Three Surprising Benefits of Coconut Oil
Most of us are aware of the benefits of coconut oil. It's delicious, healthy,smells great and is the best oil to cook with. But, coconut oil has some surprising benefits that you might not be aware of.
Coconut oil, in the 1950's, was called "a drug store in a bottle" for all of the health benefits it provides. Coconut oil is 92% saturated fat, which is the preferred fuel of our bodies and, contrary to popular belief, is extraordinarily healthy. Coconut oil is also unique because it contains a high amount medium chain triglycerides (MCT's). Once consumed, the MCT's are converted to ketones and effectively used for energy. Ketones burn cleaner than glucose and our bodies run more efficiently using them.
Surprising Benefit #1: Coconut oil acts as an antibiotic
Lauric acid, the medium chain triglyceride in coconut oil, has antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Lauric acid has been proven to kill staph aureus and candida albicans. A study published by the Royal Society of Chemistry found that a diet rich in virgin coconut oil reduces oxidative stress and is a powerful antioxidant.
Surprising Benefit #2: Coconut oil combats brain disease
Recent research has really began to surface about the connection between medium chain triglycerides and brain health. Several studies conclude that there is almost immediate cognitive improvement after consumption of coconut oil.
Besides neurodegenerative illness, epileptic patients have show massive improvement (75% decrease in seizures) from the consumption of medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil. Since the 1920's, the ketogenic diet has been very successful with the treatment of patients with epilepsy.
Surprising Benefit 3: Coconut oil is good for your hair
Want better, healthier looking hair? Who doesn't? Well, coconut oil is good for that too! Lauric acid in coconut oil has a high affinity for hair protein and easily enters the hair shaft, which is the non-growing part of the hair that extends from the follicle. A study published in 2003 by the Nature Care Division of Marico Industries in Mumbai, Inida found that coconut oil has been shown reduce the protein loss in damaged and undamaged hair when used both pre and post wash.
As always, coconut oil applies topically or ingested should always be of the highest quality. Always opt for extra virgin, cold-pressed organic coconut oil.
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