Coconut oil has been one of the most important fats used in the diet in Asian and African countries which have a long coastline, due to the abundance of this very useful oil palm in such regions. Fats are an essential part of the diet because of their intrinsic value as structural and functional components of cell membranes.
They also act as carriers for fat-soluble molecules such as vitamin A and D, and as the beginning point for the synthesis of steroid hormones, prostaglandins and other bioactive molecules. On the other hand, high percentage of fat in the diet may lead to obesity and increased cardiovascular disease, diabetes – and even malignancy risk.
# Heart Health
There is a kind of acid called lauric acid that helps in a multitude of ways. Lauric acids keeps blood pressure and cholesterol levels down, it prompts the repair and healing of arteries. In women, the same acid can help to keep their lipid levels in check as they enter menopause.
# Diabetes
The secretion of insulin and leveling of blood sugar are both caused by pure coconut oil. In addition, blood glucose is also used more effectively.
# Healthy HairYou can sometimes find different hair products with coconut oil in them and for good reason. Using coconut oil in your hair routine, almost daily, can lead to faster growing, shinier, and thicker hair. This oil can also help to repair you hair, tame frizzing ,limit protein loss, and put a stop to dandruff.
To use coconut oil for your hair, you can either find hair masks in stores or recipes online, or you can simply massage it into your scalp.
# Alzheimer’sWhile this study is still being conducted, research is beginning to show that people with Alzheimer’s are having slightly fewer issues with the disease when they add coconut oil to diet than those who do not.
# Losing Weight
The fatty acids in coconut oil have been used to assist in the losing of extra weight. The oil also helps you to digest which can lead to your body getting rid of unwanted toxins that much faster. Your body digesting easier lessens some of the stress hormones that your brain releases to help you to digest.
# Improve Energy Levels
The fat coconut is changed into energy pretty easily. So rather than a cup of coffee in the morning, trying adding some coconut oil to your breakfast. Or if you discover that it does not work for you, try mixing some coconut oil into your coffee. You should get the effect of the caffeine without the sudden crash later on.
# Treating Dry Skin
Coconut oil has been used to for centuries as a lotion for dry skin. This oil is also known to help with skin infections (including but not limited to) dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. You can also use coconut oil to remove makeup, moisturize your face, to shave with instead of shaving cream, and to heal your cuticles.
# Treats Arthritis
The antioxidants in coconut help to treat arthritis. On top of keeping it down, it helps to calm in inflammation that comes with the arthritis. You can either add coconut oil to your diet or rub the oil on painful joints to treat arthritis with coconut oil.
# Healthy TeethCoconut oil helps with the absorption of calcium which is exactly what your teeth need to stay healthy. So adding coconut to you diet will help your teeth to stay strong, fight gingivitis, and keep the formation of plaque at bay. Coconut oil even whitens your teeth.
# Boost Immune SystemLauric, caprylic, and capric acids; and antimicrobial lipids are all compounds that help to build your immune system. These four compounds are all found in coconut oil and have been known to help stave off influenza, SARS, HIV, measles, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, and herpes.
Other infections, viruses, and other ailments coconut fights are gonorrhea, urinary tract and throat infections, ringworm causing yeast and fungi, pneumonia, thrush, athlete’s foot, and diaper rash.
# Muscle BuildingThere are medium-chain fatty acids that are often found in drinks drunk to build muscle. Rather than spending money on name brand muscle-building shakes, try making smoothies with real fruits and add in some coconut oil.
# Protects Against BacteriaCoconut oil is very protective with natural chemical layer that keeps things out. This Chemical barrier keeps out bacteria, dust, viruses, and dust. This oil can also heal bruises in a faster time.
# Organ HealthOrgans are fairly easy to damage if you do not keep them healthy. Coconut oil can help with that. Fatty acids and triglycerides prevent diseases in the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. Coconut oil stop kidney stones from forming, while assisting in dissolving them if they do. This oil is even used in curing pancreatitis.
#CalmingRubbing virgin coconut oil into your scalp has been known to alleviate stress. If the virgin coconut oil does not seem to help, you can try using an aromatherapy oil with a pure coconut carrier oil.
# Strong BonesCoconut oil makes it easier for your body to take in minerals and other nutrients. By adding coconut oil to your diet, you are helping your body to better absorb magnesium and calcium. Not only are these minerals important for your bones, but they are also chief warriors in the battle some people have against osteoporosis.