If you still think coconut oil is unhealthy as it’s high in saturated fats, which has long been seen as “bad fats” for their bad effect on heart health. Think again! Actually, there are already many science-backed benefits of coconut oil, it is not only good for your heart but also helps your body running well in many other ways.
Here is a collection of coconut oil benefits and uses:
1. Coconut oil for cooking
More and more people are using coconut oil as an alternative to oil or butter in many recipes, especially for biscuit and cake. It’s thought to be a booster for great cooking and also promote good health.
2. Makes your tea tastier
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to melt in your next cup of green tea, drink it when it’s warm. You will get additional benefits, it not only tastes great, also provides twice the amount of antioxidants. You can mix coconut oil in any types of tea, and if you don’t like the smell, add honey to taste.
3. Helps sooth eczema
Besides with strong antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties, coconut oil also contains a good amount of vitamin E, which helps to soothes the skin and alleviate itching, that’s why it has been widely used for treating eczema. There are many associated benefits of applying coconut oil to eczema skin:
- It helps reduce inflammation
- Aids immune system function
- Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin
- Relieves dryness and itching
- Softens your skin
4. Boosts brain function and relieves the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
Thanks to the fatty acids in coconut oil, studies have found that this oil may increase blood levels of ketone bodies, which can supply energy for the brain cells, thus reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
5. Soothes a sore throat
Coconut oil helps you relieve a sore throat when you’re suffering from cold thanks to it antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also boosts a strong immune system to help you fight off cold.
6. Massage oil
It’s a good choice for a massage oil, as coconut oil has a relaxing scent and it’s not too greasy. You can use it alone or combine with other oils, such as sweet almonds oil, Jojoba oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, olive oil, sesame oil, all of which are also great choices for a massage.
7. Body scrub
This is such a simple while useful recipe for a body scrub, simply mixing a little sugar with coconut oil, this DIY body scrub has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and also smells great.
8. Moisturizer
This is one of the most popular uses of coconut oil for skin care, the rich omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in the oil nourish the skin effectively. After a shower, apply coconut oil directly to your skin and massage lightly.
9. A natural sunscreen
Coconut oil can block almost 20% of UV rays when applied, you can apply a tablespoon of the oil to your skin directly.
10. Acne
The toxins inside of your skin are the common causes for acne or pimples, coconut oil can penetrates deep into the skin and draws them out.
11. Stretch marks
Coconut oil is a perfect choice for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Here is a simple recipe for a homemade stretch marks salve, have a try if you want to get rid of the stretch marks.
12. Helps balance hormones
Coconut oil contains a good amount of lauric acid, which is beneficial for hormonal production.
The health benefits of coconut oil do not stop here, check more evidence-based benefits of coconut oil and why you should include it to your daily life:
13. It’s a perfect nutritional food booster
14. It gives you more energy
15. It boosts metabolism
16. Helps you balances blood sugar
17. It cures cold sores
18. It relieves earaches
19. It fights parasites
20. Helps treat digestive problems
21. Treats ulcers
22. Natural remedies to get rid of dandruff
23. It relieves the pain caused by mosquito bites
24. It’s a good makeup remover
25. You can make coconut oil soap at home
The Final Notes:
See coconut oil affect your health positively in so many different ways, for using it to improve your overall health, the important thing you should keep in mind is that you should use extra virgin organic and pure coconut oil. Besides, it should be taken in a reasonable amount, 1-2 tablespoons every day is suggested.
Additional Sources:
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/good-and-bad-fats/
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/cooking-coconut-oil
