Coconut Oil – What Are Some Of The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil You Should Know

No doubt, coconut oil has become a popular lip balm lately. People are using it in place of Chapstick, quite literally. You might be aware that it can also be found in their hair, smoothies, frying pans, and a small jar on their nightstand.

The overwhelming advantages of coconut oil for the mind, body, and soul it promises are what have recently led to the widespread adoption of this oil.

And it’s not just a marketing gimmick; an increasing body of research indicates that consuming coconut oil could be one of the simplest ways to enhance your health, happiness, appearance, and even your sex life.

So in this article, we will be discussing some of the health benefits of coconut oil in our health.

Coconut Oil Benefits

According to medical research and the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient database, the health benefits of coconut oil include the following:

1. Helps Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

Ketones are produced when the liver breaks down medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and the brain easily absorbs them to provide energy. Without the need for insulin to convert glucose into energy, ketones provide the brain with energy.

According to research, the brain produces its own insulin to process glucose and fuel brain cells. According to studies, coconut oil’s ketones may act as a substitute energy source for the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient as their ability to produce insulin declines. This may help to restore brain function.

Because of their neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities, medium-chain triglycerides are important in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a review published in 2020.

2. Aids In The Prevention Of Heart Disease And High Blood Pressure

Coconut oil contains a lot of unsaturated fats naturally. In addition to raising the amount of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in your body, saturated fats also aid in the transformation of LDL “bad” cholesterol into HDL cholesterol.

A randomized crossover trial found that young, healthy adults’ daily consumption of two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil significantly increased HDL cholesterol. The study was published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Additionally, taking virgin coconut oil every day for eight weeks was reported to pose no significant safety risks. The same findings were found in a later study published in 2020, and it was concluded that coconut oil consumption significantly raises HDL cholesterol compared to nontropical vegetable oils.

It helps to promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease by raising the body’s HDL levels.

3. Treats UTI And Kidney Infection And Protects The Liver

CKidney infections and UTI symptoms have been known to be resolved and improved by coconut oil. By destroying the lipid coating on bacteria and killing them, the MCFAs in the oil act as a natural antibiotic.

Additionally, studies demonstrate that coconut oil directly guards the liver against harm. Additionally, hydrating and supporting the healing process is coconut water. For kidney stones, doctors have even administered coconut water via injection. Given all of these fantastic coconut oil health benefits, coconut is clearly a potent superfood.

4. Immune System Boost (Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral)

Lauric acid (monolaurin) in coconut oil has been shown to lessen candida, fight bacteria, and foster an unfavourable environment for viruses. The body’s overgrowth of harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites is today’s root cause of many diseases.

According to a review from 2020, it has antimicrobial properties and aids in triggering the immune system’s anti-inflammatory components. When you’re ill, coconut oil can serve as your body’s natural fuel source instead of grains and sugar.

Bacterial growth is fueled by sugar. When ill, take one tablespoon of coconut oil three times per day, eat a lot of vegetables, and drink bone broth.

5. Supports Memory And Brain Function

In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that the MCFAs in coconut oil improved memory problems in older subjects.

Across all the patients, there was a marked improvement in their recall ability after taking this fatty acid. The MCFAs are absorbed easily in the body and can be accessed in the brain without insulin. Thus, they can fuel brain cells more efficiently.

6. Aids Digestion And Reduces Stomach Ulcers And Ulcerative Colitis

Additionally, coconut helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, which enhances digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids can be twice as effective when taken with coconut oil because they are more easily digested and utilized by the body.

Research shows coconut oil kills candida and harmful bacteria to improve gut health. In particular, a candida imbalance can reduce stomach acid, which leads to inflammation and poor digestion.

Together, these factors indicate that coconut oil promotes digestive health and aids in treating or preventing stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

7. Helps Prevent Gum Disease And Tooth Decay

For centuries, people have used coconut oil for oil pulling to remove bacteria from their mouths and aid in the recovery from periodontal disease.

Additionally, studies show that coconut oil pulling benefits overall health and its many oral benefits. Coconut oil has a high concentration of antibacterial MCFAs, making it one of the best oils for oil pulling.

The oil denatures and adheres to the bacteria when you swish it in your mouth. Your risk of periodontal disease is significantly reduced by eliminating oral bacteria. Try oil pulling for 20 minutes daily, three times a week, to repair your teeth and gums.

8. Support Bone Health

Free radicals and oxidative stress are the two main causes of osteoporosis. Due to its high antioxidant content, which aids in the fight against free radicals, coconut oil is a popular all-natural osteoporosis treatment.

In the gut, calcium absorption is boosted by coconut oil. Coconut oil has been shown in osteoporosis studies to increase bone volume and structure in subjects and reduce bone loss brought on by the disease.