1.) Heart Health- Extra virgin coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It helps prevent atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries), the saturated fats in coconut oil are not harmful, like the saturated fats in vegetable oil. It also increases high- density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), and does not increase Low-Density Lipoproteins (bad cholesterol).
2.) Weight Loss- C.O. has short and medium chain fatty acids that are useful in losing weight. It also improves thyroid (controls metabolism) function therefore increases metabolism.
3.) Digestion- this one is important to me since i've had stomach problems since middle school. Since I have been eating coconut oil regularly, I have had MUCH fewer flare ups. Coconut oil aids in digestion and absorption. The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial effects, so it works against bacteria that disrupts the normal flora of your digestive tract.
4.) Immunity- It has also been found that C.O. has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. This allows your body to fight off infections and viruses more efficiently.
5.) Kidneys- Can be useful in preventing kidney and gall bladder disease, and also useful in preventing and disolving kidney stones.
6.) Bone + Teeth- C.O. facilitates the absorption of essential minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium, leading to stronger healthier bones and teeth.
7.) Performance- C.O. is thought to improve athletic performance do to the fact that the fats it contains are easily converted to energy. It is thought to increase energy and endurance.
8.) Others- it is also thought to decrease premature aging and degenerative joint disease because of its high antioxidant content, useful in skin care, helps relieve stress, and is an excellent natural source of nutrition for your hair. Not only can you eat coconut oil, but you can rub it on your skin, and put it in your hair!
My husband and I use it too (sort of new to using it). People always tell me though that coconuts are high in saturated fat. Have you read anything about that? I sort of blow it off but someone said it to me today and then saw your post so I figured I would ask.
ReplyDeleteWe've been eating unsweetened coconut for a while and recently bought a jar of the oil to try. One thing I learned right off the bat...a little goes a LONG way!
You're right a little bit does go a long way! It is true that coconut oil is high in saturated fat. The thing about the saturated fats in coconut oil is that they are medium chain fatty acids. The bad saturated fats we here about are long chain fatty acids. Medium chain fatty acids are broken down diffrently by the body because they are shorter. They do not require bile salts in order to be broken down, so they go into the blood stream and are utilized for energy much faster, this increases metabolic rate. So basically, the type of saturated fat in coconut oil is the complete opposite of what most people believe saturated fat does. Medium chain fatty acids help us lose weight, lower cholesterol, and facilitate digestion and absorption. So for someone like me, with constant stomach problems from digestion issues, coconut oil is beneficial because it is easily digested and absorbed.
ReplyDeleteHope this is helpful!
ughh typo's irritate me... correction: "the bad saturated fats we hear*** about.."
ReplyDeleteThanks! That does help a lot! It's hard to know when you read a label what "good" saturated fats and "bad" saturated fats are actually in the food.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I was not a fan of coconut once upon a time. After my gluten allergy surfaced I found myself liking it more and more for some reason (can't wait to try those Larabars you showed in the other post).
I have always loved coconut, but before i started the paleo diet, i didn't use it regularly because, who needs sweetness from coconut when you're eating regular candy, cakes, cookies, and icecream! Those days are long gone!
ReplyDeleteCoconut oil is wonderful for the hair. Coconut oil is good for consumption prevents numerous heart illnesses. It is immediately changed into energy.
ReplyDeleteStage 4 breast cancer