Coconut oil is truly unique. It was once thought to be harmful to heart health due to its high saturated fat content, but that belief has been proven wrong. The special fatty acids in coconut oil actually support brain function, help prevent certain diseases, aid in fat loss, and more. Fortunately, awareness of its health benefits is growing, and even grocery stores are starting to stock organic, unrefined coconut oil.
Obesity is a major global issue, and while coconut oil does contain fat, it’s not the same type found in butter. It has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that the body metabolizes differently, making it a helpful substitute for other oils and fats in your diet, which can promote weight loss. Research shows that MCTs in coconut oil can boost energy expenditure compared to longer-chain fats. One study indicated that consuming 15-30 grams of MCTs daily increased energy expenditure by 5%, equating to about 130 extra calories burned each day.
For years, saturated fat was wrongly blamed for heart disease and clogged arteries, a misconception that started in 1977 without any solid evidence. Recent studies, however, suggest that saturated fat may actually contribute to stronger bones, better liver health, and enhanced brain function. New research indicates that saturated fats are not harmful, with large studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants debunking the “artery-clogging” myth.
The takeaway is that you don’t need to worry about consuming coconut oil or foods high in saturated fat. These foods were mistakenly blamed for issues caused by sugar and insulin. While coconuts may seem foreign in many Western cultures, there are societies that have thrived on coconut-rich diets for years. These cultures consume over 50% of their diet from coconuts and are among the healthiest populations globally, free from many diseases common in the West.
A prime example is the Tokelauans in the South Pacific, who derive over 60% of their calories from coconuts and have no signs of heart disease. The Kitavans are another group that enjoys a coconut-rich diet while maintaining excellent health.
If you’re considering a detox and feeling hungry, coconut oil can help curb cravings. The MCTs in coconut oil have been shown to significantly reduce hunger, allowing people to eat less and lose weight in a healthy way. In one study, men consuming the most MCTs ate an average of 256 fewer calories daily, while another study found that those who had MCTs for breakfast consumed fewer calories at lunch.
Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which helps the body combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes it a good choice when you’re feeling unwell or dealing with an infection. Lauric acid has been shown to kill harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans.
Despite the negative portrayal of saturated fats, consuming them can actually raise good cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Given the prevalence of these diseases, it’s reasonable to suggest that we should all incorporate more coconut oil into our diets. Studies have shown that saturated fats can increase HDL (the good cholesterol) while decreasing LDL (the bad cholesterol). In one study involving 40 women, coconut oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol while boosting HDL compared to soybean oil.
Coconut oil offers numerous benefits, particularly for skin and hair health. You don’t even need to consume it to enjoy its advantages. Research indicates that coconut oil can improve skin moisture and lipid content, protect hair from damage, and even serve as a light sunscreen, blocking about 20% of UV rays. Additionally, using it for oil pulling can help eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving dental health and freshening breath.
For those dealing with seizures, coconut oil can be beneficial. The ketogenic diet, which is low in carbs and high in fats, is known for its effectiveness in treating epilepsy. The fatty acids in coconut oil help the body produce more ketones, which can prevent seizures. MCT oils are converted into ketone bodies in the liver and are often used in epilepsy treatment to induce ketosis while allowing for some carbohydrate intake.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects many older adults. Patients often struggle to use glucose in certain brain areas, meaning the energy from food isn’t reaching the brain. Ketone bodies can provide an alternative energy source, potentially alleviating Alzheimer’s symptoms. One study found that MCT consumption led to immediate improvements in brain function for patients with milder Alzheimer’s.
Abdominal fat is particularly dangerous, as it surrounds vital organs and is linked to various diseases and increased risk of premature death. Coconut oil can help reduce this type of fat, making it a valuable addition to weight loss programs. In a study of 40 women with abdominal obesity, daily supplementation with 30 mL of coconut oil resulted in significant reductions in BMI and waist circumference over 12 weeks. Another study with 20 obese men noted a decrease in waist circumference after just four weeks of the same daily coconut oil intake.
Incorporating coconut oil into your diet can have significant health benefits, but it also has many other uses. You can use it as a coffee creamer, deep conditioner for hair, skin moisturizer, cold sore treatment, makeup remover, massage oil, nail and cuticle treatment, diaper cream, shaving cream, rash soother, popcorn topping, and even to reduce bags under your eyes. It can also be used as wood polish, mouthwash, a stretch mark preventative, and to give your dog a shiny coat. While it may not prevent acne, it can help manage blemishes. Coconut oil can also tackle soap scum, remove chewing gum, serve as an SPF lip balm, replace butter in recipes, and be used in aromatherapy. It can soothe a sore throat when added to warm water or tea and can even be used as a personal lubricant, though it’s not compatible with latex.
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