Coconut oil has been labeled as the healthiest oil in the world. It has provided many health benefits to the native Polynesian people for generations. Here’s a quick run-down of the 7 main health benefits of coconut oil.
1. Kills Viruses in the Body
The antibiotics that doctors prescribe whenever you are down with flu are only effective against bacteria but fare badly against viruses. No drugs have been developed to effectively counter viruses. The medicine your doctor prescribes for you can only reduce the severity of the symptoms while your own immune system fights the virus. This is why flu usually last a few days to a week or more for most people.
Most viruses are encased in a coat of lipids. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil destroy viruses by disrupting their lipid membranes. Lauric acid in coconut oil can kill various lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, measles, herpes, influenza and Hepatitis C etc. There are many cases of HIV patients reducing their viral loads from taking coconut oil.
2. Removes Fungus and Yeast from the Skin and Intestines
Many people suffer from yeast infections in the skin and also fungus infections like athlete’s foot and skin rashes like ringworm. Candida is a single-celled fungus and yeast cell that inhabits the intestinal tract. Candida affects more than 40 million Americans and is a common cause of vaginal yeast infections in many women.
Caprylic acid, a medium chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, is very effective against candida and other forms of fungi. Patients suffering from skin infections for months have reported seeing their skin clear up in a matter of weeks, after applying coconut oil on the infected areas and taking coconut oil every day.
3. Fights Bacteria Effectively
Bacteria are harmful to you and your family, causing health conditions such as ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia and tooth decay. Many bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Besides, antibiotics kill the ‘friendly’ bacteria in your intestines that are necessary for good intestinal health.
Coconut kills harmful bacteria like helicobacter pylori while leaving the beneficial bacteria alone. The major fatty acid from coconut oil, lauric acid is converted by the body into the monoglyceride called monolaurin. Monolaurin has been found to be useful in the prevention and treatment of severe bacterial infections, especially those that are difficult to treat or are antibiotic resistant.
4. Defends against Parasites in the Intestines
Parasites infect the intestines and can cause a great deal of intestinal distress. Even when the parasites are diagnosed and treated, they can damage the intestinal lining, causing chronic health problems that persist for years.
There are two general groups of parasites. One consists of worms such as tape worms and roundworms. The second category is the protozoa, one-celled organisms like giardia and cryptosporidium.
Protozoa cannot stand up against the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) found in coconut oil. Besides defending against protozoa, coconut oil has also been used for the removal of intestinal worms.
5. Acts as an Anti-oxidant
Free radicals have been found to cause degenerative diseases and aging. Free radicals attack our cells and damage them. The double bonds in polyunsaturated oils like vegetable oils make them vulnerable to oxidation and free radical attack. Many vegetable oils turn rancid due to oxidation and are responsible for many health problems today.
Coconut oil is very stable chemically as it is saturated and has no double bonds. Thus coconut oil is not oxidized easily. It is so resistant to free radical attack that is acts as an anti-oxidant. Virgin coconut oil's antioxidant properties will prevent skin from sagging and reduce wrinkles. Coconut oil is actually an ingredient of many suntan lotions.
6. Boost Metabolism and Acts as an Energy Source
Research shows that some saturated fat is in fact necessary for human health. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil help to increase metabolism and are more easily digested than fats found in other oils. This is because they are processed directly in the liver and immediately converted into energy. There is therefore less strain on the liver, pancreas and digestive system and these MCFA provide the body with a wonderful, quick source of energy.
7. Provides Food for Your Cells
Each cell membrane in our body is made up of 50 percent saturated fat. When we do not take enough saturated fats, our cells stop functioning properly. Our cells need saturated fatty acids to maintain their necessary ‘stiffness’ or structural integrity, in order to work properly. Coconut oil provides a source of saturated fats that is easily digested and will not be stored as fat in your body. It is a good source of saturated fat for keeping your cells healthy.
