WRITTEN BY JAMIE DUVNJAK, CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
It wasn’t until two months ago that I began consuming an ounce of coconut oil on a daily basis. My side effects have included softer skin, increased energy, better digestion and a noticeably leaner abdomen. The only complaint is the fact I didn’t begin using it years ago when I read about its many health benefits. Read on to learn more about this “superfood.”
Coconut or copra oil is pulled from the meat of mature coconuts. Since it has a high saturated fat content, it oxidizes at a much slower rate which, in turn, is more stable and doesn’t go rancid as quickly. It’s also great for cooking since it can withstand high heat. Jars can last up to 6 months at 75 °F. I bought the organic, unrefined, pure, cold-pressed virgin brand by Gurunanda on Amazon. It currently has an average of 4.6 stars out of 251 reviews. Cook with it, blend in your smoothie or enjoy a spoonful like I do. The list is endless!
Despite its past reputation for being too high in saturated fat to consume on a regular basis, researchers have discovered coconut oil contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides/fatty acids. Unhealthy fatty acids from cheese and meat, for example, are long-chain which contribute to high cholesterol and other health problems. The medium-chain ones metabolize differently in the body. Ones these exit the digestive tract, they go straight to the liver and turn into an instant energy source. 50% of the medium-chain triglycerides are Lauric Acid and monolaurin. Studies show both of these have the power of warding off and even preventing various pathogens such as viruses, parasites, yeast infections, bacteria and fungi.
Researchers state those consuming mainly medium-chain fatty acids or triglycerides eat approximately 250 fewer calories a day as well. They believe the way these particular ones are metabolized have an appetite suppressing effect. In one study, 20 obese males were given 1 ounce of coconut oil per day. After 4 weeks, without adding exercise or changing anything else in their diets, they had reduced their waist circumference by 1.1 inches. Some populations, such as those in the South Pacific, consume a significant amount of coconut on a regular basis. Most are in good health, have no sign of heart disease or struggle with weight issues.
Coconut oil is also known for:
* Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure
* Stabilizing blood sugar levels
* Aiding the absorption of minerals
* Its rich content of iron, polyphenols, vitamins E and K
* Improving skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, athlete’s foot, ringworm, bruising, cuts, scrapes and diaper rash
* Enhancing hair shine and promoting growth
* Moisturizing the skin and diminishing wrinkles
* Preventing tooth decay and bad breath
* Blocking a portion of UV rays when used as a sunscreen
* Strengthening the liver, kidneys, pancreas and bones
* Blending nicely as a carrier oil for aromatherapy
For those who have not tried coconut oil, I recommend having a small amount first. See how your body reacts to it. Some people may not like how it tastes when added to food. That’s okay. Maybe you’ll ingest it separately or just apply it to your hair and skin for its other benefits.
Which variety of coconut oil should you purchase? Organic Virgin Coconut Oil uses little or no heat in the extraction process; therefore you’ll be getting most of the antioxidant and medium-chain fatty acid benefits. It’s said to have the best flavor and scent of all of the varieties of coconut oils.
By adding this oil to your daily regime, in whichever capacity you choose to use it, I’m sure you’ll reap at least one benefit. Give it a try and let me know what you experience.
Have a healthy day!
It wasn’t until two months ago that I began consuming an ounce of coconut oil on a daily basis. My side effects have included softer skin, increased energy, better digestion and a noticeably leaner abdomen. The only complaint is the fact I didn’t begin using it years ago when I read about its many health benefits. Read on to learn more about this “superfood.”
Coconut or copra oil is pulled from the meat of mature coconuts. Since it has a high saturated fat content, it oxidizes at a much slower rate which, in turn, is more stable and doesn’t go rancid as quickly. It’s also great for cooking since it can withstand high heat. Jars can last up to 6 months at 75 °F. I bought the organic, unrefined, pure, cold-pressed virgin brand by Gurunanda on Amazon. It currently has an average of 4.6 stars out of 251 reviews. Cook with it, blend in your smoothie or enjoy a spoonful like I do. The list is endless!
Despite its past reputation for being too high in saturated fat to consume on a regular basis, researchers have discovered coconut oil contains healthy medium-chain triglycerides/fatty acids. Unhealthy fatty acids from cheese and meat, for example, are long-chain which contribute to high cholesterol and other health problems. The medium-chain ones metabolize differently in the body. Ones these exit the digestive tract, they go straight to the liver and turn into an instant energy source. 50% of the medium-chain triglycerides are Lauric Acid and monolaurin. Studies show both of these have the power of warding off and even preventing various pathogens such as viruses, parasites, yeast infections, bacteria and fungi.
Researchers state those consuming mainly medium-chain fatty acids or triglycerides eat approximately 250 fewer calories a day as well. They believe the way these particular ones are metabolized have an appetite suppressing effect. In one study, 20 obese males were given 1 ounce of coconut oil per day. After 4 weeks, without adding exercise or changing anything else in their diets, they had reduced their waist circumference by 1.1 inches. Some populations, such as those in the South Pacific, consume a significant amount of coconut on a regular basis. Most are in good health, have no sign of heart disease or struggle with weight issues.
Coconut oil is also known for:
* Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure
* Stabilizing blood sugar levels
* Aiding the absorption of minerals
* Its rich content of iron, polyphenols, vitamins E and K
* Improving skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, athlete’s foot, ringworm, bruising, cuts, scrapes and diaper rash
* Enhancing hair shine and promoting growth
* Moisturizing the skin and diminishing wrinkles
* Preventing tooth decay and bad breath
* Blocking a portion of UV rays when used as a sunscreen
* Strengthening the liver, kidneys, pancreas and bones
* Blending nicely as a carrier oil for aromatherapy
For those who have not tried coconut oil, I recommend having a small amount first. See how your body reacts to it. Some people may not like how it tastes when added to food. That’s okay. Maybe you’ll ingest it separately or just apply it to your hair and skin for its other benefits.
Which variety of coconut oil should you purchase? Organic Virgin Coconut Oil uses little or no heat in the extraction process; therefore you’ll be getting most of the antioxidant and medium-chain fatty acid benefits. It’s said to have the best flavor and scent of all of the varieties of coconut oils.
By adding this oil to your daily regime, in whichever capacity you choose to use it, I’m sure you’ll reap at least one benefit. Give it a try and let me know what you experience.
Have a healthy day!
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