coconut oil which is also called copra oil is an oil which is edible and it is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconut harvested from the coconut palm called cocos nucifera. The natural saturated fats incoconut oilcreate healthy and good cholesterol or the HDL and also convert the bad cholesterol or LDL into good cholesterol. Increase in HDL means it promotes heart health and lower the risk of heart related problems. The oil is known to clear up and cure urinary tract infections and kidney infections.Coconut oilprotects the liver from damage and the coconut water is natural drink for dehydration and it also supports healing process.
Nutritional Values of Coconut oil:
Nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is the 12 carbon Lauric acid and when coconut oil is digested it forms a monoglyceride called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. Coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods in and there are many benefits and used for coconut oil. The health benefits of this oil are credited to the medium chain fatty acids which this oil has and it includes caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. Around 62% of the coconut oil is made up of these healthy fatty acids and studies say that 91% of the fat in coconut is healthy saturated oil. The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil provide the perfect source of energy and these fatty acids are easy to digest, and they are not readily stored as fat. These fatty acids are anti-microbial and anti-fungal and are smaller in size allowing easier cell permeability for immediate energy. Since these fats are processed by the liver directly it is immediately converted into energy and not stored as fat. The digestion by the liver creates ketones which are easily and immediately accessed by the brain. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the help of insulin to process glucose into energy. One tablespoon ofcoconut oil contains117 calories, 0 grams of protein, 13.6 grams of fat (11.8 saturated, 0.8 unsaturated and 0.2 polyunsaturated) and 0 grams of carbohydrates.
Health Benefits of Coconut oil:
Coconut oil has high levels of antioxidants present in it can reduce inflammation and heal arthritis than most of the leading medicines. Coconut oil has the qualities to fight cancer mainly because of the presence of ketones and the tumor cells are not able to access the energy in ketones and are glucose dependent. Ketogenic diet is the possible component of helping cancer patients recover. The oil can also kill the helicobacter pylori bacteria which increases the risk of stomach cancer. The lauric acid present in coconut oil help to reduce candida which fights bacteria. Coconut oil improves memory and brain function and also energy and endurance. It is easy to digest and increases the metabolism. It reduces symptoms of gallbladder disease and pancreatitis.
Skin Care:The oil improves skin issues burns, eczema, dandruff, dermatitis and psoriasis. It can be used an effective face cleanser, moisturizer and sun screen. The caprylic and lauric acid present in coconut oil makes it an effective solution for all types of skin conditions.Coconut oilis a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin and is also effective against wrinkles and sagging of the skin. It prevents degenerative diseases premature aging because of its antioxidant properties and coconut oil is used widely as the base ingredient in many body care products like soaps, lotions and skin care creams.
Hair Care:Coconut oil helps in growth of healthy hair and provides a shiny quality to the hair. It provides good amount of proteins to the hair to make the hair healthy. The oil is an excellent conditioner and helps the re-growth process of the damaged hair. Regular use of coconut oil is good for the problems of dandruff and it helps the hair and scalp free of lice and lice eggs.
Heart diseases:Coconut oil is good for the heart health and the saturated fats in it are good for the heart. The lauric acid present in it prevents various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Intake of coconut oil can help maintaining healthy lipid profiles in pre-menopausal women.
Weight loss:Coconut oil helps in weight loss because it contains short and medium chain fatty acids which help in taking off excessive weight. Coconut oil is good for reducing abdominal obesity in women and since it is easy to digest it helps in healthy functioning of thyroid and endocrine system. It removes the stress on the pancreases by increasing the bodys metabolic rate and burns more energy and helps obese and overweight people lose weight.
Immune system:Coconut oil strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acids, capric acids and caprylic which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which effectively deals with viruses and bacteria which causes influenza, herpes, cytomegalovirus and even HIV. Coconut oil has the power to fight harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori and harmful protozoa like giardia lamblia.
Digestive System:Coconut helps improve the digestive system and prevents various stomach and digestion related problems like irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fat in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and it helps in dealing with different kinds of bacteria, fungi and parasites which causes indigestion. It also aids in the absorption of other nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Candida:Candida which is generally known as systemic candidiasis is a health problem caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach.Coconutprovides relief from external and internal inflammation caused by candida. Coconut retains high moisture and keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. The components found in coconut oil like capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid help in eradicating candida albicans. The effect of coconut is gradual and not severe or rapid hence it gives the patient enough time to adjust to the withdrawal symptom or Herxheimer reactions.