Health benefits of coconut oil

June 22, 2012

Coconut oil has surprisingly variable health benefits…

 
  • Weight control

Reduces abdominal obesity– A study in 2009  found a correlation between consumption of coconut oil and  weight loss in women (Try adding one teaspoon to your diet and gradually work your way up to four teaspoons per day)

Increases  metabolism–  Journal of Nutrition study – participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day burned more calories  than those who consumed less. Take care to  substitute coconut oil over other oils to prevent excess calorie intake though!

  • Healthy fats

Coconut oil contains short term medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs)-  a “healthy” form of  saturated fat compared to trans fat. Trans fatty acid consumption is linked with heart problems, depression and increased cholesterol levels.  MCFA’s  are metabolised in the liver, immediately converting this into energy rather than it being stored as fat.

  • Type 2 diabetes

Improves insulin sensitivity-  MCFA fats are small enough to be absorbed into mitochondria and  quickly converted to energy as opposed to being stored as fat.

Ref: http://www.garvan.org.au/news-events/news/how-coconut-oil-could-help-reduce-the-symptoms-of-type-2-diabetes.html

  • Immunity

Coconut oil has  healthy fats lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral prosperities. Lauric acid contains the highest concentration of MCFA fatty acids, approximately 75 per cent. The body turn this fat into monolaurin which is claimed to help heal viruses such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, helicobacter pylori and candida.

  • Digestion

IBS symptoms- reduces bloating, poor digestion.  Fatty acids in coconut oil contain anti microbial properties, which have a soothing affect on bacteria, candida, or parasites that cause poor digestion.

  • Healthy skin

Coconut is a great hydrating agent and  keeps the skin’s connective tissues strong, which prevents sagging and wrinkles.