by Sharon Quercioli
Coconut oil is the rich, fatty oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts and is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are easily digestible and quickly converted into energy. This amazing gift of Mother Nature has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking in many tropical countries. In recent years, coconut oil has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, and research has shown that incorporating it into your diet can have many positive effects on your overall health.
The health benefits of coconut oil are mainly attributed to the medium-chain triglycerides as well as some of the unique phytonutrients and antioxidant properties of coconut.
Reduces Inflammation
We all have inflammation. It is a major contributor to many chronic diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. In particular, about 50% of the MCFAs in coconut oil are a type called lauric acid, which contributes to the oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for a variety of infections, including acne, candida overgrowth, and even cold sores.
Improves Brain Function
The digestion of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) by the liver creates ketones that are readily accessible by the brain for energy. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need for insulin to process glucose into energy. This can improve memory, focus, and cognitive function, making coconut oil an excellent addition to the diet.
Boosts Heart Health
Coconut oil has been shown to boost heart health by increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels in the body while decreasing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. It also can lower blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory effects due to a high level of antioxidants. This can help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Supports Weight Loss
Because of the energy creating abilities of coconut oil and the fact it’s a no-carb oil, it is no wonder that it is beneficial for losing weight. It helps burn fat and calories, decrease appetite, boost metabolism, and research has shown that it is helpful in reducing belly fat. The MCFAs in coconut oil are quickly converted into energy, which means that they are less likely to be stored as fat in the body.
Improves Skin and Hair
Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer for both the skin and hair. It contains a high level of saturated fat, iron, and vitamins K and E, which helps hair grow at a rapid pace. Coconut oil can help nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and improving the overall texture of the skin. You can also use it as an exfoliator when mixed with sea salt or brown sugar. Additionally, coconut oil can be used as a natural conditioner for the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and healthy.
Coconut’s unique composition of MCFAs, lauric acid, and antioxidants provide a range of health benefits. Whether you consume it raw, use it for cooking, or apply it topically, coconut oil is an effective natural remedy that can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Healthy Smile
Coconut oil can be beneficial for your mouth, too. You can put 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 15 minutes. It helps take out the toxins in your mouth, heals bleeding gums, kills bad breath and bacteria, and helps reduce tooth decay. Anything for me to have less visits to the dentist is a huge win!
Make sure you choose a virgin cold-pressed coconut oil as this does not go through a heating or chemical process like fractionated or refined.
Have a new respect for coconut oil? Not only can it be used in your recipes, it does tremendous things for your body and overall health.
COCONUT APRICOT BALLS
(NO BAKE)
What you’ll need:
- 1/2 Cup of dried apricots
- 3 large prunes
- 2 tablespoons of ground chia seeds or flax seed
- 1/4 Cup of walnuts
- 1/4 Cup of coconut
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and hit pulse until all of the dried fruit has broken down. (It should take about a minute or so and will end up looking doughy.)
Roll the dough into small balls (roll in additional coconut if desired).
Place on a piece of parchment paper (or plastic container), and place in the freezer for at least fifteen minutes. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy! I LOVE THEM!
Good morning Sharon. Thank you for inviting me to share. I loved this article on coconuts. One additional use – it is an anti-ineffective as well. I learned this from my Dermatologist who actually recommends using coconut oil on any wounds created from removing skin tissue. The old way of treating wounds has been to cover them. More recently, the recommendation is to apply coconut oil to the wound and leave it open to air, uncovered, and the skin heals more quickly and with less scarring. I have experienced this first hand and it has promoted healing in a wonderful way.
I have learned from many of my friends and colleagues who grew up in Island cultures that coconut oil has been used forever for wounds and to support skin health. Such a wonderful gift from Mother Nature and so easily available organically to limit the toxins added to our bodies.
Blessings of love and gratitude.
Ilene,
Thank you so much for sharing this great information. I really appreciate it.
Love to you.