Proven Health Benefits and Uses of Coconut Oil

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The benefits and uses of coconut oil cannot be overemphasized.

Over the years, coconut oil has been relegated to the back by the medical community and this due to its saturated fat contents.

Interestingly, coconut oil is now making a return to the health and medical community by its numerous health benefits.

A number of the fats present in coconut oil are saturated in nature, but they come in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCFA's).

These MCFA's affects the body differently than the other short or long chains of fats. Several of the fats we consume fall to the long-chain fatty acid that needs to be broken down before our body can absorb it.

The coconut oil is rich in medium/short fatty acids chain which the body easily digests and sent directly to the liver for the production of energy. Because the MCFA's go directly into the liver for digestion, there no bile or pancreatic enzymes needed for its digestion.

Therefore, presenting coconut oil as a healthy class of food for both patients with gall bladder cases and even diabetic conditions.

Coconut oil is also free of cholesterol and serves as brain fuel. Therefore, this form part of the reasons coconut oil is good to the brain and also for weight loss.

Several healthy fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A and Vit K) can also be found in coconut oil.

The medium-chain triglycerides are composed of the following;

i.                Capric acid- this is converted to monocaprin in the body, which boosts immunity and has antimicrobial effects.

ii.               Caprylic acid- this fat has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties

iii.             Lauric acid- this fat makes up 40% of the fat in totality, therefore, making it among nature’s best natural source. Lauric acid is converted to monolaurin by the body, a great immune booster

The benefits and uses of coconut oil shall be discussed under the following headings.

A.    The uses of coconut oil in recipes and cooking.

i.                Can be used for the production of coconut cream concentrates or coconut cluster, which is a brain-boosting snack.

ii.               It could be used as an alternative to vegetable oil.

iii.             A tablespoon could be added to chia seed for energy production (it should be used during the day and not at night)

iv.              It could be added to foods or smoothies for daily energy.

v.                It can be emulsified right into your coffee as a coffee creamer.

vi.              Its consumption boost metabolism due to its high lauric contents.

B.     Uses of coconut for beauty.

i.                   It can be used as a lotion on the skin due to its moisturizing effects.

ii.                 It is an excellent eye makeup remover.

iii.               It is good massaging oil when combined with other favorite oil.

iv.                It could be rubbed directly on the lips as a lip balm.

v.                  It lightens age spots when rubbed directly to the skin

vi.                It can be used as an aftershave and natural shave cream

vii.              Add coconut oil to sea salt to remove dry skin on feet

viii.            Coconut oil can be used alone or with baking soda as a deodorant

ix.                Coconut oil rubbed directly to the hair stimulate hair growth

x.                   It could also be used alone or with baking soda in teeth whitening

xi.                 Coconut oil is a great tanning oil.

xii.               It can be used as a lubricant around the vaginal without any adverse effect on the vaginal  flora

xiii.            An equal part of sugar mixed with an equal portion of coconut oil could be used as a body scrub (this should be done in the shower)

xiv.              It helps in keeping your scalp dandruff free even when the scalp is naturally dry. Concerning this is also the fact that it keeps lice away from the scalp.

Coconut oil also helps in the treatment of the following skin problems

i.                   Eczema

ii.                 Burns

iii.               Skin wound

iv.                Dermatitis

v.                  Pimples and other skin infections

vi.                Dry skin (xerosis)

vii.              UV radiation.

Other benefits and uses of coconut oil include;

1.     In the digestive system: the presence of some beneficial fats in coconut oil makes it good for digestion.

2.     Immune booster: the MCT’s in addition to the capric, caprylic, and lauric acid present in coconut oil has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties which is beneficial to boosting immunity

3.     Great cooking fat: coconut oil does not readily break down like other oil. Coconut oil does not go through spoilage easily (rancidity) and has healthy nutritional properties. It is great for cooking all types of food.

4.     Diabetes control: it controls blood sugar and promotes insulin secretion. It promotes effective blood glucose absorption, hence, manages diabetes.

5.     Bone care: coconut oil helps the body to easily absorb certain important nutrients like magnesium and calcium which are important for bone development. Women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age are advised to use coconut oil.

6.     Other antimicrobial effects: coconut oil destroys the viruses that cause hepatitis, measles, influenza, and some other serious health challenge. 

      It destroys also the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, ulcers, throat infections, UTI (urinary tract infections), and pneumonia. Coconut oil also kills yeast and fungi that cause diaper rash, ringworm and athlete foot. This was according to the coconut research center.

7.     For dental care: several research studies have shown that dental cases like halitosis and plaque can best be treated by the use of oil pulling through coconut oil. 

      Dr. F.C Peedikayil et al in his research discovered that oil pulling with coconut oil can be effective in minimizing plaque formation and gingivitis.

8.     Control of seizures: the presence of MCT’s in coconut oil has made it an integral part of the ketogenic diet in other to give succor from epilepsy and seizures.

9.     Coconut oil relieves symptoms of dementia: recent research published in the Annals of the New York Academy of sciences shows that the MCT's in coconut oil, which are a great source of ketones can be associated with improving the memory. 

      But more research work needs to be done to confirm if coconut oil boosts the functionality of the brain.

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 Conclusions

The benefits and uses of coconut oil are enormous, you could join the conversation by dropping any benefits and uses not listed in this article.