When it comes to coconut oil my mind goes to that soothing ‘champi’ my grandma would give me, although, she would use a lot of oil which didn’t make me look good but oh, that ‘champi’. Yes, coconut oil is wonderful for hair growth, hair smoothening, dandruff reduction and so on but, did you know that apart from haircare coconut oil has so much more to offer? From managing your weight loss to aiding your digestive system, coconut oil bears enormous benefits which are generally not known.
It can prevent enormous diseases and even alleviate a few. According to Harvard T H Chan, Coconut oil is 100% fat, 80-90% of which is saturated fat. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and antioxidants, which contribute to its various health benefits. Let’s explore its benefits.
Here are some ways coconut oil can boost your health
Weight Loss
Coconut oil can help in weight loss as it betters the metabolism of the body and increases satiety. It can also reduce appetite which can lead to weight loss. According to a study, “Coconut oil appears to help in weight loss and improve metabolic parameters associated with obesity.”
Also read: Nourishing Skin: Here's How Massaging Your Face With Coconut Oil Can Promote Skin Health
Brain Function
The medium-chain-fatty acids in the coconut oil are converted into ketones which act as a source of energy for the brain. Studies have shown that coconut oil helps in the improvement of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Digestive Health
Apart from medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help in soothing the stomach lining and improves digestion. It can also relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and promotes gut health. The oil smoothens the bowel movement. Studies show that slow digestion of fat-packed coconut oil can support the body to absorb more nutrients that come along with the fats.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Studies suggest that consuming coconut oil can enhance the insulin levels in blood and helping maintain the balance of blood sugar levels. A study showed that 9 healthy men after consuming coconut oil for 8 weeks, their insulin sensitivity was enhanced. This can support healthy blood sugar levels by improving the ability of the body to use insulin to transport sugar to cells from the bloodstream.
Also read: Coconut Flour For Weight Loss: Expert Lists The Benefits And How To Add It To Your Diet
Bone Health
As mentioned above, Coconut helps in the absorption of nutrition. It aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is also rich in polyphenols (an antioxidant property) that helps in reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that coconut oil can prevent osteoporosis.
Rich In Antioxidants
Studies show that coconut oil is a rich source of polyphenol, which is an antioxidant. It helps reduce the inflammation of the body. Antioxidants protect your body cells against the free radicals that can damage your DNA.
Bottomline
While coconut oil can do wonders for your health, it will take no time for it to reverse if consumed excessively, it is fats after all. Remember, moderation is the key. Rest, it provides you with abundant nutrients, do take advantage of it and start using coconut oil for cooking to keep chronic diseases away.