Coconut Oil

 

Coconut Oil Benefits

 

There are many wonderful potential health benefits of coconut oil – and not just in the kitchen! Here are a few.

  • Coconut oil contains antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties that may help strengthen the immune system.
  • Consuming coconut oil regularly may reduce incidences of sickness.
  • Coconut oil helps to stimulate the body's metabolism which helps promote weight loss.
  • The fatty acids in coconut oil may destroy candida, which triggers weight gain, carbohydrate cravings and fatigue. It also helps burn stored fat.
  • People suffering from diabetes, obesity, gallbladder disease or Crohn's disease may benefit greatly from coconut oil.
  • Coconut oil does not produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream.
 

Additional Benefits of Coconut Oil

 

Did you know? Coconut oil may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance over time. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and protects against insulin resistance. It can even help prevent Type II Diabetes.

Many studies claim MCFAs in coconut oil may also help enhance physical and athletic performance. Because of its metabolic effect (boosts your metabolic rate) coconut oil speeds up the activity of the thyroid, and cell regeneration increases.

However, the fat in coconut oil does not have a negative effect on cholesterol. In fact, it may help improve your cholesterol profile. It helps prevent heart attack and stoke and may even cure heart disease.

Coconut oil can improve the look of your skin because of its resistance to oxidation and free radical formation. It keeps your connective tissues strong and aids in exfoliation of dead skin cells.

Coconut oil acts as a natural skin conditioner. Deeply penetrating and moisturizing. It helps with anti-aging, eczema and even provides some sun protection.

Coconut oil helps to promote normal platelet function reducing the risk of blood clot formation.

Coconut oil can be used to condition your hair. The fatty acids work from the insides of the strand outward providing protein, eliminating dandruff and aiding in re-growth. The natural aroma of coconut oil is very soothing. You can apply the oil to your head and massage gently to help remove mental fatigue.

   

Cooking with Coconut Oil

 

Cooking with vegetable/seed oils causes the formation of molecules more toxic than trans fat. Plus, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola - 90% of soy, corn and canola oils are GMO. You can try using coconut oil when you cook instead of butter, margarine, and vegetable oils.

Although extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a smarter choice, it's not the best for cooking due to its chemical structure. Heating EVOO makes it susceptible to oxidative damage.

Coconut Oil Roasted Sweet Potato Fries:

 
  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Rinse and cut up a sweet potato into long uniform slices.
  • Using a large bowl, heavily coat slices with coconut oil & season with salt & pepper. (Use your hands to mix it all together).
  • Place slices on a cookie sheet so they are not touching each other too much.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Flip. Bake for 10 more minutes. Enjoy!
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    Eat It by the Tablespoon

     

    Many people like to eat a tablespoon or two of coconut oil pure day straight from the jar. If it's not something you prefer to do, you could try adding it to your coffee in the morning or mixing in a smoothie.

    Coconut Oil for Skin, Hair, & Body

     

    You can try whipping coconut oil to make a fantastic body cream. Some people even add pure essential oils. You can also use it for skin ailments such as eczema. It also makes a great hair conditioner or massage oil.

    Quick Facts

     
  • Coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth. Lauric acid is a type of fat that is only found in coconuts and breast milk.
  • Our bodies convert lauric acid into a monoglyceride called monolaurin that may destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, measles, flu, pathogenic bacteria and protozoa.
  • Coconut oil is largely made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are easy to digest and immediately converted to energy rather than stored as fat.
  • Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), such as in vegetable/seed oils like corn, soy, safflower, sunflower, and canola are stored as fat.
  • Many human research studies demonstrate that replacing LCFAs with MCFAs decreases body weight and reduces fat deposition.
  • Coconut oil has been used successfully by doctors in treating aluminum poisoning.
  • Coconut oil is the only oil stable enough to resist mild heat-induced damage while cooking.
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    Sources

     
    • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19115123
    • http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx
    • http://coconutresearchcenter.org/
    • https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
    • http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html