For a time, coconut has even been tagged as a “wonder fruit” because of the many good things it can give to the body. You might have heard some of these before, and you might have raised your eyebrows because you don’t believe it possible. However, the benefits listed below have been proven, and they’re very good reasons to keep a bottle of coconut oil in your kitchen cabinet.
To name a few, here are some of the health benefits of coconut oil:
Aids in weight loss
One of the most known health benefits of coconut oil is the fact that it can aid in weight loss. According to studies, coconut oil has unique fats called medium-chain triglycerides which are burned by the body differently. You may use coconut oil in place of your usual cooking oil, or mix in coconut oil to salads as vinaigrette.
Raises good cholesterol
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Have you ever heard of HDL and LDL? There are two types of cholesterol in our body. There’s the good kind, and there’s the bad kind. HDL is the good kind, and one of the health benefits of coconut oil is that it helps to raise the levels of good cholesterol which means that regular intake of coconut oil makes your heart healthier. If you use other cooking oils, your bad cholesterol levels could get higher instead of your good cholesterol levels, so choose what you consume wisely.
Strengthens your immune system
Are you sickly, lately? There’s good news because one of the more popular health benefits of coconut oil is its ability to boost your immune system. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and antimicrobial lipids. In other words, it has properties which can help ward off harmful bacteria and viral infections from your body. You won’t have to worry about the common cold or even influenza if you have regular coconut oil intake.
Aids in mineral absorption
A lot of things can affect the way your body absorbs minerals, and a lack of minerals can mean weakening of the bones aside from other organs of your body. One of the most popular health benefits of coconut oil is the fact that it can aid in mineral absorption. This means that you’ll be much healthier with the help of coconut oil intake. Don’t miss out on nutrients just because you didn’t choose the right oil for cooking.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Are you a diabetic? If you are, then you can enjoy one of the best health benefits of this natural oil. Coconut oil can help with the healthy secretion of insulin. Most diabetics are unable to live normally because their blood sugar levels are simply out of control. With regular intake of coconut oil, blood sugar levels can be managed easier.
Good for the skin and hair
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer for the skin and hair. Products containing coconut oil have been marketed to keep one’s skin and hair healthier. In fact, women in Asia have always prided themselves for having long lustrous hair because they apply coconut oil to condition their scalps before sleeping. It’s a cheap and healthier alternative to chemical hair treatments.
Precaution
Although there are many benefits that we can derive from Coconut oil, it is also important to use it in moderation. It can be a better alternative to hydrogenated vegetable oil, but it still has unsaturated fat content that can affect our health.
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