Coconut oil is a healthy oil which has numerous health benefits thanks to the presence of numerous healthy fatty acids. Among the top health benefits of the oil are its ability to improve brain function and weight loss, but besides them coconut oil can also increase your energy expenditure or curb your cravings.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut oil:
- A unique combination of healthy fatty acids
About 90% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are saturated fat, which was demonized for a long time and considered harmful. A few decades ago, people believed that saturated fat clogged their arteries, but studies have later proven that this isn’t caused by the saturated fat in coconut oil. These fats are not the same type of fats found in cheese or meat, and are basically harmless. This type of oil is easy to metabolize and is rich in a unique type of triglycerides called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily absorbed in the blood and have numerous health benefits. The MCTs in coconut oil are great for treating lung problems, diarrhea, fat indigestion, digestive problems and liver disease, which is why you need to add the oil in your daily diet.
- Nations that eat coconut oil regularly are among the healthies in the planet
Some nations from the South Pacific consume coconut oil on a daily basis, and according to studies this helps them to completely avoid heart diseases.
- Coconut oil increases the energy expenditure and burns more fat
Obesity is one of the major health concerns in the world. The only treatment for this condition is burning the excess fat in your body, and this can be done with the help of coconut oil. The MCTs in it will increase your energy expenditure and burn the excess fat which will lead to significant weight loss over time.
- The lauric acid from coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses and fungi
Lauric acid is a MCT which has health benefits on its own. When digested, it releases monolaurin which can kill viruses, bacteria and fungi effectively, and as some studies have shown, it can also destroy viruses such as herpes and HIV. This means that the MCTs in coconut oil can kill pathogens before they cause dangerous infections in your body.
- Coconut oil can kill your hunger and make you eat less
Coconut oil will curb your cravings, while the ketones that are produced by the liver after processing fatty acids can control your satiety. Ketones have a direct impact on the cholecystokinin hormone which makes you feel full for longer. According to some studies, the fatty acids in the oil will reduce your appetite which will lead to weight loss over time.
- Ketones can reduce seizures
A ketogenic diet has been proven to reduce seizures in epileptic children. Eating big amounts of fat with a low-carb intake can increase the presence of ketones in the body and reduce the frequency of seizures in epileptic children.
- Coconut oil will improve your good cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease
The saturated fats in coconut oil will lower the levels of your bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood, while increasing the levels of the good cholesterol, effectively reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Coconut oil protects your hair from damage and moisturizes your skin
Coconut oil has great cosmetic benefits as well and will significantly improve the quality of your skin and hair. It will also improve the lipid profile of your skin and keep it hydrated. Coconut oil protects the skin from the harmful ultraviolet sun rays and can also reduce hair damage from environmental factors. Swishing the oil in your mouth will keep your oral cavity clean and free of harmful bacteria.
- The fatty acids in coconut oil boost your brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
60-80% of Alzheimer’s patients over 65 suffer from dementia, but the ketone bodies from coconut oil can boost your brain function and protect you from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Coconut oil can help you get rid of excess belly fat
Coconut oil will reduce your appetite and improve the fat burning process, and is very effective for melting belly fat. Just add coconut oil in your daily diet and you will be amazed by the results.
Source : healthyfoodheadlines.net
