Previously, coconut oil had a bad reputation, for having saturated fats. But after proper research, it was discovered that this saturated fat is actually MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) which have major health benefits. Briefly, the fats that we consume mostly like dairy products, vegetable oil, are comprised of LCTs (long-chain triglycerides) which are more difficult to be absorbed. The MCTs do not need to be absorbed in our lymphatic system, in fact it is eases up the process of absorption of other nutrients faster into our bloodstream. Also, you must make sure that your coconut oil is pure and non-hydrogenated and remains solid until it reaches the temperature of 76°F. Coconut oil having a unique combination of fatty acids present in it that can have positive affect on our body. These include, fat loss, better brain functioning and other important benefits.
The extra virgin coconut oil is the purest form of coconut oil which is obtained from organically grown coconuts, pure and cold-pressed. It is gluten-free, non-hydrogenated, 0% trans fat, has 50% lauric acid, 62% medium-chain triglycerides. There are several beneficial reasons to use coconut oil on a daily basis.
1.The fatty acids in coconut oil contains medicinal properties
The saturated fat content in coconut oil has better affect on your body than the fats you consume. These fats speed up the fat burning process in your body and gives quick energy to your body and brain. They also increase the production of good HDL cholesterol in your body, which links to the reduced risk of heart disease. Most fats that are consumed in our diet are called long-chain triglycerides. But the coconut oil has fats that are called medium-chain triglycerides, which means these fats are shorter than the normal fats. When these fats are consumed, they directly go to the liver either to be used up as quick energy or get stored up as ketones. The ketones are beneficial for brain, and are studied for further treatment of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
2.Coconut oil kills harmful microorganisms
The fatty acids present in the coconut oil, 50% of it is made up of 12-carbon lauric acid. When the lauric acid is digested by our body it forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can protect our body from million harmful pathogens like the bacteria, fungi and viruses. Researches have shown that the presence of these substances can help kills dangerous pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans which gives yeast infections to humans. Thus, including coconut oil in your diet could easily keep you safe from harmful bacteria.
3.Coconut oil helps control hunger, preventing overeating
In one of the studies, the researchers when fed 6 men medium-chain and long-chain triglycerides, the men consuming more MCTs consumed less number of calories per day than the men consuming long-chain triglycerides. The fatty acids in coconut oil can easily reduce your appetite which will significantly, make you lose your body weight and keep you healthy.
4.Coconut protects your skin, hair
Coconut oil is not necessary to be taken as food only, it is also used as cosmetic purpose too. It is used as hair oil, and on skin for various purposes. Coconut oil balances the moisture content of the skin, people with dry skin finds coconut oil very convenient to moisturize their skin. It also treats eczema and reduces the eczema symptoms. It is very effective to prevent hair damage. It is also said to be a natural sunscreen which blocks 20% of the UV rays and protects our hair and skin.
5.The fatty acids in coconut oil can boost brain functioning
The Alzheimer’s patients sometimes have problems to be able to use up the glucose in the body to produce energy in certain parts of the brain. Several researches have proved that the presence of ketones in the body of an Alzheimer’s patient can produce an alternative source of energy in the body and reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
In order to attain these certain types of benefits and more, you must be careful enough to choose pure form of extra virgin coconut oil, which is organic in nature. It is just the tip of an iceberg, there are several innumerable benefits of using coconut oil, which people are gaining by using it on a daily basis.