Coconut oil is a food that can be described as a “superfood”. The unique combination of fatty acids it contains can only have positive effects on our health.
1. Combination of fatty acids
Coconut oil has been implicated for its saturated fat content, being one of the richest sources of saturated fat (90% of the fatty acids it contains are saturated). However, it does not contain Long Chain Triglycerides as in cheese and meat but Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) which are metabolized differently. They are used by the liver and digestive system as a quick source of energy which appears to have beneficial effects on brain disorders such as Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. It can increase energy expenditure and helps to burn fat
Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world. Most people think that obesity is just a matter of calories, but it turns out that different foods affect our hormones in different ways. Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil can increase energy consumption compared to the same percentage of calories derived from fats composed of Long-chain Triglycerides. One study found that an intake of 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24-hour energy expenditure by 5%, which corresponds to about 120 calories per day.
Conclusion: Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil have been shown to increase 24-hour energy expenditure by 5% and likely lead to significant weight loss in the long term.
3. Contains lauric acid
Lauric acid makes up 50% of the fatty acids contained in coconut oil. During digestion, the lauric acid found in coconut oil is converted into monolaurin, a substance that is toxic to viruses, fungi and bacteria. In particular, it has been shown that these substances can be toxic to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the fungus Candida Albicans.
The human body cannot synthesize monolaurin without the help of lauric acid. Breast milk is the only source of lauric acid, which confirms the reason for the rare occurrence of infections in infants fed with it. It has also been noted that regular consumption of coconut oil boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of disease.
Conclusion: Fatty acids and breakdown products from coconut oil can be toxic to harmful pathogenic bacteria as well as help prevent infections
4. Can regulate appetite
An interesting feature of coconut oil is that it can reduce hunger. This seems to be related to the way the fatty acids contained in it are metabolized. A recent study found that consuming MCTs can lead to reduced calorie consumption (on average 256 calories less per day). It was also found that people who consume more MCTs at breakfast consume significantly fewer calories at lunch.
Conclusion: The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which can positively affect body weight in the long run.
5. May help reduce seizures
The so-called ketogenic diet has been studied for the treatment of many conditions and its best application is in the treatment of children with epilepsy who are resistant to medication. In particular, this diet involves the consumption of very small amounts of carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, which leads to significantly increased concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood. For some reason it can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures even in children who have not responded to treatment with different types of medication. Because the MCTs contained in coconut oil are converted in the liver into ketone bodies they are often used in epileptic patients so as to induce ketosis and thus enable more carbohydrates to be used in the diet.
Conclusion: the MCTs contained in coconut oil can increase the blood concentration of ketone bodies, which may help reduce seizures in children with epilepsy.
6. May help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids which do not appear to negatively affect the blood lipid profile. Specifically, a study involving 40 women who consumed coconut oil found that they had low total and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol compared to those who consumed soybean oil. In addition, there are studies in rats that show that coconut oil lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL while increasing HDL and improving blood clotting factors and antioxidant status.
Conclusion: Studies in humans and rats have shown that coconut oil improves important risk factors such as total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, which can translate into a reduced risk of heart disease.
7. It can protect hair and help moisturize the skin
Coconut oil is also used for aesthetic purposes such as to improve the health and appearance of the skin and hair. Studies in people with dry skin have shown that coconut oil can improve the lipid and moisture content of the skin. Also due to the antioxidants it contains it protects the skin from aging, while due to vitamin E it can accelerate the regeneration of the skin from burns, scars and other injuries. In addition, it can be used to moisturize the hair and to fight dandruff, since after frequent use it can eliminate all fungi. Another application is as a mouthwash, as it can fight some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, improve dental health and reduce bad breath.
Conclusion: Coconut oil can be applied topically as well, as studies show that it is effective for moisturizing the skin and protecting the hair. It may also be used as a mild form of sunscreen and as a mouthwash.
7. May help relieve symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and occurs mainly in older people. In Alzheimer’s patients there appears to be a reduced ability of certain parts of the brain to use glucose. It has been found that ketone bodies can provide energy to the brain and can be used as an alternative energy source for malfunctioning cells, thereby reducing the symptoms of the disease. It therefore appears that the consumption of MCTs contained in coconut oil can lead to an immediate improvement in brain function in patients with mild forms of the disease.
Conclusion: Studies show that MCTs fatty acids can increase blood levels of ketone bodies, provide energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieve symptoms.
8. May contribute to fat loss
Since coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help with weight loss. Coconut oil appears to be particularly effective in reducing abdominal fat, the with many diseases. In a study involving 40 women with abdominal obesity, 30 ml (1 ounce) of coconut oil was added to their diets per day. This addition eventually led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference over a 12-week period.
Suggested dosage for results: according to researchers, an adult can consume about 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily. This corresponds to the same amount of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that a breastfed infant receives in one day. For those who are not used to this oil in their daily diet, it is best to start with a smaller amount and see how their body reacts before proceeding to the recommended dosage.
Clever tricks:
Body/Personal hygiene
1. Hydration : one tablespoon is enough for your face, neck and whole body.
2.Eye cream : apply it under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use it on the upper eyelids in the evening.
3.Before shaving : coconut oil will prepare the skin and you will not have irritation.
4.Aftershave : It will calm your skin after shaving, without clogging the pores.
5.Hair mask : Use a teaspoon of coconut oil to massage the ends of your hair and then run your fingers through your hair to go through the rest of it! For a more intensive treatment, rub a tablespoon of coconut oil on the scalp and gently work it into the ends. Put a cap on the pillowcase to prevent grease from being left on the pillowcase and bathe the next day.
