Not only a tasty food, but coconut oil can be termed as a “super food” also for the number of health benefits it provides us. Cooking food with coconut oil brings an awesome aroma in the food that is really mouth-watering.
But, coconut oil is not just an ingredient in cooking sumptuous foods but also has several health benefits associated with it. Rich in unique fatty acid combinations, coconut oil has several health benefits as per recent studies.
10 amazing health benefits of coconut oil
- Coconut oil and cardiovascular disease-
A study group of volunteers were tested with coconut oil and soybean oil. Half of them were given soybean oil and half of them were given the same amount of coconut oil. After 12 weeks, it was found that the group consuming soybean oil had a lower level of HDL (good cholesterol) and increased level of LDL (bad cholesterol). Both these are markers of cardiovascular diseases. But the group that was given coconut oil did not have increased cholesterol level.
- Coconut oil and diabetes-
Coconut oil helps in an increase in glucose tolerance level. This also reduces body fat. Insulin sensitivity is increased in Type II diabetes. Coconut oil helps in effective utilization of blood glucose.
- Coconut oil and weight loss-
From research, it has been found that regular consumption of coconut helps to maintain a stable body weight without increasing it and also helps in the reduction of the waistline.
- Coconut oil and immunity-
Coconut oil consists of antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. These components have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effects. These help in lessening the risk of Influenza, Herpes, and even HIV. Even some harmful bacteria, like Listeria, helicobacter, and some deadly protozoa are destroyed by the MCF (medium chain fatty acids) in coconut oil.
- Coconut oil and digestion-
In many places in India, coconut oil is used for cooking purpose. It’s not only the taste that many people love, but coconut oil has fantastic digestive power. Thus, consuming food cooked with coconut oil helps in digestion and prevents digestion related problems like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Coconut oil and candida-
Candid is an ailment caused in the stomach due to the growth of the yeast Candida albicans. Coconut oil helps in relieving the inflammation caused by this yeast attack. Also capric acid, lauric acid, caproic acid and myristic acid eliminate candida from the stomach.
- Coconut oil and liver-
Coconut oil helps in the proper functioning of liver thus keeping it healthy and fit.
- Stress relief-
Coconut oil has a very soothing effect on the brain. Thus, when you are stressed and tired, you can put some coconut oil on your head and massage gently. This will help you in stress removing. Also, coconut oil has antioxidant property.
- Coconut oil and bones-
Coconut oil helps our body in absorbing the various minerals from the foods. Among the different minerals, calcium and magnesium are also absorbed properly. Absorption of calcium and magnesium helps in bone growth and well-being of bones. Thus women, who are prone to osteoporosis, should intake coconut oil for the better health of the bones.
- Coconut oil and brain function-
Ailments related to the brain, such as Alzheimer’s is seen in many adults. This occurs due to the reduced ability of the brain cells to take up glucose and produce sufficient energy. But ketone bodies can be a good alternative to glucose and the damaged brain cells can take up ketone bodies to form energy thus eliminating the risks of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
