Coconut oil was mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content. But now it is known that the fat in coconut oil possesses many health-giving properties and it has many health benefits. The health benefits of coconut oil include hair and skin care, weight loss, boosting the immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance and helpful for other diseases. Lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid in the coconut oil can help improve some disease, such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems.
Hair and Skin Care
Coconut oil helps the hair in healthy growth and it is very protective against hair damage. It provides the essential proteins required for nourishing and healing damaged hair and reduces protein loss which can lead to various unattractive or unhealthy qualities in your hair. By regularly use, it can ensure your scalp is free of dandruff and keep your hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs. So coconut oil is normally applied to hair care.
Coconut oil is also an excellent massage oil for the skin. Coconut oil can prevent dryness and flaking of skin. It also can delay the wrinkles and sagging of the skin. So coconut is widely used in various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care. Coconut oil is also helpful in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
Weight Loss
Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may have a positive effect on body weight in the long run. And the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared with the longer chain. One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day can increase 5% energy expenditure, totaling about 120 calories one day. It could have a dramatic effect on weight loss if you persist for a long time.
Immunity
Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have the function of antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, helping to stave off infections. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and Helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Diseases
Saturated fats in coconut oil actually don’t harm the blood lipid profile. However, saturated fats raise HDL cholesterol and change the LDL cholesterol to a benign subtype. Coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
Coconut oil also helps in reducing the seizures in epileptic children, fighting diabetes and supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.
