What is the latest information regarding Coconut Oil?

I was teaching my Wednesday morning plates class and we were discussing some of the benefits of coconut oil.

One of my clients who is from Malaysia said that in her country whenever the children had a temperature they gave them a teaspoon of coconut oil and it brought the temperature down.

I had not heard of coconut used in this way before.

It lead me to thinking….

What other amazing uses does it have?

And these included:

• Hair care

• Skin care

• Stress relief

• Maintaining cholesterol levels

• Weight loss

• Increased immunity

• Improved digestion

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Bone Density

Benefits for the Hair:

Coconut oil is said to be one of the best natural nutrients for the hair. It helps in healthy growth and gives the hair a good sheen.

One method is to apply a small amount of the coconut oil on the hair after washing as it is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. Or apply the night before and leave in to nourish the hair over night. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair.

Skin Care:

It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins. Coconut oil is a safe solution for preventing dryness.

It also delays wrinkles that can normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis. Coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of many products that are used for skin care.

Heart Diseases:

There is a misconception amongst many that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% Lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

Weight Loss:

Coconut oil is useful in weight reduction as it contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight.

It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems.

It increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases; thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

Digestion:

Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion.

Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Immunity:

Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids.

Healing and Infections:

When applied to an infection, it forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external factors.

 Coconut oil is very effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.

Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

According to the Coconut Research Center coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis and herpes. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections and pneumonia,

Stress Relief: 

Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.

Diabetes: 

Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also helps in effective utilization of blood glucose.

Bones: 

Coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb minerals that are necessary for development of the bone structure, which can be very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.

 Coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this is that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries.

Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance.

Inspired by Kiran Patil.