10 More Reasons Why You Need Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil has been getting a lot of positive attention in the media and from those in the nutritional community in recent years – and with good reason. The benefits of this superfood are numerous, and it seems as though more are being discovered on a daily basis and proved through clinical research.

Increases Energy Levels
Coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s) which metabolize differently than other saturated fats, such as those found in meat and dairy products. These MCT’s are not stored in the body as fat, but rather are sent directly to the liver and converted into energy and can increase energy levels by about 5%.

Fights Infections
A compound called lauric acid makes up about half of the fatty acid content of coconut oil and has powerful anti-microbial properties which can help to kill fungi, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. This can increase your body’s ability to fight off these disease-causing microorganisms and makes you less vulnerable to illness and infection.

Enhances Mental Acuity
MCT’s are transformed in the liver to ketone bodies, which can help your mental state by warding off diseases like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. They can also help enhance mental acuity since they provide a source of energy for cells which have lost the ability to process glucose, a leading factor in Alzheimer’s disease.

Curbs Appetite
The ketones produced from the MCT’s also have the ability to reduce hunger pangs and food cravings. If consumed daily, coconut oil has been shown to create a feeling of fullness and satiety and leads to a decreased chance of overeating or eating between meals.

Aids Weight Loss
Consuming coconut oil regularly has also been shown to help with weight loss, particularly in the abdominal region. Coconut oil helps this healthy weight loss by improving digestive function and curbing appetite naturally, making it easier for you to eat fewer calories.

Supports Cardiac Health
The MCT’s in coconut oil have been proven to support cardiac health by helping to raise the good HDL cholesterol while lowering the bad LDL cholesterol. It also is able to improve blood coagulation and its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative damage done to the heart.

Improves Skin Condition
Rich in Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant, coconut oil can also work as a natural moisturizer for the skin and help reduce signs of aging and protect against exposure to UV rays from the sun.

Promotes the Health of Hair
Coconut oil also nourished the hair and shields it from damaging effects of things like dehydration and sun exposure. If massaged into the scalp regularly, it can also help with problems like dandruff and other scalp irritations.

Facilitates Nutrient Absorption
Coconut oil allows your digestive tract to more easily absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, all of which are important for the body’s health and can be taken along with supplements for the purpose of easier absorption.

Regulates the Thyroid
MCT’s also help convert cholesterol into pregnenolone, a compound used as a building block for the synthesis of many hormones, including the thyroid hormone. This can greatly improve thyroid function.

All of these are great reasons to include coconut oil in your diet. Try it today and see how it can improve your overall health.

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Christine . S
Christine has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.