Coconut Oil: Proven Benefits, Myths And How To Use
Here’s why you shouldn’t stop exploring other powerful
benefits of this “superfood”:
Proven
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Studies
have shown that coconut oil can kill harmful bacteria as its content makeup is
50% Lauric Acid, which is used medically for viral infections. This substance
has also been proven to kill the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, which is
a very dangerous pathogen.
Surprisingly,
coconut oil can also be used as an effective hunger suppressant due to
its high fatty acid content. Fatty acids such as the medium chain
triglycerides (MCT) have an appetite-reducing effect. In one study, men who
were given more MCTs ate 256 fewer calories than men who weren’t
give as much. Although this study was conducted over a short
period of time, increasing MCTs in your diet may be a long-term solution to
weight loss.
Another
one of the benefits of coconut oil is that it can also lower cholesterol
as saturated fats helps increase good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein)
while reducing bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein). In one study,
regular consumption of coconut oil in 40 women led to better cholesterol levels
as compared to soybean oil.
Myths
About Coconut Oil
As with
many wonder foods out there, the internet is filled with claims that are
scientifically backed up and those which are simply trumped up.
Due
to the thick and solidified state of coconut oil, caused by its low
solidifying point of 24 degrees celsius, there are many misconceptions of
coconut oil being thick and difficult to be absorbed by the body. But little do
people know that coconut oil is actually a very thin liquid and it is not
greasy or sticky, hence it is very easily absorbed by the body and favoured to
be used as a tanning or massage oil.
Many
people avoid coconut oil mainly because of its high saturated fat content. As a
result, they form the misconception that it will lead to obesity and heart diseases.
In fact the opposite is true, as the saturated fats in coconut oil actually
help to increase the body’s metabolism, thereby leading to higher energy
consumption and faster fat burning.
Potential
Risks of Using Coconut Oil
Due to the
lack of extensive studies on the effects coconut oil has on cholesterol, the
American Heart Association has maintained that we should limit our intake of
all saturated fats, despite whether or not coconut oil contains MCTs.
However,
all health institutions agree that the benefits of coconut oil make it a better
alternative to using trans fat oil and commercial vegetable oils that
are processed.
How to Use
Coconut Oil
Coconut
oil can be used for many ailments and skin issues. Its deep skin penetrating
properties act as an extremely effective skin moisturiser which is perfect
for dull or dry skin. Simply applying pure coconut oil to the skin and
leaving it on overnight can be very beneficial for the skin, as reported by
many users.
Coconut
oil is also a good hair conditioner known to strengthen hair and give a healthy
shine. Applying coconut oil to your roots can also prevent lice and dandruff as
it has anti-microbial properties.
The
Difference Between Pure Coconut Oil and Refined Coconut Oil
Refined
coconut oil is oil that has been bleached and deodorised and is usually
extracted from dried coconut meat. The deodorising process takes away the oil’s
distinctive odour and flavour. Most refined coconut oils are hydrogenated and
may contain trans-fats which raise the bad cholesterol levels in our body.
Pure
coconut oil, sometimes referred to as virgin coconut oil, is oil that is
extracted from fresh coconut meat. Pure coconut oil is not hydrogenated and has
not been bleached or deodorised, thus retaining its natural flavours and odour.
Where to
Buy Coconut Oil (INUSA)
Coconut
oil can be purchased at your local supermarket. The oil should be clear
and consumers should note not to by virgin coconut oil if there are impurities
or if it is cloudy. One can also buy coconut oil online these days at online
supplement stores or online specialty grocery stores.
BY LIM KAIREN
http://www.lifehack.org/390277/coconut-oil-proven-benefits-myths-and-how-use?mtype=daily_newsletter&mid=20160425_customized&uid=687414&email=drmsriram%40yahoo.com&action=click&ref=mail
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