Benefits of Coconut Oil
Benefits of Coconut Oil
A few decades ago, coconut oil was considered an unhealthy food because it contains saturated fat. Saturated fats are fats that are bad and can contribute to diseases and illness such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
In 1999, after studies and researches were made, Mary Gertrude Enig PhD who is a well-known nutritionist, presented a report stating that coconut falls in the category of "functional food." Functional food is defined as food that provides a health benefit over and beyond the basic nutrients.
So although coconut oil contains saturated fats, the molecules are unlike other foods that contain saturated fatty acids. The fats in coconut oil react differently and actually contain antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.
Based on the methods the coconuts are processed, coconut oil are classified into four types. They are unrefined or virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil and hydrogenated coconut oil.
Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
The treatment of AIDs and other viral infections
50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid and is processed into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is a substance that weakens, destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria and lipid coated viruses. Some examples are HIV, herpes and influenza.
The researches made also revealed that the capric acid in coconut fat is transformed into monocaprin in the body. Monocaprin fights against HIV and is being tested for treatment against herpes simplex and other sexually transmitted bacteria.
Lose weight with the coconut diet
The majority of people were made to believe that the saturated fat in coconut oil contributes to weight gain. But Cherie Calbom proved it wrong. In her book "The Coconut Diet," she revealed that the virgin coconut oil is the secret ingredient that helps lose weight while you eat your favorite foods. According to Cherie, you will lose weight faster with the addition of a small amount of coconut oil in your daily diet.
There were people who reported that taking 4 tablespoons of coconut oil daily in their diet have helped them lose up to 20 pounds within sixty days.
No, you don't drink the liquid straight. Add the oil in your food or use it in your cooking. And it's highly recommended to use virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is obtained using the dry process where the oil is extracted directly from the kernel. Just like olive oil and fish oil, you can purchase coconut oil in the form of tablets and capsules.
Other health benefits of coconut oil are:
- It lowers bad cholesterol level. As mentioned above, though coconut oil contains saturated fats, the properties are different.
- It improves conditions such as diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome and digestive disorders.
- It enhances thyroid production and thus increases overall energy.
- Coconut oil is also used in skin care products because of its positive effect on the skin.
- The people of India and Sri Lanka have been using, and still are, applying coconut oil as a hair tonic. Shampoos with coconut oil are being sold in the market.
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