In today’s post, I will be sharing some of the benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil has become immensely popular over the past years because it has so many uses and benefits. From using it as a natural deodorant, cooking oil to protecting your hair and skin, this oil is a gem from nature that just keeps giving.
The oil originates from coconuts, and you get two primary types of oil – extra virgin coconut oil and copra oil. Even though they contain more or less the same number of fatty acids, extra virgin coconut oil contains other beneficial nutrients like bioactive compounds and vitamin E.
Many people use coconut oil because of its health benefits, and the fatty acid content can help with metabolism, healthy skin and hair, and cognitive function. Here are 7 benefits of coconut oil that are worth knowing.
7 Benefits of Coconut Oil
Weight Loss
Coconut contains a saturated fat called lauric acid that travels to your liver, and instead of being stored as fat, it is converted into energy. It could possibly assist with weight loss; however, more research is needed on the topic.
Hair
The oil can penetrate deeply into hair shafts because of the lauric acid content in coconut oil and its structure. That is why so many hair products contain coconut oil, and it can protect your hair from UV exposure and damage due to protein loss or grooming.
Skin
Coconut oil can be helpful for topical use to offer relief for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Coconut oil is often used as an anti-aging remedy as well.
Boosting Good Cholesterol Levels
Some cholesterol is good for you and is referred to as HDL cholesterol. Coconut oil can assist with boosting good cholesterol levels and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol) levels. However, coconut oil must be used in moderation; otherwise, it could have the opposite effect.
Brain Function
Coconut oil can improve cognitive function. The ketones found in coconut oil are linked to lowering symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by supplying energy sources to damaged brain cells. However, more research is needed on the topic.
Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, and Antimicrobial Effects
About fifty percent of the MCFAs found in coconut oil are lauric acid, which is the reason for coconut oil’s antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics.
Teeth
Many people make use of oil pulling, which is a natural ayurvedic remedy that originates from ancient India, to maintain good oral health. This practice involving coconut oil can be helpful in the prevention of dental cavities by lowering gingivitis and plaque formation. However, more research is needed on the topic.
Conclusion
I hope you have found this post about some of the benefits of coconut oil useful and exciting. When used as a topical remedy for moisturizing and taken in moderation, coconut oil can offer several advantages. However, some possible health risks should be taken into consideration.
For example, the saturated fat content in the oil can lead to heart disease if the oil is not consumed in moderation. Coconut oil is considered safe for most; however, some children and adults might be allergic to coconut or other fruit that belongs to the Arecaceae plant family.
Sending you lots of light, love, and positive energy.
Anthea