The Powerful Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Lisa Franchi March 11, 2013

You know for sure that olive oil is good for your health. But did you know coconut oil can be as good too? For thousands of years, people have relied on coconut-derived products to prevent and ease many illnesses and promote health and wellness. Coconut oil in particular, has gained considerable popularity for being a powerful brain booster!

So in what ways does coconut oil improve your health?

Weight Loss

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) – a unique type of fats that is absorbed directly by the liver, and converted into a substance called ketones. Ketones are natural energy-boosters. They also have the ability to promote fat loss. This means, with coconut oil, you can shed some pounds while keeping your energy levels high. In one study, researchers found that women who consumed 2 tablespoons of coconut oil every day for 12 weeks reduced their abdominal fat. This is very interesting because belly fat, a strong predictor of heart disease, is very hard to eliminate.

Better Brain Function

Turns out, MCTs that are converted into ketones are also responsible for the brain-boosting properties of coconut oil. Ketones serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain – providing the energy the brain needs especially during very stressful situations. According to experts, saturated fats (which coconut oil contains) are not necessarily unhealthy. In fact, they are needed to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They also play a significant role in lowering the risk of multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Huntington’s chorea, and many other illnesses.

Coconut oil also helps eliminate bad bacteria in your brain, balance hormones, maintain glucose levels, and reduce inflammation – a fact that makes it a superior food for the brain!

Reduced Cancer Risk

To make your body cancer-proof, you need to feed it with lots of antioxidants. Adding virgin coconut oil in your regular diet can significantly boost the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in your body, suggests a study published in the journal Food Chemistry. It’s because coconut oil contains polyphenol compounds – natural substance that stimulate antioxidant activation.

Prevention of Viral Infections

Aside from breast milk, only coconut oil contains lauric acid – a natural compound that has the ability to resist all types of infections stemming from virus, bacteria and fungi. It also promotes a stronger immune system – allowing your body to easily recuperate from viral infections and other diseases without the need for medications.

Younger-Looking Skin

Numerous studies suggest that coconut oil slows down the onset of ageing. Not only that, it also serves as a natural moisturiser for the skin. Organic coconut oil is safe to use for both adults and children.

Protection from Heart Disease

One of the major and most impressive benefits of consuming coconut oil is ability to boost cardiovascular health. Coconut oil promotes heart health by lowering down bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol levels.

Dear Readers,

Can you suggest some delicious ways to incorporate coconut oil in your daily diet?

Share your comments below!