12 Benefits That Make Coconut Oil Healthiest

Coconut oil, nature’s richest source of lauric acid is an edible oil, extensively used in tropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Philippines to name a few. The lauric acid found in coconut oil is useful in combating pathogens, thus assisting in fighting off various disease causing viruses and bacteria.

Cold pressing, machine pressing and manual / bullock pressing are some of the ways of coconut oil extraction. Based on the cultivation, extraction and processing methods, there are normally 6 kinds of coconut oil available in the market, namely pure, refined, organic, virgin, organic virgin and extra virgin coconut oils. Refined coconut oil is best for edible (consumption) and healing purposes since it is clean. Unrefined coconut oil is good for external applications.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Coconut oil contains more than 90% of saturated fats which assimilate well in our system. The main saturated fatty acids are lauric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Linoleic acid makes up the major polyunsaturated fatty acid, while oleic acid is the main monounsaturated fatty acid. Gallic or phenolic acid content in coconut oil gives it its fragrance and taste. Coconut oil also contains Vitamins E and K and iron.

HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Coconut oil helps in healthy growth of hair, keeps it shining; while providing the required protein nourishment to heal damaged hair. Regular head and scalp massage with coconut oil ensures dandruff and lice free scalp.
2. The lauric acid of coconut oil helps in preventing high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It reduces injury and damage to the arteries.
3. An effective moisturizer for all skin types, coconut oil helps treat various skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Its anti-oxidant properties prevent premature aging.
4. Coconut oil increases the body’s metabolic rate, is easy to digest and helps effective functioning of thyroid and endocrine system; making it effective in weight loss.
5. The lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid of coconut oil are effective in strengthening the body’s immune system because of their antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. These properties also make it effective in killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast that cause a host of diseases like influenza, measles, herpes, ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, ringworm, athlete’s foot, diaper rash to name a few.
6. Coconut oil helps prevent digestion related problems like irritable bowel syndrome. Its antimicrobial properties help fight indigestion causing fungi, parasites and bacteria. It helps in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and calcium.
7. The capric acid of coconut oil is effective in the prevention and cure of candida, a disease caused by uncontrolled growth of a particular yeast in the stomach.
8. Coconut oil helps heal damaged tissues faster, making it effective in healing bruises.
9. Helps prevent liver diseases, gall bladder and kidney problems.
10. Its soothing quality helps remove mental stress and tiredness.
11. Coconut oil greatly helps reduce HIV and cancer patients’ viral susceptibility.
12. Helps prevent and treat diabetes.

STORAGE

It is advisable to store in containers with tight lids (to keep away insects, rodents) and broad mouths (to scoop out easily if it solidifies). Do not refrigerate. It is not advisable to store coconut oil for too long, since better results will be obtained with fresh oil.

HOW TO CONSUME

For hair care, melt the oil if solid, take the Coconut oil in your palm and apply to hair / scalp.

For internal consumption, use instead of vegetable oils for cooking.

To reduce allergy symptoms, rub coconut oil inside your nostril.

Can be used as a carrier oil for absorption of essential oils / herbal extracts / medicines through the skin.

Rub on dry lips as lip balm.

For gum health, use for oil pulling with a drop of oregano oil.

PRECAUTIONS

You need not switch to coconut oil completely for consumption since you might lose out on the benefits of the other oils / dairy products.