Coconut Oil and its health benefits

Along with being great for the hair and skin, Coconut Oil has many other benefits as well. Below are some of the nutritional health benefits of Coconut Oil:

Coconut Oil has a unique combination of fatty acids that can have positive effects on your health.

This includes fat loss, brain function and various other impressive benefits. 

The information below, was taken from an article written by: Danielle McLeod of Mind, Body Soul. 

1. Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids with Potent Medicinal Properties:

Coconut Oil is high in healthy saturated fats that have different effects than most other fats in your diet.

When you eat these types of fats, they go straight to the liver, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones.

Ketones can have powerful benefits for the brain, and are being studied as treatment for epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.

Although the oil is found to have a 90% saturated fat content, they have an unusually high amounts of medium-chain triglycerides or MCTs, which are harder for the body to convert into stored fat. It is these MCTs that makes coconut oil differ from the long-chain fatty acids found in the saturated fats of animal products. These make it a beneficial source when used properly and in moderation. There are differences in how coconut oil is processed that should influence how you use it, however.

2. Digestion:

Many chronic digestive issues are due to bacterial infections that cause inflammation and gastritis that can lead to ulcers and other severe digestive problems. Coconut oil helps coat sensitive stomach and intestinal linings and combat the bacteria that causes the problem. Although an antibiotic is needed to eradicate bacterial infections, you can find relief and help keep issues from reoccurring. It can also help keep your guts running smoothly, alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and help you stay regular.               

3.  Weight Loss:

There are many discussions surrounding the use of coconut oil for weight loss. Although there is no research that supports that it will cause a weight loss situation, it does contain the type of saturated fat that does not store in your body easily, making it burn off faster. When you replace the oil with other oils when cooking in baking, this can provide your body a different way to metabolize the fats and keep them from being stored.

4. Hair:

The moisturizing benefits of the oil are more than just for skin care. Your hair can be revitalized and nourished with the regular use of coconut oil. The fact that it is a gentle oil makes it a good foundation for use on children as well. Just be sure to test it to see if it is a good choice for your hair type. 

5. Skin:

Coconut oil is already often found in many health and beauty products, such as soap and lotion, for a very good reason. It has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is highly moisturizing. This helps provide a moisture barrier without clogging pores and provides a healing effect that works well for troubled skin. It also is mild enough to use on a daily basis.

References:Danielle McLeod:https://bettermindbodysoul.com/benefits-of-coconut...