Coconut products have a long history of beneficial uses. But unlike olive oil, coconut oil does not have standards for use of the term "virgin." In fact, in the case of coconut oil, the term virgin simply indicates that the coconut oil is not processed. However, regardless of how the coconut oil is processed, coconut has many health benefits.
Use in a Beauty Routine
Due to the compounds present in coconut oil, you can use coconut oil to soften and moisturize your skin and hair. According to Dr. Brooke Kalanick, ND, coconut oil can also help with skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Coconut oil contains high amounts of cholesterol and fat, which can nourish the skin.
Skin Repair
Extra virgin coconut oil not only moisturizes the skin, it also helps protect the skin from damage and can help reverse previous skin damage. According to Dr. Raymond Peat, Ph.D., coconut oil can even alleviate the age spots or liver spots common on the skin of the elderly. Coconut oil can also help prevent the formation of free-radicals on your skin. Because of these benefits, extra virgin coconut oil is a common ingredient found in many skin and hair products.
Use as a Weight Loss Aid
Coconut oil contains a high amount of cholesterol. According to MayoClinic.com, although eating coconut oil in moderation probably is not hazardous your health, it probably won't help you lose weight either. According to Dr. Raymond Peat, Ph.D., however, coconut oil may actually boost your metabolism, which can have weight loss effect. Therefore, conflicting studies have yet to conclusively prove or deny that coconut oil can help you burn fat and calories.
Not a Heart Enemy
While extra virgin coconut oil does have some unsaturated fats, it is not actually an enemy to a healthy heart. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, coconut oil is not only high in antioxidants, it may actually help to prevent heart disease. Aside from being considered a healthy dietary oil, coconut oil also has a lower fat content than many other oils and a lower calorie content than many other fats. In addition, coconut oil can also help your body absorb vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
References
- Mercola.com; Coconut Oil; Ray Peat; March 2001
- Weston A Price Foundation; A New Look at Coconut Oil; Mary Enig; January 2000
- MayoClinic.com; Coconut Oil: Can it Cure Hypothyroidism; Todd Nippoldt; June 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Can Coconut Oil Help me Lose Weight?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- Dr-Lobisco.com; The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil; Sarah Lobisco; April 2009
Member Comments