10 Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil!

Coconut oil has become very popular in alternative health circles, despite the fact that for many years it was considered a “bad” fat due to its high saturated fat content. However, it turns out that the saturated fat in coconut oil, particularly virgin coconut oil , is not the same saturated fat that exists in other types of oils.

It contains medium chain fatty acids which are much easier on the body than the long chain fatty acids found in many other cooking oils. It also contains several compounds that are good for your health, including caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid. Many brands have processed the oil for its high temperatures, which removes some of the benefits that are available.

All the early studies that found negative effects of coconut oil on cholesterol levels were done with partially hydrogenated coconut oil, while unprocessed virgin coconut oil appears to have positive health effects.

Benefits:

1. Strengthens the immune system:

Consuming coconut oil can help fight the disease, thanks to its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. If you are struggling with any kind of virus or infection, try taking virgin coconut oil .

2. Improves cardiovascular health:

Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, several studies have found that ingesting virgin coconut oil has no adverse effects on the heart. On the contrary, it appears to reduce the risk of high cholesterol and heart attack. Previous studies done on coconut oil reported that those who caused the high cholesterol were done using partially hydrogenated coconut oil and not virgin coconut oil and the studies were done on animals, not humans.

The researchers found that Polynesians in the Cook Islands whose diet is extremely high in coconut oil have low cholesterol levels and a low incidence of heart attack compared to people in the rest of New Zealand who do not consume coconut oil. In Sri Lanka, a study found that the incidence of heart attack has increased because coconut oil consumption has been so low.

3. Reduces symptoms of hypothyroidism:

Many people believe that consuming extra virgin coconut oil can help with hypothyroid symptoms. While scientific evidence is conflicting in this regard, many people with hypothyroidism have successfully improved, and many have reversed their hypothyroidism because they stopped taking their thyroid medication. Remember that it may not work for everyone and it is important to consult with your doctor before stopping any medication.

4. Helps in weight loss:

One study found that women who took virgin coconut oil each day had a significant reduction in belly fat. Even though coconut oil is a type of fat, it can really help you lose weight. Because it contains medium-chain fatty acids rather than long-chain fatty acids like some other commonly used oils, the body uses coconut oil for energy and does not store fat. In this way, it helps to increase metabolism.

5. Acts against skin infections:

When applied to wounds and sores, virgin coconut oil can prevent further staph infections. One study found the oil to be beneficial in treating atopic dermatitis.

6. Assists in wound healing:

A study in rats found that wounds treated with virgin coconut oil healed faster and had greater collagen cross-linking than in the control group.

7. Prevents stretch marks:

In Asia, coconut oil is commonly used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Already have stretch marks? Women have also found that applying coconut oil can significantly reduce the amount of stretch marks after they have formed.

8. Beneficial  for the skin:

Skin hydration is key to keeping it young and healthy, and virgin coconut oil can be used in place of moisturizing lotion for healthy skin. When coconut oil is used, it also helps fight bacteria and other skin problems, including rashes, dermatitis, acne, wrinkles, eczema, and psoriasis. If you have an area of ​​skin that is irritated, rub coconut oil into your skin to relieve inflammation and reduce symptoms.

9. Keeps hair healthy:

Coconut oil can also be used to improve the health of your scalp and hair. One way it helps is by strengthening the back and reducing protein loss during washing. Try applying some coconut oil to your hair to brush out tangles, or massage some coconut oil into your scalp.

10. Improves the digestive system:

Coconut oil has been beneficial for many people with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and indigestion . Virgin coconut oil fights harmful bacteria in the digestive system and also aids in the absorption of nutrients in the body.