There are a lot of talks these days about the health benefits of coconut oil, and for good reason. This “underrated superfood” is packing a powerful nutritional punch, thanks to its high levels of healthy saturated fats, minerals, and vitamins.
Coconut oil has been shown to improve heart health, help with weight loss, and even reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
If you haven’t already started incorporating this amazing oil into your diet, now is the time! Here are just a few ways you can enjoy coconut oil:
Coconut oil is a healthy, natural alternative to other cooking oils
Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which the body can easily convert into energy. In addition, coconut oil has been shown to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
Furthermore, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties. For these reasons, coconut oil is a healthy, natural alternative to other cooking oils.
When used in moderation, it can help to improve your overall health and wellness.
8 Underrated Benefits of coconut oil
Coconut oil is a hot commodity these days. People are using it for just about everything – cooking, skincare, hair care, and more.
While it’s true that coconut oil has a lot of great benefits to offer, some benefits often go overlooked. Here are 8 underrated benefits of coconut oil.
1. Boosts Brain Function
Coconut oil has been shown to improve brain function in people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The ketones present in coconut oil can help to increase brain function by providing an alternative energy source for the brain.
2. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Coconut oil has also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. The saturated fats present in coconut oil can help to improve cholesterol levels, which can in turn lower the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, the lauric acid present in coconut oil can help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Coconut oil can also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil are thought to be due to the presence of medium-chain triglycerides, which are a type of saturated fat that has been shown to reduce inflammation.
4. Boosts Energy Levels
Coconut oil can also help to boost energy levels. The medium-chain triglycerides present in coconut oil are metabolized differently than other types of fat and can be used by the body for quick energy.
Coconut oil is also a good source of electrolytes, which are minerals that play a role in muscle function and hydration.
5. Improves Digestion
Coconut oil can also help to improve digestion. The fatty acids present in coconut oil can help to kill harmful bacteria and parasites, while also promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Coconut oil is also a natural laxative, which can help to relieve constipation.
6. Promotes Weight Loss
Coconut oil has also been shown to promote weight loss. The medium-chain triglycerides present in coconut oil can increase metabolism and reduce appetite, both of which can lead to weight loss.
Additionally, coconut oil can help to reduce belly fat, which is a type of fat that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
7. Fights Infections
Coconut oil has also been shown to fight infections. The lauric acid present in coconut oil can kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
8. Lowers Cholesterol
Coconut oil has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Coconut oil contains a type of saturated fat called lauric acid, which has been shown to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Additionally, coconut oil can help to decrease triglyceride levels.
Can I eat coconut oil directly?
The experts generally advise against eating coconut oil straight from the jar. The reason for this is that coconut oil is very high in saturated fat. It’s about 90% saturated fat.
To put that into perspective, butter is only about 60% saturated fat. Eating too much-saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
So, unless you’re looking to up your cholesterol levels, it’s probably best to stick to using coconut oil in moderation.
What does coconut oil do to your hair?
Coconut oil is often touted as a miracle product for hair, but what exactly does it do? For starters, coconut oil is an excellent conditioner.
It helps to replenish lost moisture and can leave even the driest hair looking and feeling softer and shinier. In addition, coconut oil can help to protect hair from damage caused by sun exposure and styling products.
What is coconut oil good for?
Coconut oil has been praised for its many alleged health benefits, from helping to boost weight loss to improving heart health.
It is a rich source of antioxidants, which are believed to play a role in protecting against heart disease and other chronic conditions. Coconut oil is also effective in reducing inflammation, which can contribute to a variety of health problems.
Why coconut oil is bad for your skin?
Coconut oil has been all the rage in recent years, touted as a superfood with endless benefits. However, that doesn’t mean it’s good for everyone.
For oil skin people, coconut oil is heavy oil, which means it can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It’s also comedogenic that will cause blackheads and whiteheads. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, coconut oil is not your friend.
Are coconut oil and coconut butter the same?
While coconut oil and coconut butter both come from coconuts, they are actually quite different. Coconut oil is made by extracting the oil from the flesh of the coconut.
In contrast, coconut butter is made by grinding up the whole coconut, including the flesh, milk, and water. As a result, coconut butter has a much richer flavor and creamier consistency than coconut oil.
Are coconut oil pills good for you?
There are coconut oil pills available as dietary supplements. But are these pills good for you? The jury is still out on that one.
Some studies have shown that coconut oil can help to improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation, while others have found no significant benefits.
Coconut oil is also high in saturated fat, which can be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities.
So if you’re considering taking coconut oil pills, be sure to speak with your doctor first and make sure they’re right for you.
