7 Ways Coconut Oil Can Improve Your Health

Coconut Oil can improve your health in many ways. Conventional thought once considered fats like coconut oil to be unhealthy and play a role in cardiovascular disease.  The oil had also once been popular in western countries, including the United States and Canada; however, there had been a strong propaganda in the 1970’s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil.  Coconut oil was considered harmful to the human body due to the high saturated fat content up until the last decade (2000s) when consumers started questioning this propaganda.  We now understand that this isn’t true!  Actually, coconut oil is really a heart-healthy food that may keep the body running smoother in a number of different ways.   Let’s get into some specifics of how coconut oil can improve your health and benefit your body!

Weight Loss

Coconut fats have particular fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It’s been shown that breaking down these particular healthy fats in your liver results in efficient burning of energy. Further, it increases the body’s metabolism by removing stress on the pancreas; thereby burning up more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their body weight.  We recommend trying Dr. Oz Detox Berries & Green Smoothie to try a smoothie with coconut oil that may help you lose weight.

Reduces Cholesterol

Coconut oil improves your health because it contains a saturated fat called lauric acid, a type of MCT. It’s been shown that lauric acid increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood that can improve cholesterol ratio levels.  Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by means of promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule which is a precursor a number of the hormones the body needs. Coconut oil may also help restore normal thyroid function. In the event the thyroid does not function optimally, it may contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol.  Coconut oil’s effects on health are visible in people from the Philippines and Asia where it is the primary source of dietary fat for centuries while the people remain slim with obesity and heart disease being rare.

Anti-Aging

The oils found in coconut contain a positive antioxidant action inside the body. This in essence means that they help the body stop damage to other healthy fats and tissues in the body. Oxidation is regarded as a significant contributor to cardiovascular problems and aging of the skin. Coconut oil can basically help our bodies minimize the need for antioxidant intake.

Hair and Skin

Coconut oil not just benefits the human body’s systems on the inside, but it can also benefit your skin as well. The reason being is your skin is really a large organ that filters and processes waste much like the other organs in your body. Coconut oil helps to reduce the seriousness of bacterial and inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Coconut oil can also be a wonderful moisturizer for hair and skin. It has good levels of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is very protective and repairs the skin and hair by removing the dead skin cells, softening the skin and hair, and repairing the underlying tissues.

Diabetes

Coconut oil can even positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control. Individuals who take coconut oil also generally have improvements in the way that they handle blood sugar, for coconut can help to improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can improve health by boosting thyroid function – helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It improves digestion, helping to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Digestion

Coconut oil helps with improving the digestive system and therefore prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The saturated fats present found in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties and aid in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that can cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps with absorption of other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Immunity

Coconut oil contains a natural antibiotic effect in the body killing the bad bacteria without harming the good bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy gut. A healthy gut is directly linked with overall health.  It can also help to boost the immune system due to the high concentration of lauric acid and caprylic acid, fatty acids which possess antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties so potent that these are being studied in medical trials relating to their potential to treat HIV/AIDS. Coconut oil also increases the absorption of minerals, calcium (strong bones), and magnesium (nerve function and youthful skin), along with amino acids (for lean muscle) from the foods we consume.  It can also assist with fighting off yeast, fungus, and candida.

How Can You Use Coconut Oil?

• Replace as a butter or margarine spread on toast and muffins.
• Blend in coffee or tea for energy packed “Bulletproof” Coffee or Tea
• Use as a deeply moisturizing body lotion
• Apply to hair as a nourishing conditioner
• Use in low to medium heat in a pan to replace butter and oils for cooking
• An excellent ingredient in baking and shortening
• Add a spoonful in a shake or smoothie for extra energy
• As sensual massage oil, or anywhere that needs a little less “friction”

Coconut oil is stable and has a long shelf life of up to three years. Also, at temperatures lower than 24.5 degrees C, it can convert to a white solid form. Therefore, coconut oil usually stays fresher longer than any other polyunsaturated oils.

Does coconut oil have side effects?

The literature suggests that coconut oil is safe to take in reasonable amounts. While no formal study has determined the exact amount for optimal benefit, it appears that one to two tablespoons a day can be beneficial.

Be sure to join our community!