Many people are turning to Mother Nature for help with their illnesses and conditions. Whether it’s finding an alternative to antibiotics, such as oregano oil for minor sore throats or looking for ways to eat to stay healthy, there’s a lot to be said about using natural alternatives. Don’t get me wrong, modern medicine has saved thousands of lives, but what if you can avoid getting ill by eating right? That’s exciting. One focus is the type of oils used. While hydrogenated oil isn’t healthy, olive and coconut oil are. I’m always amazed at the health benefits of coconut oil and the variety of ways to use it.
Coconut oil fights infection and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Coconut oil contains lots of lauric acid, which is anti-microbial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. That alone can explain why it’s a good way to fight infection and tooth decay. It lowers the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol for heart health. You can use it in place of butter on your toast in the morning or replace the dairy creamer in your coffee with coconut oil. Toss a bit in your smoothie or go traditional and use it to replace the non-stick cooking spray in your skillet.
Weight loss is easier when you have coconut oil in your diet.
Coconut oil makes you feel fuller faster and longer, so you tend to eat less. It also was studied as a method to help reduce abdominal fat, the “killer” type of fat. Coconut oil was compared to a placebo and to soy bean oil. Women given the coconut oil supplements showed a significant decrease in their waist measurement compared to the other two groups, showing it helps to reduce abdominal fat. It also is a metabolism booster, to help burn more calories throughout the day.
Coconut oil is proven “brain food.”
The high amount of medium-chained fatty acids in coconut oil allows the liver to absorb these quickly and metabolize them just as quickly. They convert to ketones. The brain uses ketones as a source of energy. That energy source has proven beneficial to people suffering from diseases causing memory loss, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. In fact, the phytochemicals and hormones coconut oil contain may prevent the accumulation of amyloid beta peptides. That type of accumulation is now considered the most prevalent theory on the cause of Alzheimer’s.
- Coconut oil helps reduce inflammation, improve energy levels and can help balance blood sugar.
- Coconut oil is a great beauty product. It’s good for both the hair and the skin.
- Studies show coconut oil can help kill Candida.
- When it is applied to the skin, it not only moisturizes, it helps reduce wrinkles and age spots.