Coconut oil health benefits

Coconut oil is one of the healthiest and most beneficial oils. Usually, we use coconut oil in our hair. Sometimes we use it for skincare. But this oil we use very rarely in cooking or food.

Many health experts believe that coconut oil increases digestion, reduces stress, regulates high blood sugar levels, keeps skin healthy, and is very beneficial for hair health.

This oil contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Iron.

In addition, the anti-bacterial and antifungal and antiviral ingredients in coconut oil are essential for good health.

Coconut oil has no cholesterol, no fiber, only vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil is also known as copra oil.

Considering the health benefits of coconut oil, it should be included in our diet. But it cannot be taken in excess.

Because coconut oil is 99% fat. 100 grams of coconut oil contains 790 calories and contains 72% saturated fat, 6% monounsaturated fat, and 2% polyunsaturated fat, 20% vitamin E, and 1% vitamin K.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

One study found that 72% of Americans identified coconut oil as “healthy”, although only 38% of nutritionists agreed. The benefits of coconut oil are discussed below –

Good for heart health:

Coconut oil contains 50% lauric acid, which helps maintain good cholesterol levels and normalizes high blood pressure.

It does not increase bad cholesterol and reduces inflammation in the arteries. As a result, heart health is good.

Has antimicrobial effects:

Loric acid in Coconut oil produces about 50% fatty acids. When our body digests lauric acid, it produces a substance called monolaurin.

Loric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Healthy fatty acids:

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat. The fatty acids (saturated fats) in coconut oil help our bodies burn fat and provide faster energy to the body and brain.

These healthy fatty acids increase HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Lose weight:

Coconut oil contains MCT. The most important feature of this MCT is that it can reduce appetite. In one study, 6 healthy men received different doses of MCT and LCT.

Of these, the people who took the most MCT had the lowest calorie intake. If the tendency to consume low calories for a long time, it helps to lose bodyweight.

HDL (good) can raise cholesterol:

Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats which can increase the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in our body. In one study of 40 women, coconut oil reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL.

Good for dry skin:

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps fight against bacterial infections of the skin.

It is very beneficial for dry skin of the face. So it helps to eliminate wrinkles The German dermatologist Hans-Giorg said.

Causes hair growth:

Coconut oil contains all the nutrients needed for hair growth. Lauric acid helps increase hair protein.

Also, it strengthens the hair follicles and prevents breakage. If you have dandruff or itchy scalp, rub one teaspoon of coconut oil on it for a while and wash your hair for 10 minutes.

This will reduce itching, dandruff will be removed

Increased brain function in Alzheimer’s disease:

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It is more common in the elderly. Alzheimer’s disease reduces the ability of our brain to use glucose for energy.

Researchers have suggested that ketones in coconut oil may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Reduce harmful belly fat:

The fatty acids in coconut oil help reduce appetite and reduce fat. This leads to weight loss. MCTs are particularly effective in reducing belly fat compared to LCTs.

In a 12-week study of 40 obese women who ate 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day, their waist circumference was significantly reduced.

In a four-week study of 20 obese men, waist circumference decreased after taking 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.

Lip care:

Whether cold or hot, many people have chapped lips all year round. Coconut oil can be a beautiful solution for them, as it will hydrate the lips and moisturize them in an instant.

Apply one or two drops of coconut oil on the lips before going to bed every day.

Minor burns:

If our hand burns suddenly, we should apply a little coconut oil. We can use coconut oil on the burnt area after a while. It will reduce the burn significantly.

Warning

If you are suffering from a complex disease or go through a regular medical course for any other reason, you must consult your doctor before eating.

Reference:

  • https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nyas.12999
  • https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-coconut-oil-good-for-brain-health/
  • https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/