Coconut Oil Benefits
A Quick Guide to Coconut Oil Benefits
People who have lived in tropical climates where coconuts are grown are very aware of coconut oil benefits. Coconut has been used for centuries, not only eaten, but applied topically for a wide range of medical conditions. In the 1950s and 60s, there was a negative campaign waged against coconut oil because it contained saturated fats, but as more research has been done, many people have come to the conclusion that coconut oil benefits far outweigh the initial concerns.
Coconut oil benefits cover a wide spectrum of human conditions and illnesses. To begin, skin and hair care products containing coconut oil are widely used in some countries. Coconut oil conditions hair and helps repair damaged hair. It is also great for treating skin conditions and as a moisturizer. All kinds of soaps and lotions contain coconut oil and it is used effectively to prevent wrinkles and give other anti-aging benefits. Coconut oil is used extensively during massage and helps to remove stress.
According to the Coconut Research Center, it is a misconception that the saturated fats in coconut oil are harmful. The saturated fats in coconut oil are different than saturated fats in vegetable oils and animal products. Half of the fat is composed of lauric acid which actually helps to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It does not raise the levels of bad cholesterol and it doesn’t cause artery blockages like some other saturated fats.
Other coconut oil benefits come from its anti-oxidants, which stop the damage of free radicals, which cause cell deterioration. These have been effective in treating some forms of cancer and HIV. The presence of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid kills viruses and bacteria that cause many types of other infections as well, such as pneumonia, flu, measles, herpes, and hepatitis. Plus, it works on the type of fungi and yeast that cause athlete’s foot and other rashes and conditions.
Coconut oil is used for everything from weight loss to liver and kidney problems to osteoporosis. It increases the body’s metabolism, helping it burn calories faster and it aids some enzymes in their work. The body more easily absorbs vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, when coconut oil is present. Coconut oil benefits have also included helping diabetics to control their blood sugar levels as well as preventing certain kidney and liver problems.
Coconut oil benefits can be seen among all the populations where the coconut is a normal part of the diet. These people do not have the high rates of heart disease or cancer present in much of the Western world. In fact, the coconut has so many benefits that it is sometimes called the “tree of life.”