The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

The health benefits of coconut oil, used extensively in tropical countries, include weight loss, skin care, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. This post from Top Healthy Life discusses how coconut oil works in our body.

Why is coconut oil so good?

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can truly be described as a super food. Recently, much excitement has appeared around it that makes you ask yourself what’s so special about this plant. Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids with strong medicinal properties and what is known as medium chain fatty triglycerides. Most of triglyceride fatty acids are considered as long chain, but coconut oil is metabolized differently. These triglycerides are going from the liver into the digestive tract where they are used for quick energy. Places where coconut oil is consumed are considered the healthiest in the world.

In our Western society, coconut oil is still considered an exotic food, which is primarily consumed by people aware of the importance of healthy eating. In some parts of the world coconut oil falls under the dietary products. On the South Pacific, people receive 60% of their calories from coconut, and they are the greatest consumers of saturated fats in the world. These people have excellent health, and among them heart diseases are far less often than in the rest of the world.

1. It helps with weight control

A study from 2009 showed a connection between loss of excess weight in the abdomen area and eating coconuts. Coconuts are easily digestible and also protect the body from resistance to insulin.

2. Good source of lauric acid

Lauric acid (found in coconut oil) can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and can help combat infection. When the oil is digested in the body, a monoglyceride known by the name of monolaurin is created. Lauric acid and monolaurin help killing harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

3. Can reduce seizures

The ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates, but has plenty of fat. This leads to a percentage increase of ketones in the blood. For some reason, this kind of diet can reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children.

4. Easy digestion

Many people suffer from digestive problems. These people should consider adding coconut oil to their diet. Coconut oil helps with digestive disturbances including microbiological stomach bacteria and intestinal problems. Fatty acid containing antimicrobial properties soothe bacteria, candida, and even parasites that cause indigestion.

5. Helps control type 2 diabetes

Recent research carried out by the Garvin Institute for Medical Research have shown that coconut oil helps protect against insulin resistance, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

6. Cooking at high temperatures

Due to the medium chain fatty acids, coconut oil has a higher temperature resistance than most oils. You might find that you like it more than the usual olive oil, especially if you are cooking according to recipes that require high temperatures. Olive oil is oxidized as soon as it reaches a point of opacity, creating free radicals.

7. Slows aging and wrinkle formation

Coconut oil is not used only as food, because it offers many advantages in skin. It helps in maintaining the connective tissue strong and prevents wrinkles and other skin problems. Apply the oil directly to your face in order to mitigate the appearance of wrinkles or use it on a daily basis to make your skin glow.

8. Decreases hunger and appetite

One of the best things about coconut oil is that it can reduce the feeling of hunger. This is probably related to the way in which the fatty acids are metabolized. The ketone which is formed acts to reduce appetite.

Source: Here`s What Happens To Your Body When You Consume Coconut Oil Every Day | Top Healthy Life