Nowadays, coconut oil is an essential
component of everyday diet for many athletes and people who are
trying to lose weight.
Main reason for that is that coconut
oil contains less calories than other cooking oils, but some other
advantages include faster conversion to energy and reduced fatty
deposits accumulated inside blood vessels.
Coconut oil also improves overall
endurance of the body and therefore improves an athlete’s
performance. It’s ranked very close to the top on the list of
healthiest oils in the world. It consists of mostly fatty acids (out
of which the majority are triglycerides), multiple unsaturated fatty
acids (linoleic acid), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid),
certain fatty acid derivates, fatty alcohols, polyphenols which give
it its scent and taste, vitamins (E, K) and minerals. It quickly
starts to turn solid when exposed to low temperatures, so it may need
to be warmed up before use.
Coconut oil is used to treat many
different ailments and comes recommended as an aide in prevention and
treating illnesses among which are: diabetes, heart problems, kidney
problems, high blood pressure, obesity… It can also serve to
control cholesterol levels, to boost immunity, to regulate digestion
and metabolism, and to help thyroid gland maintain healthy
functioning.
Coconut oil also has antibacterial and
antiviral properties which makes it efficient in dealing with
infections. Coconut oil kills viruses which cause rash, flu,
hepatitis, herpes, SARS… It also destroys various bacteria which
can cause throat, urinary or lung inflammations, gonorrhea and more.
Presence of triglycerides and fatty
acids is very useful for prevention of liver illnesses, because
incoming matter turns into energy at a faster rate, which reduces
strain on the liver itself as well as accumulation of fatty deposits.
It’s considered that coconut oil has
effect on reducing vulnerability to HIV virus and cancer.
Coconut oil can help treat many skin
problems, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin
infections.
Key component of coconut oil is lauric
acid which has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, making
it a great protector from infectious diseases. Lauric acid can also
be found in mother’s milk, where it plays a life-giving part,
protecting the infant from infections until its immune system becomes
strong enough to deal with them on its own.
Another important component of coconut
oil is caprylic acid, which creates an environment favorable for
growth of helpful bacteria, especially bacteria commonly found in
lactic acid. Studies have also shown that caprylic acid wards of
candid and destroys parasites lurking inside our digestive tracts.
Coconut oil is very resistant to high
temperatures, so it can be used for cooking purposes. Use it for
frying, roasting, as salad dressing, as an addition to cooked rice or
as a component in your favorite smoothie. By ingesting coconut oil on
regular basis, you will feel a slight increase in your body’s
temperature, which is symptom of accelerated metabolism caused by
decomposition of fatty acids contained in the oil. Coconut oil
provides more energy and gives you the feeling of being sated, so it
will make you crave for sweet food much less, therefore placing you
on the right track towards a healthier diet.
Moderate therapeutic dose is three to
found spoons of oil a day, in order to provide your organism with
enough lauric acid which boosts immunity. Make sure you’re buying
virgin and not refined coconut oil. It’s generally better to search
for it in healthy food stores than regular supermarkets.
Refined coconut oil comes from
pressuring the dry mass leftover after squeezing out virgin oil out
of the coconut. It’s extracted by treating the leftovers on high
temperatures. Afterwards it gets hydrogenised (hardened), like
margarine. This fat does not have the same properties like those
found in virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil is very soothing and can
help alleviate stress. Gentle massage helps getting rid of mental
fatigue.
Last, but certainly not least, coconut
oil is also used in cosmetic industry. It’s one of the best
natural materials for hair care. It provides hair with a healthy
gloss and supports healthy hair growth. If regularly rubbed in hair
roots, it removes dandruff. Essential proteins found in the oil
nurture and regenerate damaged hair. Coconut oil is great for
nurturing dry and peeling skin. It hydrates and rejuvenates the skin.
For these reasons, it’s one of the most favorite components for
many beauty product manufacturers. It can be found in soaps,
shampoos, lotions, crèmes…