The usage of coconut oil has an array of benefits for our health because it helps to cure multiple levels of problems that occur in our health on a day-to-day basis. It has been observed that coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of matured coconuts and harvested from the coconut palm tree, which is also known as a member of the Arecaceae plant family. No matter whichever form we take, the benefits of coconut oil have been truly amazing and add prominence to both our kitchens and bathrooms. Besides all, coconut oil is deemed to be higher quality than refined coconut oil and is said to be richer in antioxidant polyphenols as well as nutrients like vitamin E.
Top 10 Benefits of Coconut Oil
1.) Helps to treat Skin Conditions
Treatment of skin-related problems is one of the benefits of coconut oil. Limited but consistent evidence appears to support the topical use of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate cases of chronic skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. It has also been shown to alleviate some complex skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. According to studies, applying coconut oil extract to human skin may enhance its protective barrier functions and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Hence for skin-related treatments coconut oil is considered as medicine rather than used as a diet.
2.) Cures Dental Problems
If you are facing gum problems or plaque overgrowth, then you should try coconut oil, as it has proven benefits to treat oral problems. The presence of lauric acid, allows it to prevent the formation of dental cavities. Having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil proves as a boon in improving oral hygiene when done correctly and regularly. Studies also suggest that the benefits of coconut oil are also great to prevent dental caries by reducing plaque formation and gingivitis.
3.) Helpful for Weight Loss
Weight loss has been a growing concern for many, and hence it is widely looked after while using coconut oil. The benefits of coconut oil for weight loss purposes help to relieve hunger pangs and cause a feeling of satiety. It also increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion. Studies have shown that subjects who consume food cooked in coconut oil lose more weight over some time. There are some studies which establish the true evidence of using coconut oil for weight loss. A meta-analysis of 13 studies published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help you lose weight when they replace long-chain triglycerides, like those from soybean and canola oil) in your diet. And a Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed that the MCT in coconut oil can increase diet-induced thermogenesis in humans by as much as 6%.
4.) Helps to Kill Bacteria
Killing bacteria is also one of the benefits of coconut oil, around half of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid. Lauric acid is particularly good at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi; therefore, it’s great in helping you stave off infections when used externally. However, when you ingest coconut oil, it reacts with enzymes to form a monoglyceride called monolaurin. Monolaurin is great for killing harmful pathogens, too. In addition to keeping all kinds of nastiness at bay, both of these substances have been shown to kill the bacteria and very dangerous pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus and the yeast Candida albicans, which is a common source of yeast infections.
5.) Great for Muscle Building
Maintaining and building muscles is also one of the benefits of coconut oil. The MCTs in coconut oil are good for upping your body’s energy expenditure and burning calories. Here’s yet another way this wonder-stuff can help your body. It’s great for building muscle, according to a study. The MCTs found in coconut are also used in popular muscle-building products like Perfect Keto Protein Powder. But many supplements use processed forms of MCTs. By eating and adding actual coconut oil, you will benefit from getting your MCTs in their natural and most effective form. Add 1-2 tablespoons of it to a muscle-building shake daily to feel the full benefits of coconut oil.
6.) Effect on Hunger
Curbing appetite is also one of the benefits of coconut oil. Scientists suspect that coconut oil’s interesting effect on hunger may be related to the way the fatty acids in it are metabolized. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition of 14 healthy men discovered that those who ate the most MCTs at breakfast ate significantly fewer calories at lunch and had regulated blood sugar levels, proving that adding the MCT-rich benefits of coconut oil to one’s diet could have a very positive effect on weight and body composition. You can also use a blender to add it to your coffee for a tasty pick-me-up.
7.) Cures Memory Disorders
Curbing memory problems is also one of the benefits of coconut oil. A study published in the journal of Neurobiology of Aging demonstrated that the MCTs found in coconut oil improved the memory problems their older subjects were experiencing. All patients felt the benefits of coconut oil in the study and saw a marked improvement in their recall ability after taking the fatty acid. It’s thought that this is due to MCTs being absorbed more easily in the body. As they can be accessed in the brain without the use of insulin, they can more efficiently fuel brain cells.
8.) Promotes Hair Health
Protecting your hair is also one of the benefits of coconut oil. According to studies, coconut oil deeply penetrates hair strands, it makes them more flexible and increases their strength to prevent them from breaking under tension. However, hair damage during combing and problems of hair fall are some of the concerns that most people face on a daily basis. Applying coconut oil to your scalp helps to reduce the risk of damage from combing your hair and also hair fall. Studies have suggested that the usage of coconut oil reduces the protein loss for both undamaged and damaged hair when used before and after washing hair. However, it has been observed that the lauric acid in coconut oil can easily penetrate hair proteins to aid in protecting your locks.
9.) Helps to Treat Arthritis
Curing joint-related pains, known as arthritis is also one of the benefits of coconut oil. A study by international Immunopharmacology showed that the high levels of antioxidants present in virgin coconut oil reduce inflammation and heals arthritis more effectively than leading medications. The antioxidants called polyphenols found in coconut oil is the one that helps to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. A study in rats with arthritis found that treatment with polyphenols from coconut oil reduced swelling and several inflammatory markers.
10.) Regulates Good Cholesterol in the Body
Regulating good cholesterol in our body is one of the benefits of coconut oil. There are two types of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol, and the other one is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. HDL appears to help reduce levels of LDL, and high levels of HDL may help boost cardiovascular health.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
