Coconut oil was not always considered to be the nutritious, healing ingredient that it is today. Ten years ago this amazing oil was considered to be taboo by nutrition and health experts in the United States. Thankfully, this has changed due to research and the growing body of information that we now have today. Coconut oil is derived from the nutty, edible flesh of the coconut. It differs greatly from other oils because of its saturated fat content. It is very high in saturated fat compared to other oils like safflower and sunflower oil. Coconut oil also differs from other oils because of its medium-chain triglyceride composition (MCT). Other oils usually consist of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) in their composition. Over 90% of the fat contained in coconut oil is saturated. How can an oil with an exceptionally high amount of fat be good for any one?
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Individuals interested in losing weight are usually told to stay clear of foods that are high in saturated fat. Though it has recently become popular in the United States, coconut oil has long been known for its numerous health benefits in the Caribbean and tropical islands. Some older Caribbean people have attested to receiving benefits from this oil at an early age due to its widespread availability in their place of habitation.
In the 1970s, scientists in the Pacific Islands completed studies that focused on the health benefits of coconuts. Pacific Islanders who consumed coconuts in their diet were examined for a long duration of time. Researchers found that these islanders were in excellent health despite of the fact that their diets were high in saturated fat. They were not obese nor did they have any traces of heart disease, kidney disease or digestive problems. The research studies that were completed also proved that the islanders' high fat diets did not have any effect on their cholesterol levels.
The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil are used by the body for energy and are not stored as fat. This is essentially what makes this oil such a nutritional powerhouse. Since these medium-chain triglycerides are turned into energy by the body, coconut oil can also be used as a great weight loss tool. One particular study confirmed the oil's ability to speed up the metabolism. Medium-chain triglycerides are beneficial for health because they help to lower the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease and diabetes.
Most recently, coconuts have been touted for its ability to improve various diseases and ailments that affect the body. Coconut oil contains potent antibacterial properties. It contains lauric acid which turns into monolaurin once it is metabolized by the body. Monolaurin has been proven to be effective in fighting and destroying bacteria and viruses. Monolaurin's antibacterial properties help to boost the immune system and can prove to be effective in fighting ailments such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia. Individuals living with Alzheimer's disease have even gone so far as to express improved brain function as a result of supplementing their diet with this oil.
Not only does coconut oil boast many health benefits; it also adds a nice flavor to foods that are cooked with it. This oil can handle high heat temperatures without changing its chemical composition. This means that coconut oil will not release toxic and harmful chemicals when heated at elevated temperatures. This oil is an excellent moisturizer and can be added to skin conditioners and hair treatments. Unlike other oils, coconut oil also acts as a natural sunscreen agent, protecting the skin against 20 percent of UV rays. The uses for coconut oil are endless and extensive. It is a powerful supplement that would make a great addition to any diet.
Mechelle Bryan is Natural Health advocate who is devoted to encouraging and enriching others with the knowledge that they need to know to live healthy and productive lives.
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