The benefits of coconut oil include soft hair and skin, improved metabolism, reduced cholesterol and increased immunity. This is due the presence of lauric acid and caprylic acid. Lauric acid converts to monolaurin which is highly toxic to viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Most of our fats are long chain fatty acids which have to be broken down before they are absorbed. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat but it is a medium chain fatty acid which the body uses very efficiently and sends directly to the liver for energy production, this helps raise the metabolism and combat fatigue. This by providing usable energy rather than being stored as fat.
Because no bile or digestive enzymes are needed it is a useful fat for those who have diabetes or gallbladder problems.
Medium chain fatty acids to do not have a negative effect on cholesterol, in fact coconut oil can lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Coconut oil can boost bone strength by increasing absorption of calcium, vitamin D and bone building minerals.
Ways to use it:
- In cooking – if you are stir frying 2 teaspoons is usually enough but you can have up to 1 or 2 tablespoons per day
- As a skin lotion it makes skin very silky
- works great again dandruff and fungal scalp conditions as well as softening hair
- In smoothies – it’s creamy texture gives a boost of healthy fats and slows down the absorption of fructose
- Chocolate snack – coconut oil melted down and mixed with raw cocoa powder, stevia or Manuka honey makes a lovely immune boosting chocolate bar
References:
The health benefits of coconut oil. (n.d.). Bioriginal Food and Science Corp. Retrieved on June 4, 2012
Assuncao ML, Ferreira HS, Dos Santos AF, Cabral CR Jr, Florencio TM. Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity. Lipids. May 13, 2009