How Coconut Oil Can Transform Your Health!

Overview of Coconut Oil

Popular in cooking and in a variety of products, coconut oil is gaining attention due to its various health benefits, These all include antibacterial properties and weight loss benefits.

It also has properties such as improving skin health and controlling blood sugar levels. Yes, people can actually apply coconut oil on their faces. Coconut oil is widely used in processed products and cooking.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that help moisturize the skin. It has been used for conditions such as eczema. It is also used to care for premature babies. (More research is needed). In this article, we will talk about the various coconut oil benefits in daily life.

Nutrient Content in 1 Cup tbsp (14g) Coconut Oil

Source (nutritionix.com)

What is Coconut Oil?

Is coconut oil good for health? Yes, it is. Coconut oil is a versatile edible oil obtained from the pulp of mature coconuts of the coconut palm. This belongs to the palm family. Coconuts are more like a stone fruit than a real nut. But coconut oil is equally seen commonly in kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the top benefits of using coconut oil?

• Antimicrobial Properties
• Skin and Hair Health
• Weight Loss Aid
• Oral Health
• Heart Health

Antimicrobial Properties

Coconut oil is a versatile edible oil obtained from the pulp of mature coconuts of the coconut palm, as we discussed above. 

Coconuts are more like a stone fruit than a real nut, but coconut oil is equally ubiquitous in kitchens and bathrooms. Virgin coconut oil is recognized for its superior quality compared to its refined counterpart and is richer in nutrients such as antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.

Skin and Hair Health

The benefits of coconut oil extend beyond the kitchen and are also widely used in skin care. Studies have shown that the benefits of coconut oil on the face make coconut the best product. Coconut oil for skin improves skin hydration, and function & protects against external influences.

Such as infections and chemicals. Applying virgin coconut oil overnight can reduce dryness caused by alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Furthermore, it can be expected to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. People usually ask if I can apply coconut oil on my face. The answer to this is absolutely yes. 

In summary, there are a number of benefits of using coconut oil on the face as it moisturizes and improves skin barrier function. All of this makes it potential as a valuable skin care agent. 

Weight Loss Aid

Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This can promote fat burning. Studies say that there are effects of MCTs on weight loss. A study done in 2023 found that supplementing with MCTs during a low-calorie ketogenic diet significantly reduced weight and BMI. Given that coconut oil’s MCT content is 65%, it may have similar fat-burning properties as pure MCT oil.

Oral Health

Research has shown that using coconut oil as a mouthwash through oil pulling can improve oral health. Oil pulling (which involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth) is more effective at reducing harmful bacteria. Such as Streptococcus mutans than traditional mouthwashes. This is because of the antibacterial properties of lauric acid.

In addition, lauric acid reacts with saliva to form a protective barrier against cavities. This eventually reduces plaque and gum inflammation. At the end, oil pulling shows us that coconut oil has a great role in dental hygiene. 

Heart Health

One of the most talked about topics is that coconut oil is also beneficial for heart health. Some evidence suggests that it may lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). But not to forget that coconut oil raises HDL cholesterol levels.

Luckily the increased HDL cholesterol has not been shown to be directly related to a lower risk of heart disease. So the American Heart Association recommends using coconut oil for heart health. Therefore, current guidelines recommend limiting intake of saturated fats, including coconut oil, to less than 10% of daily caloric intake.

What are the effects of coconut oil on diabetes?

One of the best parts of coconut oil benefits is that it is very effective for type 2 diabetes. However, it is still unclear for type 1 diabetes patients. Animal studies suggest that coconut oil may improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes models.

For example, rats given coconut oil showed lower cholesterol levels and improved glucose tolerance. Human studies also suggest that coconut oil consumption improves insulin sensitivity. Some research is still to be done on the effect of type 1 diabetes. 

What are some risk factors for coconut oil?

Coconut oil has potential benefits, but it also contains saturated fat. That is why we need to be cautious of using coconut oil. Although saturated fat intake is not directly linked to heart disease, it can increase cholesterol levels.

Compared to other oils such as avocado or olive oil, consuming coconut oil significantly increases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which can contribute to the formation of arterial plaque.

Current dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories and replacing it with unsaturated fats such as olive oil and vegetable oils for heart health. Additionally, the calorie density of coconut oil should be moderate to avoid weight gain. To maintain good health, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet.

Here are some tips to help you incorporate coconut oil into your diet

Adding coconut oil to your diet can be done in moderation and with a few simple adjustments. Consider replacing regular cooking oil with coconut oil from time to time. When you are sautéing vegetables or making cookie dough.

If you use coconut oil for baking, melt it until liquid and let the other ingredients sit at room temperature to prevent lumps.

Remember, coconut oil is rich in flavour.

Therefore, stick to the recommended serving size (usually around 1 tablespoon (15 ml)) to avoid dishes that are too strong. By using coconut oil consciously, you can enjoy its unique flavor and potential health benefits.

Sum up,

Coconut oil benefits are numerous, no doubt about that. Despite its benefits, coconut oil contains saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels, and is high in calories, so consuming too much can lead to weight gain.

Choosing heart-healthy fats like olive oil and using virgin coconut oil sparingly as part of a balanced diet can be a safer approach. This way, you can enjoy the taste and potential benefits without compromising your overall health.