Coconut oil is a popular cooking medium that does not turn rancid owing to its antioxidant property. This antioxidant property also helps in averting various stomach and digestion related problems and increase the ability of the body to absorb key nutrients such as vitamin E.
Coconut Oil and Thyroid Health
Research proves an association between coconut and thyroid health. Coconut oil stimulates the thyroid to cure hypothyroidism and many other diseases.
Blackburn et al (1988), and Ahrens and colleagues (1957) prove that consumption of coconut oil lowers cholesterol. Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function and convert cholesterol to anti-aging steroids, pregnenolone, progesterone and DHEA, which help prevent heart disease, senility, obesity, cancer and other such diseases.
Coconut Oil and Weight Loss
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids that easily convert to energy by the time it reaches the liver. This reduces the work of the lever considerably and prevents accumulation of fat in the body. Consumption of coconut oil increases the metabolic rate, leading to burning of more calories and consequently weight loss. This property of coconut oil also causes kidney stones to dissolve.
Benefits of Lauric Acid
Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid, caprylic acid and myristic acids, and research by Kabara and others (1998) shows that the presence of lauric acid gives coconut oil antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that help cure many diseases.
Lauric acid benefits are many. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin that contributes to killing virus bacteria, and fungi responsible for diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, athlete’s foot and HIV and disorders such as ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea and ringworms.
Other Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil facilitates the absorption of key nutrients by the body. Coconut oil especially facilitates absorption of calcium and magnesium, necessary for the development of bones and teeth.
Coconut oil utilizes blood glucose and improves the secretion of insulin. This contributes to curing diabetes and preventing its occurrence.
Therapeutic Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil benefits extend to therapeutic uses as well. Coconut oil is a natural nutrition for hair, and application of coconut oil contributes to the growth of the hair and providing it with a shinny complexion. It also provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation and controls dandruff.
Coconut oil serves as excellent massage oil for the skin, with the soothing nature of the oil making it a great stress reliever. Coconut oil supports the natural chemical balance of the skin. It softens the skin by relieving dryness and flaking, and preventing wrinkles, sagging and age spots.
Coconut oil is nature’s wonder drug. The ancients understood the health and other benefits of coconut oil and made widespread use of the oil. Recent research has substantiated much of the traditionally held beliefs regarding the health benefits of coconut oil.
References:
Coconut: The Tree of Life. Coconut Research Center.org
Coconut Oil: Why it is Good For You. Coconut-info.com
Nayab Naseer - Nayab Naseer is a Post Graduate in Human Resource Management with 10+ years of corporate work experience. He is an extensive writer ...
Join the Conversation