Along with coconut meat, water and husks, coconut oil has a long history in traditional life of Pacific island natives. Coconut oil is available in both refined and raw, or virgin, varieties. Raw coconut oil is created without the use of heat or added chemicals and, for this reason, is generally considered to be of higher quality then refined coconut oil.
May Improve Cholesterol
According to a study published in "Clinical Biochemistry," raw coconut oil may be beneficial in the treatment of high cholesterol. In addition to lowering levels of LDL, the so-called "bad cholesterol," coconut oil raised the concentration of the "good cholesterol," HDL. Raw coconut oil was also found to lower overall levels of lipids in the blood stream. Researchers speculate that these effects are caused by the high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols in raw coconut oil.
Prevents Hair Damage
Coconut oil has been used for hundreds of years in hair care. Compounds found naturally in coconut oil give it antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which make it a gentle, yet effective cleanser. According to a study from the "Journal of Cosmetic Science," coconut oil prevents hair damage caused by combing and brushing. The study also concluded that coconut oil could be used as a prewash to reduce swelling and water retention at the cuticle, which would limit breakage.
Promotes Weight Loss
Researches at the Universidade Federal de Alagoas in Brazil tested the effects of coconut oil on both blood chemistry and body composition of 40 women. The women were given a balanced diet and exercised regularly during the 12 week study, while one group was given soybean oil and the other was given coconut oil. At the conclusion of the study, the group receiving soybean oil experienced an increase in total cholesterol while the coconut oil group did not. The participants ingesting coconut oil also exhibited a reduction in waist circumference and Body Mass Index.
References
- "Clinical Biochemistry": Beneficial Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters and In vitro LDL Oxidation; September 2004
- "Journal of Cosmetic Science": Effect of Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage; 1999
- "Lipids": Effects of Dietary Coconut Oil on the Biochemical and Anthropometric Profiles of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity; July 2009
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