6.Hair gel – To prevent frizz : Spread some in your palms and apply to the ends for curly hair, or finger comb from roots to ends for curly and straight hair.
7.Toothpaste : Add baking soda to coconut oil until it becomes a paste.
8.Makeup remover : Use coconut oil and you will be surprised how well it works!
9.Lip moisturizer : Apply some on your lips because besides softening them, it has an SPF of about 4 and thus provides you with a little protection!
11.Stretch marks : Coconut oil nourishes damaged skin. It doesn’t work miracles, but it will certainly help.
12.Nipple cream : Nourishes cracked, damaged, dry nipples. Spread on a piece of cotton and place it on your nipples between feedings.
13.Cream for infants : Very effective on the skin without any active chemicals.
14.Dry skin of babies : Coconut oil will nourish your baby’s skin and reduce dry skin. Rub a little on the scalp daily.
15.Body scrub : Mix coconut oil with sugar and rub well. Rinse and your skin will be super soft! You can also add essential oils if you would like a particular fragrance.
16.Healer : In scratches and cuts, it forms a thin layer that protects the wound from dust, bacteria and viruses. Accelerates the healing process of bruises, restoring damaged tissues. Plus, it smells much better than anything from the pharmacy.
17.Insect bites : Applied directly to the bite, it can stop the itching and burning sensation while speeding up the healing process.
18.Skin problems : Relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Health and Wellbeing
19.Anti-stress : Put coconut oil on the head and massage in a circular motion. Its natural fragrance is extremely soothing, helping to reduce stress levels.
20.Digestion : The saturated fats in coconut oil have antibacterial properties that help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other related digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also helps in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier.
21.Breastfeeding : For breastfeeding mothers, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich their milk.
22.Slimming : Helps in weight loss and hunger control.
Clever tricks:
Body/Personal hygiene
1. Hydration : one tablespoon is enough for your face, neck and whole body.
2.Eye cream : apply it under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the upper eyelids in the evening.
3.Before shaving : coconut oil will prepare the skin and you will not have irritation.
4.Aftershave : It will calm your skin after shaving, without clogging the pores.
5.Hair mask : Use a teaspoon of coconut oil to massage the ends of your hair and then run your fingers through your hair to go through the rest of it! For a more intensive treatment, rub a tablespoon of coconut oil on the scalp and gently work it into the ends. Put a cap on the pillowcase to prevent grease from being left on the pillowcase and bathe the next day.
6.Hair gel – To prevent frizz : Spread some in your palms and apply to the ends for curly hair, or finger comb from roots to ends for curly and straight hair.
7.Toothpaste : Add baking soda to coconut oil until it becomes a paste.
8.Makeup remover : Use coconut oil and you will be surprised how well it works!
9.Lip moisturizer : Apply some on your lips because besides softening them, it has an SPF of about 4 and thus provides you with a little protection!
11.Stretch marks : Coconut oil nourishes damaged skin. It doesn’t work miracles, but it will certainly help.
12.Nipple cream : Nourishes cracked, damaged, dry nipples. Apply to a piece of cotton and place it on your nipples between feedings.
13.Cream for infants : Very effective on the skin without any active chemicals.
14.Dry skin of babies : Coconut oil will nourish your baby’s skin and reduce dry skin. Rub a little on the scalp daily.
15.Body scrub : Mix coconut oil with sugar and rub well. Rinse and your skin will be super soft! You can also add essential oils if you would like a particular fragrance.
16.Healer : In scratches and cuts, it forms a thin layer that protects the wound from dust, bacteria and viruses. Accelerates the healing process of bruises, restoring damaged tissues. Plus, it smells much better than anything from the pharmacy.
17.Insect bites : Applied directly to the bite, it can stop the itching and burning sensation while speeding up the healing process.
18.Skin problems : Relieves skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
Health and Wellbeing
19.Anti-stress : Put coconut oil on the head and massage in a circular motion. Its natural fragrance is extremely soothing, helping to reduce stress levels.
20.Digestion : The saturated fats in coconut oil have antibacterial properties that help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other related digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also helps in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier.
21.Breastfeeding : For breastfeeding mothers, consuming 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich their milk.
22.Slimming : Helps in weight loss and hunger control.
In what ways we can consume coconut oil:
~ On toast instead of butter. Use coconut oil in your bread instead of butter.
~ Eat it with a spoon. Coconut oil is delicious and healthy. Enjoy a spoonful every morning.
~ smoothies. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your favorite smoothies and boost your vitality.
~ Fried eggs. Put some coconut oil in the bottom of your pan to make the surface non-stick and the eggs delicious.
~ Chips in the oven. Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees. Cut some sweet potatoes into pieces about 1/8 of an inch thick. Place the pieces on a baking tray and brush lightly with coconut oil. Leave for about 15 minutes or until the chips are slightly brown. Add a little salt and serve with sauce. You can of course also consume them plain.
~ Replace vegetable oil when baking. Next time you make your favorite brownie recipe, substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil.
~ Grilled cheese with coconut oil. When baking cheese sandwiches, do not use butter.
~ Coffee with coconut oil. Add a spoonful to your espresso to start your day full of energy.
~ Tea with a spoonful of coconut oil. Let it melt and make your tea stronger.
~ Dressing for salad. Make dressings for your salads with coconut oil