Previously unheard of, until just a few years ago, coconuts were mainly considered a tropical fruit whose thickened milk is used to flavour curries. A trip to a tropical country may have seen the adventurous drinking water from the young fruit with a straw. And suddenly health food stores were full of coconut water, like that from inside the young fruit; bestowing the benefits of potassium rich water, filled with health giving electrolytes.
Since then, coconut oil and related products have seen a prolific propulsion into our homes, as manufacturers have started producing cartons of coconut milk (a thinner version of the canned product used in curries), coconut flour, oil, butter and many other products. Furthermore, the health benefits of coconut oil have been linked to weight loss and receding Alzheimer’s.
Here we identify some of the main health benefits of introducing coconut oil into your diet.
Lower cholesterol
Coconut oil is a source of MCFAs, which are considered a healthy form of trans-fatty acid. A diet including too much trans-fatty acid has often been linked with heart problems and increased cholesterol levels. However, these shorter term MCFA fats present in coconut oil are metabolised more quickly within the liver; immediately converting the oil into energy. This energy acts as fuel for the brain and muscle function as opposed to being stored as fat.
Weight loss
Coconut oil is a fat that helps make you thin! Of particular note is research that links ingesting coconut oil to reducing abdominal obesity. Because it’s easy to digest, it also protects the body from insulin resistance.
Increases metabolism
Research conducted recently indicates that coconut oil boosts metabolism. Studies indicated that participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day were burning more kilojoules than those who consumed less or none at all. Since a fast metabolism has long since been linked with weight loss, coconut oil is effective in this, and a faster metabolism helps aid a healthy immune system too.
Helps halt and reverse Alzheimer’s
Recent research has looked at the role of diet in developing Alzheimer’s, and the role of cholesterol uptake to the brain. Studies have shown coconut oil to help reverse and halt Alzheimer’s by attenuating mitochondrial production, which is part of the onset of Alzhemiers.
Youthful looking skin
As well as actually helping to keep the brain younger and healthier, coconut oil prevents the signs of aging; keeping connective tissues strong and preventing sagging and wrinkles. The oil can be applied topically directly to dry areas of skin to soften the appearance of fine lines.
Aids healthy digestion
Those who suffer from poor digestion can try adding coconut oil to your diet. Coconut oil has been found to benefit digestive disorders including IBS, leaky gut and microbial related stomach issues. The fatty acids in coconut oil contain anti-microbial properties; soothing poor digestion.
Reduces diabetes
A 2009 study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research established the link between consuming coconut oil and insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. MCFA fat globules are the right size to be absorbed into cells where they’re quickly converted to energy. Because of the rapidity of this process, the body packs less fat away and improves our sensitivity to insulin.
Boosts immune system
Coconut oil is comprised of several healthy fats, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. These health boosting fats contain antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which boost the immune system. Lauric acid boasts the highest concentration of MCFA fatty acids. Approximately 75 per cent of of it is made up of the rapid acting triglycerides. The body converts this fat into monolaurin, which has a healing effect on a range of viruses from herpes to influenza, cytomegalovirus to candida, and immune-related diseases like IBS.
You can learn more and the ways to utilise it at: Coconut Oil Secrets.
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