Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil is an edible, tropical oil with amazing benefits and is also known and cited as Coconut butter.

This article discusses the numerous benefits of coconut oil and the ways it can be used.

(This article was written by Kim)

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fat, along with a few unsaturated fatty acids.

The oil is chiefly composed of Lauric Acid, Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Poly-Phenols (responsible for the fragrance and the taste of the oil), Fatty Alcohols, Vitamin E, Moisture and Minerals.

Types Of Oil

The oil is divided into two major kinds; Virgin and Refined. Virgin oil is derived from fresh coconuts through several methods. Refined oil, which is often cited as RBD (refined, bleached and deodorized) is extracted from dry form of coconut, i.e. Copra.

It should be noted that unrefined coconut oil, derived from Copra, is unsuitable for consumption and should be refined before its utilization.

Amazing Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut Oil has been immensely popular in ancient and medieval cultures, and was known for its healing abilities. Although the oil promises several advantages, some of the significant coconut oil benefits are as follows:

A. Cardiovascular Benefits

Many people are under this misconception that coconut oil is not good for the heart because of its fatty composition. However, contradictory to this myth, coconut oil is a tested natural remedy, which is very beneficial for heart disease.

Coconut oil contains 50% Lauric Acid which benefits the heart by preventing high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and other heart problems.

The saturated fats do not lead to an increase in LDL levels, rather they reduce the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore help in preventing atherosclerosis. It is said to have miraculous abilities to cure mild to severe Angina.

B. Immune Benefits

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric, capric and caprylic acids which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Therefore, the oil possesses great benefits for the immune system of body.

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is said to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as influenza, cytomegalovirus, herpes and even HIV.

According to the Coconut Research Centre (CRC), coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc.

It also kills bacterias that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, etc.

C. Healing Benefits

Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections. When applied on to an infection, a chemical layer is formed by the oil that protects the infected area from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses.

The oil is also popular as an effective remedy against bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues.

It is also believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients.

D. Skin Care Benefits

Coconut oil acts as an effective moisturizer on all skin types and is considered excellent massage oil for the skin. The oil is a safe solution for preventing dryness, wrinkles, flaking and sagging of skin.

Coconut oil is a very effective treatment against any type of acne and pimples, because this oil is the source of two of the most powerful anti-microbial agents, which are, Capric Acid and Lauric Acid.

It is also an effective cure against several skin infections, and provides healing benefits to those suffering from psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties, coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various skin care products such as body washes, soaps, lotions, creams, etc.

E. Hair Care Benefits

Recognized for centuries as the best natural nutrition for hair, coconut oil is extensively used in Indian-Subcontinent for hair care. The benefits of using coconut oil are soft, shinny and healthy hair.

Regular head massage with coconut oil ensures that the scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs. It is also an excellent natural hair conditioner and helps in re-growth of damaged hair and prevents hair loss.

F. Weight Loss Benefits

Due to the presence of short and medium chained fatty acids, coconut oil is considered to be very benefical as a weight reducing agent.

The oil can be easily digested, which helps in a healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems.

It is interesting to note that people who live in tropical and coastal areas consume coconut oil while cooking, on a daily basis and are generally not fat, obese or overweight.

This is because coconut oil increases the bodies metabolism by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning out more calories.

This benefits obese and overweight people, helping them to reduce their weight significantly in a shorter period of time (if used on a daily basis).

Methods Of Using Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used through a variety of methods and because it is an edible oil, it can also be taken directly. Other methods to use it are as cooking oil and a topical lotion.

It is widely used in hair, cosmetic and skin care products by manufacturers and is tested to be used as engine lubricant, aircraft fuel and transport fuel (only in diesel engines).

In the Philippines, which is one of the heaviest producers of coconut oil, most of the transport is run on coconut oil.

(This article was written by Kim)