Do You Know The Useful Benefits Of Coconut Oil ?
Marketed as a Superfood
Are you aware that coconut oil is widely marketed as a superfood? According to two papers (source) published in 2003, cooking and eating with medium chain fatty acids — a type of molecule present in coconut oil — can aid in dieting adults burn fat. This fatty acid may have positive effects on your health, such as improving heart health and brain function.
May Relieve from Skin Irritation And Its Related Issues
Many people use coconut oil to improve their health and the glow of their skin and hair. Studies (source (1) (2)) reveal that coconut oil can improve the moisture content of dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema. Also, the oil may assist in preventing and treating rashes like atopic dermatitis (Please refer link (source) attached below).
Another research study (source) found that coconut oil could improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce inflammation due to UVB rays. This conveys a message that coconut oil may be just what your skin needs. However, it would be best for you to consult with a doctor before using it.
Good Source Of Nourishment
Most oils remain on the surface of the hair, but coconut oil has been shown to penetrate more deeper into the hair shaft as per a research study (source), which may make hair feel softer and smoother.
Several studies (source (1) (2) (3) ) have shown that coconut oil can raise cholesterol levels in some people. However, an increase in “good” HDL cholesterol is the biggest and most consistent effect. Plus, individuals who eat more coconut, in general, may have higher healthy HDL cholesterol (Please refer link (source) attached). But, always remember to use it in small quantities; moderation is the key to good health.
Rich in Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is found in many vegetable fats, mainly in coconut and palm kernel oils. In coconut oil, lauric acid accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids, disclosed in a study (source). Furthermore, when lauric acid is digested by the body, a substance formed called monolaurin. And lauric acid and monolaurin have the ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi (Please refer link (source) attached below).
Plus, lauric acid and medium-chain triglycerides available in the coconut oil may help with heart health and weight loss, disclosed in an article by the National Library of Medicine (source).
Helpful To Increase Metabolism and Reduce Weight
Replacing long-chain triglycerides (like those from soybean and canola oil) with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in your diet could help you lose weight. This was found in a meta-analysis of 13 studies published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (source).
In addition, the MCT in coconut oil has been shown to boost diet-induced thermogenesis in humans by as much as 6%, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (source). Also, the MCTs increased 24-hour energy expenditure by up to 5% in humans (Please refer link (source) attached below). Although burning an extra 100-120 calories each day may not seem like much, it adds up to at least 36,000 calories over the course of a year.
Calcium Absorption Catalyst
Coconut oil promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals in the gut, and calcium is one of those minerals. Published in the journal (source) – Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, adding coconut oil to the diet enhance bone volume and structure in individuals and reduce bone loss related to osteoporosis.
Another study (source) indicated that coconut oil improves your body’s ability to absorb essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for the development of bones.