The nutritional benefits of coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. Coconuts and coconut oil have been a food staple of Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Pacific Islands for many years, comprising 30% to 60% of the local diet, yet the natives have normal cholesterol levels and no cardiovascular disease.
Coconut oil contains saturated fats, and unfortunately, since saturated fats have gotten a really bad rep here in the US, many people are not aware of the tremendous health benefits it has to offer.
What many people don’t know is that coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), not a long chain fatty acid (LCFA) like many other fats. MCFAs are digested differently than LCFAs; they’re absorbed directly into the liver rather than into the bloodstream, so they’re used immediately as energy, not stored as fat.
Unlike LCFAs, MCFAs don’t have a negative effect on cholesterol levels, and they actually help prevent heart disease. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids are powerful antimicrobial agents that fight against pathologic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast.
For example, one of the fatty acids is Lauric acid, which is also found in human breast milk and provides protection against infections to babies, with developing immune systems.
MCFAs help to stimulate the metabolism by promoting the rate at which you burn calories due to the consumption of food, essentially boosting and helping fat loss. It’s said that it is becoming increasingly evident that people who consume coconut oil have an overall advantage in losing fat and keeping it off!
Coconut oil has an amazing flavor, so it’s easy to use in place of any fats currently used in just about any recipe. It’s a great substitute for everything from butter and margarine, to olive and vegetable oils. Coconut oil is your best choice when utilizing high-heat cooking methods since it’s stable enough to resist heat-induced damage.
Coconut oil is fantastic for the skin, as well! Not only is it an excellent moisturizer, but it also protects against free radicals. It has anti-aging properties, helping prevent spots and other skin blemishes caused by sun exposure.
If you decide to try Coconut Oil, Purchase organic, extra virgin coconut oil that’s unrefined, unbleached, undeodorized, and is free of genetically modified ingredients and chemicals. Most health food stores carry it in this form. Don’t forget that coconut oil turns into a solid at cooler room temperatures (anything below 70 degrees F). This is perfectly fine; just scoop out the desired amount and heat it up, which will turn it into a liquid. To use as moisturizer, apply and massage into the skin, as you would with any other lotion.
FYI– AFTER A YEAR, THIS OIL WILL GO RANCID SO USE IT WITHIN A YEAR…
There is still some discrepancy among consumers and nutritionists but with these finding, I think it is up for a try! Be sure to use it extremely moderately to see how your body responds.
