishment for the brain. Sixty percent of our brain is made
of fat and half of it is saturated. When you restrict your diet of saturated
fat you may be starving your brain of the nutrients it needs to function. There
is an epidemic of chronic neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, etc., in this country and the world. Could it
have anything to do with our efforts to cut saturated fat completely out of our
diets?
There has also been promising
information circulating about the link between coconut oil and the prevention
and treatment of Alzheimer’s. Please see links for more compelling information.
9—Improve
hair health
Coconut oil is used around the world
to nourish hair and keep it vibrant and healthy. It is an excellent conditioner
and can be used to prevent or treat dry and damaged hair. The anti-microbial
properties of coconut oil help to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff.
10—Improve
thyroid function
Hypothyroidism is characterized by a
low metabolic rate. Symptoms include: weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, hair
loss, and lack of mental clarity, etc. Coconut oil has a “thermogenic effect”
and can raise body temperature. Coconut oil’s ability to raise body temperature
and boost metabolism helps to improve thyroid function.
What to look for when purchasing
coconut oil? QUALITY!!!!
HANYA ADA DI CENTURY