Extra-virgin coconut oil is a healthy alternative to other oils such as corn and vegetable. Its natural antioxidants are attributed with many health benefits as well as use in beauty applications for the skin and hair. Coconut oil also has a longer shelf life than many oils used for health benefits, which can spoil in a matter of months.
Cholesterol Health
Extra-virgin coconut oil contains saturated fats, which are believed to contribute to higher cholesterol levels. Despite this concern, coconut oil is still considered healthy and beneficial to your cholesterol because is also contains lauric acid, which is responsible for preventing bad cholesterol levels from rising. The acid also helps prevent injury to the arteries of your heart, according to "Organic Facts." Extra-virgin coconut oil is comprised of 44 percent lauric acid and also contains healthy amounts of mono- and poly-unsaturated fats.
Diseases
Extra-virgin coconut oil has preventative and treatment uses for people suffering from or at risk of heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems and diabetes. Coconut oil is converted into energy rapidly to increase your natural healing abilities through your immune system and forcing your organs to run more efficiently by providing you with antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. These acids and lipids are natural antimicrobial and antibacterial agents. Extra-virgin coconut oil also stimulates production of insulin and can help dissolve kidney and gallstones because it improves the body's absorption of calcium. Extra virgin coconut oil keeps blood flowing through your arteries, preventing arterial hardening and blockages from forming.
Hair Care and Skin Care
As you age your skin's elasticity breaks down and wrinkles form around your eyes and mouth. This is in part due to your skin's moisture balance declining as your hormones become imbalanced. Extra-virgin coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and is quickly absorbed into your skin providing antioxidants such as vitamins E and D to reduce sun damage. It is also used to effectively treat eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis because of its natural antimicrobial properties. Your hair also benefits from the use of coconut oil. It removes styling product build-up and dandruff, while deeply conditioning your hair for additional protection from the sun and wind. Extra-virgin coconut oil also provides nutrients required for healthy hair growth such as proteins.
Cooking
Common oils used in cooking are canola, corn and vegetable oils, which increase your cholesterol over time. Extra-virgin coconut oil does not do this and puts a healthy twist on many foods. Although it contains saturated fats, coconut oil's saturated fats are mainly medium chain triglycerides. This means that the saturated fat is easily digested and used as energy instead of being distributed to your arteries and blood to increase your low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol. It can also be added to smoothies to provide a refreshing taste.
Member Comments