You are currently viewing Top 5 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Top 5 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut (Narikela) is a natural medicine and has been used in Ayurveda to treat numerous diseases. The Oil extracted through cold-pressed method contains the maximum nutrition value and is useful and beneficial for heart health, skin and hair care and has anti microbial properties etc.

1. May Boost Heart Health

The coconut oil is a saturated fat and boosts HDL (good cholesterol) in our blood stream and counteracts the LDL( bad Cholesterol) hence promoting the heart health.

A desirable LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. For individuals who already have atherosclerosis (they have suffered a heart attack, they require heart surgery or angioplasty, they have diabetes, or testing has identified plaque formation), LDL levels below 70 mg/dL are advised.

2. Regulates Metabolism and reduces weight

Packed with vitamin E, antioxidants and polyphenols, this oil helps to balance hormones that prevent weight gain caused due to hormonal imbalance. Virgin coconut oil is considered the best as it does not contain saturated fats, which leads to a rise in cholesterol level and is responsible for weight gain.
Studies suggest that the way medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are digested by our stomach, it helps boost metabolism and increase energy.

3. Antimicrobial Effects

Medium-chain fatty acid constituents of coconut oil including lauric acid, capric acid, and others provide antimicrobial effect by disrupting bacterial, fungal, and viral cell membranes, leading to cell death. This review summarizes in vivo and in vitro studies of topical anti-infective properties of coconut oil and the medium-chain fatty acids contained within, and describes the proposed use of coconut products for dermal infections.

4. May raise HDL(good) Cholesterol

Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in your body. They may also help turn LDL (bad) cholesterol into a less harmful form. By increasing HDL, many experts believe that coconut oil may boost heart health compared with many other fats.

5. Great for skin, hair and teeth

Coconut oil can improve the moisture content of dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema. Coconut oil can also protect against hair damage. One study shows that it may work as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Oil pulling, which involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth like mouthwash, may kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth. This may improve dental health and reduce bad breath

Overall things to remember :

The oil derived from coconuts has a number of emerging benefits for your health.

In order to get the most out of it, make sure to choose organic, virgin coconut oil rather than refined versions.