Over the last few years there has been quite a bit about coconut oil in the news, some of it good and some of it not so good. This newsletter is about coconut oil – what it is, why it’s so healthy, and some of the many uses. I myself use coconut oil for many things around the house and find it to be a staple in my house.
First, what is coconut oil? It is made by pressing dried coconut meat and pressing it to remove the oil. At room temperature coconut oil has a firm texture and will liquify at about 78 degrees. It is great for cooking because of its high smoke point of 350 degrees. It is also great to use as a skin and scalp moisturizer because it is easily absorbed into the skin.
Second, why is it so healthy? Coconut oil is considered a superfood, healthy fats called medium-chain fatty acids which are made up of three different acids – Caprylic acid, Lauric Acid and Capric acid. These fats (MCFAs) found in coconut oil provide the perfect source of energy because they can be easily turned info fuel, whereas other fats take much longer to be converted.
There are many benefits of coconut oil that are evidence based – let’s go over some of these benefits.
- 1. Proven Alzheimer’s Disease Natural Treatment
The digestion of MCFAs by the liver creates ketones that are readily accessible by the brain for energy. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need for insulin to process glucose into energy. Research has shown that the brain creates its own insulin to process glucose and power brain cells. A person who has Alzheimer’s is unable to create insulin, so the ketones from the coconut oil create the energy needed to repair brain function. - 2. Prevents Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure
Coconut oil is high in natural saturated fats. Saturated fats not only increase the healthy cholesterol (HDL) in your body, but will also help convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterol. By increasing the HDL in the body, it helps promote heart health and lower the risk of heart disease. Coconut oil also benefits the heart by lowering high triglycerides. - 3. Treats UTI and Kidney Infection and Protects the Liver
Coconut oil has been known to clear up and improve UTI symptoms and kidney infections. The MCFAs in the oil work as a natural antibiotic by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and killing them. Research also shows that coconut oil protects the liver from damage. - 4. Reduces Inflammation and Arthritis
Studies have shown that the high levels of antioxidants found in coconut oil reduce inflammation more effectively than leading medications. - 5. Immune System Boost (Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral)
Coconut oil contains lauric acid (monolaurin), which is known to reduce candida, fight bacteria and create a hostile environment for viruses. Many diseases today are caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites in the body. When sick take one tablespoon of coconut oil three times daily to kill off the virus and bad bacteria making you sick. - 6. Improves Energy and Endurance
Coconut oil is easy to digest and also produces a longer sustained energy and increases your metabolism. The MCFAs are sent directly to the liver and converted into energy, when you consume coconut oil. - 7. Improves Digestion and Reduces Stomach Ulcers and Ulcerative Colitis
Coconut oil improves digestion as it helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, calcium and magnesium. If coconut oil is taken at the same time as omega-3 fatty acids, it can make them twice as effective, as they are readily available to be digested and used by the body. Coconut oil can help improve bacteria and gut health by destroying bad bacteria. - 8. Improves Skin Issues (Burns, Eczema, Dandruff, Dermatitis and Psoriasis)
Coconut oil is wonderful as a face cleanser, moisturizer and sun screen, but also it can treat many skin disorders. The fatty acids (caprylic and lauric) in coconut oil reduce inflammation internally and externally and moisturize, making them a great solution for all types of skin conditions. Coconut oil protects the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal for healing the skin. - 9. Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Oil Pulling has been used for centuries as a way to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and help heal periodontal disease. Plus, research shows that in addition to offering several oral health benefits, oil pulling with coconut oil also has beneficial effect on overall health. Coconut oil is one of the most effective oils for oil pulling due to its high concentration of antibacterial MCFAs.
By swishing the oil in your mouth, the oil denatures the bacteria and sticks to it. Removing oral bacteria greatly reduces your risk of periodontal disease. If you want to heal your gums and repair your teeth, I recommend coconut oil pulling three times a week for 20 minutes a day. - 10. Prevents Osteoporosis
Oxidative stress and free radicals are the two biggest culprits of osteoporosis. Since coconut oil has such high levels of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment for osteoporosis. Coconut oil increases calcium absorption in the gut. Research on osteoporosis has found that coconut oil increases bone volume. - 14. Improves Type II Diabetes
The MCFAs in coconut oil help balance the insulin reactions in the cells and promote healthy digestive process. They take off the strain on the pancreas and give the body a consistent energy source that is not dependent on glucose reactions, which can prevent insulin resistance and type II diabetes. - 15. Coconut Oil for Weight loss
Because of the energy-creating abilities of coconut oil it is beneficial in losing weight. It helps burn fat and calories, decrease appetite, and in studies it was especially helpful in losing belly fat. Coconut oil is not only great for helping to burn fat, but also for building muscle. - 16. Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair Care
If you have dandruff or dry hair, coconut oil has the perfect fatty acids to help improve these conditions. Coconut oil is great for your hair. You can make homemade coconut lavender shampoo to improve your hair and use straight coconut oil as an all-natural hair conditioner. To get rid of dandruff and thicken hair, massage one tablespoon of coconut oil mixed with 10 drops of rosemary essential oil into your scalp for three minutes. Then shower 30 minutes later. - 17. Coconut Oil for Hormone Balance
Coconut oil may help naturally balance hormones, because it’s a great source of saturated fat, including lauric acid. Studies have found that coconut oil may be an excellent fat to consume during menopause and also may have positives effects on estrogen levels. In order to naturally balance hormones, reduce sugar and grain consumption and load up on healthy fats from coconut, avocado, flax seeds and ghee.
Coconut oil has so many benefits, not just these listed here, but many others. I swallow coconut oil every morning. I also swish it around in my mouth to get rid of the bacteria from the night – if you do this be sure you spit it out into the garbage and rinse your mouth out afterward. I use it as a moisturizer on my legs and arms daily. I use it for cooking quite often, and it can be used in coffee in place of a creamer. Like I said it has many uses. The higher quality coconut oil is better for you, but you can use the refined just as well. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Cheryl Blake
813-503-4611
Cheryl@advantagewellnesscoaching.com