Coconut oil is one of those few foods that falls into the unique category of "superfoods". To date, there are more than 1,500 studies that all prove that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods for the human body. According to the latest research, the secret that stands behind the amazing benefits of coconut oil lies in its healthy fats, namely medium-chain fatty acids.
Around 62% of the oils found in coconut oil are made of medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, caprylic acid or capric acid. Unlike other similar fatty acids found in plant-based oils, these particular medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are easier to digest, are anti-fungal & anti-microbial and do not convert to fat but are immediately converted into energy.
Can you Actually Lose Weight with Coconut Oil?
Despite several negative reviews that are trying to discredit the astounding coconut oil health benefits, most specialists and nutritionists agree that this superfood is one of the best when it comes to losing weight fast and without side effects. As explained above, the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are more easily metabolized than longer chain fats, being sent straight to the liver. Once there, these acids are either metabolized into energy or turned into ketone bodies. In one study conducted on rats, the group of rats overfed with medium chain fats gained 23% less body fat and 20% less weight than the rats fed with long chain fats (link here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6849272).
A key property element of coconut oil is that this substance is thermogenic. In other words, eating it increases energy expenditure. According to this study ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12975635), eating coconut oil increases energy expenditure and consequently fat burning, compared to the same amount of oil from any other substance. Coconut oil is a great catalyst of a healthy body and of a proper metabolism. Even though coconut oil is not a magic elixir for weight loss and for living a healthy lifestyle, it does help you shed off unwanted pounds. Here are some other health benefits of coconut oil for your body.
Benefits and Uses of Coconut Oil
1. Natural Treatment of Alzheimer's
Another huge health benefit of coconut oil is its capability to naturally fight Alzheimer's. This superfood contains medium-chain fatty acids which are converted into either energy or ketones. Recent studies suggest that people who suffer from Alzheimer's have lost the ability to create insulin. This is where the ketones that result from coconut oil come into play, being an alternate source of energy to the insulin produced by the body.
2. Makes you Look Beautiful
The antioxidants in coconut oil are great for smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, especially during sleep. Apply coconut oil on your face before going to sleep and you'll wake up with a rejuvenated, more beautiful and radiant skin.
3. Boost the Immune System
The lauric acid from coconut oil reduces the candida bacteria, offering anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties. Cooking with coconut oil instead of sunflower, grapes or olive oil can definitely boost your immune system and protect you from common viruses and bacteria.
4. Improves your Memory
Out of the many cooking with coconut oil benefits, we need to put the emphasis on memory improvement. According to a study published in 2004 in the Journal of Neurology and Aging, seniors and older patients enjoy a quick surge in memory capacity and data retention. Because medium-chain fatty acids are easily absorbed in the bloodstream and can be accessed by the body without the use of insulin, brain cells can enjoy a more dependable source of energy.
5. Prevent Tooth Decay
In addition to use coconut oil to lose weight, you can actually use it to cleanse your mouth of any type of bacteria and substantially reduce tooth decay and plaque. Simply take a mouthful of coconut oil and clean your mouth thoroughly. We recommend coconut oil pulling at least three times a week for around 15 minutes each day. You will definitely be satisfied with the results after just two weeks.
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