{"id":669,"date":"2017-06-09T10:20:52","date_gmt":"2017-06-09T10:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=669"},"modified":"2021-05-12T14:29:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T14:29:53","slug":"11-benefits-coconut-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/11-benefits-coconut-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Benefits of Coconut Oil"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"When it comes to supercharging your health, forget about the lime in the coconut, and just go with the coconut oil! Experiencing a surge in commercial popularity over the past decade, coconut oil has made its way into everything from skin moisturizers to coffee. Why? Well turns out coconut oil serves as one of those rare and praised \u201chealthy fats\u201d which have been linked to significant health benefits. Not only that, it rocks major antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties too.<\/p>\n

The star component of coconut oil is definitely its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), also known as medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric and caprylic acid. As opposed to long-chain triglycerides, MCTs are more readily digested and absorbed by the body and processed by the liver, providing quick energy to cells which power critical bodily functions. Coconut oil is a versatile addition to any kitchen, and short of swallowing a spoonful a day, you might consider cooking with it in place of butter, adding it to oatmeal or smoothies, spreading some on popcorn, even putting some in your coffee. The array of available coconut oils in stores and online may shock you – make sure to find an organic coconut oil in its raw, virgin form and store at a cool temperature to reap its greatest benefits.<\/p>\n

1. Helps Fight Cognitive Decline<\/h3>\n

Coconut oil<\/a>\u2019s unique ability to convert to ketones in the liver and other organs after being ingested transforms it into an energy source for cells which have become glucose intolerant. This is particularly meaningful for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s because brain cells which need energy but cannot accept glucose won\u2019t necessarily have to die – they can survive on the ketones provided by the MCTs of coconut oil and other similar foods. A 2004 study found that an addition of MCTs to patients already receiving pharmacological treatment was shown to improve cognitive function including recall.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Fuels Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

Just as coconut oil\u2019s ketone conversion was able to feed at-risk cells to fight cognitive decline, so does it have the ability to boost metabolic rates in the body and reduce the amount of fat that is stored. Because medium-chain fats don\u2019t require the body to produce insulin to handle the ketone to energy conversion, no blood sugar spikes occur and less stress is placed on the body\u2019s pancreas<\/a>. Interestingly too, once converted to ketones, MCTs cannot be reversed back into their original form to then be stored as fat. They are simply used up or expelled from the body.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Combats Cancer<\/h3>\n

All cells in your body require the glucose which carbohydrates<\/a> provide, including cancer cells. Some early research has drawn correlations between a ketogenic diet (one comprised largely of fats like coconut oil) and slowing tumor growth, which energizes cells with ketones instead of glucose and glutamine. Still hotly debated, a non-toxic metabolic management strategy when it comes to combatting cancer or treating existing tumors could involve healthy doses of virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil is rich with flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants as well which have been shown to significantly slow the growth of cancer cells.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Improves Digestion<\/h3>\n

The anti-inflammatory<\/a> properties of coconut oil make it a go-to source of digestive relief, especially for people with chronic gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s Disease or colitis. Once ingested, the MCTs of coconut oil are more quickly converted into energy, putting less strain on the body compared to other fats because they don\u2019t require additional digestion or insulin production. In addition, coconut oil is a natural bacteria and fungal-killer and can ward off other fungi, bad bacteria, yeast (like candida), and parasites that may negatively affect your gut and digestive tract.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Promotes Gum Health<\/h3>\n

Ever heard of \u201coil pulling\u201d? This centuries-old dental practice involves swishing the mouth with a tablespoon of coconut oil for 10 to 20 minutes daily, completely covering the teeth with antibacterial<\/a> goodness. When expectorated, the coconut oil takes with it microbes of bacteria which could cause periodontal disease, or infections of the gums and mouth. Dentists say that oil pulling does not reverse tooth decay and shouldn\u2019t replace regular dental visits, however, it can supplement existing at-home oral care as well as serve as an added gum cleanser for preventing infection.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Moisturizes Deeply<\/h3>\n

Raw, organic coconut oil penetrates deep into the skin and scalp better than other oils, providing moisture-rich relief for a dry, flaky, and itchy epidermis<\/a>. Use virgin coconut oil to soothe dry hands, swap it in for shaving cream, deep condition hair with it, and even remove makeup and cleanse your face with it. Not only does it\u2019s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties make it healthy for skin and wound healing, its knack for boosting hydration and reducing water loss in already dry skin makes it a natural alternative to chemical-laden lotions and creams.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Supports Muscle Growth<\/h3>\n

When you work out, especially with high intensity and resistance training, your muscle<\/a> cells actually tear and surrounding cells grow and divide to aid in repairing the \u2018injured\u2019 muscle. New protein strands form and become denser, allowing for more muscle mass to be created – this process is called muscle protein synthesis. Coconut oil\u2019s special MCTs energize these types of cells quickly and stimulate them to grow. A post-workout smoothie, rich with vitamins and nutrients, could benefit from an added tablespoon of coconut oil to improve protein synthesis and thus reduce muscle recovery time.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Boosts Nutrient Absorption<\/h3>\n

