Coconut oil has been used around the world for centuries, but in recent years, its popularity has skyrocketed. It has many uses and benefits, from in the kitchen, to cosmetic, to medicinal. If you are interested in improving your health and well-being, check out the many benefits of using coconut oil below!
Coconut oil contains a special combination of fatty acids that yield a surprising amount of health benefits. These fatty acids give you energy and boost your overall brain function. The antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil aid in digestion and overall gut health. In addition, coconut oil contains antioxidant properties which may help as an anti-depressant, reducing stress and anxiety.
One of the best reasons to incorporate coconut oil into your diet is due to the MCTs it contains. MCTs are medium-chain triglycerides that have numerous health benefits due to their anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Your body uses MCTs as an instant energy source, so they are hard to convert into fat. So if you incorporate coconut oil into your diet, you will help your body burn fat more efficiently.
Adding this oil to your diet can help you sustain long-term weight loss. This is because it reduces appetite and increases satiety, making you feel fuller for longer. It also helps to reduce sugar cravings, so you are less likely to snack on junk food. However, it is important to remember coconut oil has a high amount of saturated fat. While these fats are healthy saturated fats, they are also calorie dense. So if you want to lose weight while consuming coconut oil, make sure you are aware of your portion sizes. Moderation is key.
When applied topically, coconut oil provides a barrier between the wound and external bacteria and debris. It contains lauric acid, which contains antibacterial and antiviral properties which aids in healing. On top of that, it provides minor pain relief when applied over the wound, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
It is a great addition to recipes if you love the flavour of coconuts, as it adds a subtle, sweet flavour to any dish.
You can use it as a substitute for vegetable oil, making it great to cook stir-fries. You can also use it as a substitute for butter and shortening in recipes, so it is a great option for vegans. There are many ways of incorporating it into your kitchen, like using it as a coffee creamer, to bind energy balls, as a replacement for butter in cakes, or as an extra boost of energy in smoothies. The possibilities are endless!
Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser and great for anyone with dry skin. Its Vitamin E content and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin can help reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. It also can be used as a body lotion, which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
You can use this oil to nourish your hair and protect it against damage, resulting in shinier, healthier hair. You can also use it to help frizzy hair. Loads of hair products contain coconut oil as an ingredient, but you can also use it in its natural form.
You can use it as a mouthwash. This is a process called ‘oil pulling’, which helps bad breath, re-mineralise teeth and improve your dental health by removing harmful bacteria.
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