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Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be called a superfood. You may have noticed that recently there has been almost hysteria around this tropical fruit.
This makes you wonder what it’s all about. In this article we’ll try to clarify it a bit more for you.
What coconut oil contains
Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids with very strong medicinal effects.
Specifically, these are the so-called medium-chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently in the body than other fatty acids. They pass from the liver back to the digestive tract, where they are then used as a quick source of energy.
Countries where coconut oil is consumed are considered some of the healthiest places on the planet.
In our Western culture, the coconut is still considered an exotic fruit. It is mainly consumed by people interested in healthy nutrition. In some countries, however, coconut oil is a staple of the diet.
For example, in the South Pacific people get up to 60% of their calories from coconuts.
This ranks them among the largest consumers of saturated fats in the world (considered unhealthy by us). However, these people are extremely healthy, without the slightest signs of heart and vascular disease.
Let’s now take a closer look at the health effects of coconut oil.
1. Helps control weight
A 2009 study focused on the relationship between body weight and consumption of coconut oil. It found that it reduces obesity in the abdominal area and waist.
Coconut is easily digestible and also protects the body against insulin resistance.
2. A good source of lauric acid
Lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and other types of infections.
When the oil is enzymatically digested, it creates a monoglyceride known as monolaurin. Together with lauric acid it kills harmful pathogens.
3. Reduces seizures
The ketogenic diet contains a low percentage of carbohydrates but is rich in fats. This leads to an increased concentration of ketones in the blood.
For reasons not yet fully understood, this type of diet reduces the rate of cramps and seizures in children with epilepsy.
4. Improves digestion
Many people suffer from digestive problems. These people should consider adding coconut oil to their diet.
Coconut oil helps with digestive tract diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, and also with Helicobacter in the stomach.
The fatty acids have antimicrobial properties that suppress the growth of bacteria, candida and even parasites that cause poor digestion.
5. Helps control type 2 diabetes
A recent study conducted by the Garvin Institute for Medical Research showed that it helps prevent the onset of insulin resistance and therefore reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. Allows cooking at high temperatures
Because of the medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil has higher heat resistance than most other oils.
You may even find that you prefer it to your favorite olive oil, especially when you need to cook something at higher temperatures. Olive oil, when it reaches its boiling point, quickly oxidizes and creates free radicals.
7. Slows the formation of fine wrinkles and other signs of aging
Coconut oil is not just for eating. It has many uses in cosmetics as well.
It helps keep connective tissues firm, thereby preventing the formation of wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
To reduce the visibility of fine wrinkles, apply the oil directly to the face. You can also apply it daily to moisturize the skin.
8. Suppresses appetite and allows you to eat less without too much effort
One of the best properties of coconut oil is that it reduces the feeling of hunger.
This is probably related to the way its fatty acids are metabolized. Ketones likely have an effect that reduces appetite.
Conclusion
Besides the natural form, it is sometimes sold in an odorless form. We recommend consuming the natural one.
Its aroma and taste are pleasant and, moreover, the natural one has not undergone additional processing during which some of its beneficial substances could have been degraded.