Did you know that your body actually requires the presence of fat in order to absorb and process some vital nutrients – like Vitamins D<\/a>, E, and K? They are referred to as fat-soluble vitamins which means they dissolve in fat and are stored in the body. Medium-chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil provide the perfect vessel for nutrient absorption in the body, taxing the liver less than other fats in the breakdown and processing of important nutrients. A 2012 study, for example, found that coconut oil aided the body in more readily absorbing the carotenoids from tomatoes (in mice) than did safflower oil.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Aids Detoxification<\/h3>\n

The body\u2019s natural ability to eliminate toxins<\/a> through the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs is powerful, but every now and then, it can use a boost from foods like coconut oil. One of the fatty acids found in coconut oil\u2019s MCTs is lauric acid, which is chemically converted into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin possesses strong antiviral properties that can protect against and even destroy viruses like influenza and herpes as well as urinary tract infections by disrupting the lipid-coating of the infectious cells. Coconut oil\u2019s MCTs are also converted at such a quick rate, they take little toll on the liver and actually energize the body\u2019s cells during the filtering process when other food sources aren\u2019t available.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Prevents Osteoporosis<\/h3>\n

As mentioned prior, coconut oil aids the body in the absorption of crucial vitamins, but did you know it does the same thing with minerals too? Bones rely on minerals like calcium and magnesium to remain dense and build strength, especially as you age. Calcium is metabolized in the body by Vitamin D, which is also given an assist by coconut oil. Osteoporosis<\/a>, or the loss in bone density, affects over 40 million Americans, mostly older adults. Coconut oil and its unique antioxidant compounds were shown in a 2012 study (on an estrogen deficient rat model) to help protect against free radicals, maintain bone structure, and prevent bone loss.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Encourages Hormone Balance<\/h3>\n

Because of its ability to influence metabolic rate and support thyroid function, coconut oil has been touted for women, especially those going through menopause, specifically to aid hormonal imbalance. Successful hormone production relies on essential fats like the healthy saturated fat of coconut oil, and high-fat diets have been linked to increases in estrogen. Coconut also contains substances which cue the body to manufacture progesterone, a hormone which may all but be depleted during menopause<\/a>. In addition, the energy boost and weight management support coconut oil offers also addresses hormone irregularities naturally.<\/p>\n

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\"\"12. Slows Progression of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/h3>\n

When in a fasted state in the morning, consuming a tablespoon of coconut oil floods your liver with MCT\u2019s. The liver converts MCT\u2019s into ketones, which fuel metabolic function until your first meal containing carbohydrates. After eating carbs, the body turns them into glucose, requiring the pancreas to produce insulin and reduce blood glucose levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent studies in medical science suggest that the brain also excretes insulin \u2013 the hormone responsible for managing the effects of glucose. Researchers think that patients with Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a> lose the brains ability to secrete insulin, allowing for further inflammation of brain tissues due to a lack of insulin production.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating coconut oil first thing in the morning provides the brain with ketones for energy, and little to no inflammation occurs as a result \u2013 improving brain function. While no substantial body of evidence exists to support this theory in medical science, researchers continue to investigate the benefits of coconut oil on the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Improves Pancreatic Function<\/h3>\n

The MCT\u2019s found in coconut oil are easy on the digestive system<\/a>. Your gut biomes have no issue with readily absorbing the energy and nutrients from coconut oil. As a result, eating MCT\u2019s in your diet – especially in the morning, is a great way to protect your digestive system, from the effects of inflammation produced by consuming carbohydrates with your other meals later in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pancreas is the organ responsible for releasing the hormone insulin into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. Eating coconut oil and a high-fat diet places less stress on the pancreas, allowing to organ to improve its insulin sensitivity. <\/span><\/p>\n

This effect is beneficial for people struggling to manage the impact of prediabetes. This condition is the precursor to diabetes, and if left unmanaged \u2013 can progress to type 1 or 2 diabetes. Improving insulin sensitivity by consuming a high-fat diet and reducing your carb intake can reverse the disorder in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Excellent for Breaking a Fast<\/h3>\n

When we wake up in the morning, our body is in a \u201cfasted state,\u201d where blood glucose and blood pressure are at the low point of the day. As we eat breakfast, our digestive system gets going and starts digestion<\/a> \u2013 spiking blood sugar while increasing metabolic function. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, research shows that remaining in a fasted state has many benefits for the human body, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood pressure. Many people choose to do an extended water fast for several days to detox their system and gain the benefits of apoptosis \u2013 where the body removes inefficient cells, replacing them with healthy cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, research shows that you can gain this benefit through remaining in a fasted state for the majority of the day and eating in a specific time window for 6 to 8-hours. This practice of intermittent fasting is excellent for weight loss, and health professionals recommend you break your fast with MCT\u2019s found in coconut oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

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