The Power of Coconut Oil: 10 Amazing Health Benefits
February 16, 2023
6 min read
Are you looking for some healthy habits to incorporate into your everyday life? If so, let me introduce you to the miraculous wonder of coconut oil—nature's golden elixir!
Coconut oil is a one-stop shop for health and wellness. Loaded with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthful fatty acids (yes!), this natural ingredient can do wonders for your body both inside and out. Keep reading to discover how this superfood could predict a healthier future for you!
Coconut Oil: What Is It?
Coconut oil is a natural and healthy oil obtained from the flesh of mature coconuts. It is a highly saturated oil, which makes it a solid at room temperature and a liquid at higher temperatures. It is commonly used in cooking, as well as for skin and hair care.
Learn About the Different Types of Coconut Oil
Did you know that different types of coconut oil can provide unique benefits when used in cooking, beauty treatments, and home remedies?
With so many options available on the market, it's important to understand each type before diving right in. Some of the most common types include:
Virgin Coconut Oil
This is the most natural form of coconut oil, made from fresh coconut meat that is cold-pressed to extract the oil. It is considered the most nutrient-dense form of coconut oil, as it retains all-natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This is the crème de la crème of coconut oil, crafted meticulously. It begins with carefully selected coconuts which are chopped and left to sun-dry for maximum flavor extraction before being cold pressed into aromatic nectar—giving its reputation as the purest form of coconut oil around! This golden elixir can be used in everyday recipes or even applied topically on skin and hair to nourish them deeply.
Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil is ideal for cooks looking to handle high-heat cooking - its chemical processing gives it a much higher smoke point than its original, unrefined form. Deep frying and stir-frying are just some of the culinary techniques this type of oil can stand up to!
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic coconut oil is sourced from coconuts that have been grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This type of coconut oil is higher in antioxidants which can help to protect your skin and hair from environmental damage. It also has a distinct, slightly nutty flavor that adds a delicious depth to dishes such as curries, sauces, or desserts.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
This particular type of coconut oil has been treated with heat and chemicals to separate the long-chain fatty acids from the medium-chain fatty acids. This process results in an oil that remains liquid at room temperature and is frequently utilized as a base oil for blending with essential oils for massages or aromatherapy.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Hydrogenated coconut oil has been treated with hydrogen to make it more stable and increase its shelf life. This oil is often used in processed foods and commercial baked goods, such as pastries and cookies, due to its ability to remain solid at room temperature.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Trying to figure out which health trends are worth trying and which need to be avoided can be a daunting task. If you have yet to hear about coconut oil and its amazing health benefits, let us do some unlocking for you!
1. Helps With Weight Loss
Coconut oil can be your weight loss superhero! This superfood is packed with medium-chain fatty acids that break down into energy which helps speed up metabolism and keep you slim. Its thermogenic effect even adds a bonus boost to burn extra calories, so you reach those goals in record time.
2. Boosts Brain Function
Coconut oil is packed with medium-chain fatty acids that have been found to have an energizing effect on the brain. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to sharpen their focus, boost their memory, and improve their general cognitive functioning. Furthermore, research has shown that these fatty acids can help reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
Coconut oil is an excellent source of fuel for the brain, providing a steady supply of energy throughout the day. This can lead to improved mental clarity and better concentration.
3. Improves Heart Health
Coconut oil is a great source of lauric acid, which has been found to promote better cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that lauric acid helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol while simultaneously reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. This can help to support better cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Boosts Energy
Coconut oil is an excellent energy source for anyone looking for an all-natural boost. It's easily digested and converted into energy, meaning your body can use it to fuel your activities throughout the day.
It contains healthy saturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, which help promote optimal mental performance and increased physical activity.
5. Hair Care
Coconut oil is an excellent hair care product that helps nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. It is packed with essential fatty acids, which can help strengthen the hair follicles, reduce breakage and split ends, and nourish the scalp from within. The vitamins and minerals in coconut oil also help to stimulate healthy hair growth while deeply moisturizing the dry scalp.
Its pleasant aroma adds an extra layer of relaxation when used as a massage oil or conditioner. Coconut oil is an all-natural way to combat dandruff and soothe itchy scalps due to its antifungal properties.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that these fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the muscles and joints. Adding coconut oil to your diet may provide relief from chronic pain caused by inflammation.
7. Improves Digestive Health
Coconut oil is a fantastic way to improve your digestive health thanks to its high levels of saturated fats. These fatty acids help balance the gut's microflora and reduce inflammation, reducing bloating and indigestion. They also act as a natural source of energy for the body and can even aid in improved nutrient absorption.
8. Boosts Immunity
Coconut oil may not look like much, but it's a true powerhouse! Thanks to its lauric acid content, the body can transform it into monolaurin - a fantastic substance that actively helps protect our immune system.
Monolaurin helps to kill off harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi which can lead to infections and illnesses.
9. Improves Oral Health
Coconut oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been used for many years to improve oral and general health. The process involves swishing coconut oil around the mouth for about 10-20 minutes before spitting it out. This helps remove bacteria, plaque, and toxins from the mouth of bacteria, plaque, and toxins that could lead to cavities and gum disease.
The oil also helps reduce bad breath caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth or throat.
10. Skin Care
Coconut oil is a natural and effective way to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. It's packed with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which helps reduce dryness and irritation, and its antioxidants protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Coconut oil also helps nourish the skin by providing vitamins A, E, and K and minerals such as iron, sodium, and calcium. It penetrates deep into the skin to help keep it moisturized while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. You can also use it as an aftershave balm or a makeup remover!
Coconut Oil: The Superfood That Does it All
For a little something extra in the kitchen or for some TLC out of it, coconut oil is here to make life better! This miracle food has earned its title, from healthy dishes to nourishing skin and everywhere else you need it. Step up your game with an addition from nature's pantry—you won't regret treating yourself (and your body) to coconut oil!
