How Can Unrefined Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Help The Body?

Fifty years ago, most Americans avoided coconut oil like the plague. They believed it caused weight gain, clogged arteries and heart attacks. Little did they know that people of the Pacific Islands regularly consumed coconut oil yet enjoyed some of the best heart health on the planet. Certified nutritionist and naturopathic physician Dr. Bruce Fife calls coconut oil "the perfect food" for its considerable contributions to good health. Always select a product as close to its natural, raw state as possible by looking for the words "unrefined," or "virgin" on the product label, he suggests. Give preference to organic coconut oil when possible.

Energy

Although coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is structurally different from butter and animal fat. Virgin coconut oil contains predominantly medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Due to the molecular arrangement of MCFAs, your body does not digest and store them in the same manner as other fatty acids. Rather, they are sent directly to the liver and blood for quick energy. Bodybuilders and athletes rely on them for sustained vitality, and many high-performance diets liberally include them.

Antimicrobial Properties

Historically, island natives used coconut oil to treat many health concerns caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Health experts now understand that lauric acid, a unique fatty acid found abundantly in coconut oil, demonstrates considerable antimicrobial activity. In "The Coconut Oil Miracle," Fife relates that it destroys the pneumonia, measles, herpes and influenza viruses, as well as the bacteria responsible for strep throat and ulcers. Dr. Mehmet Oz concurs, recommending 1 tbsp. per day for general health maintenance, which can easily be mixed into a breakfast smoothie.

Weight Loss

Americans eat 11 percent less fat today than they did 30 years ago, but the rate of obesity is at an all-time high. Including coconut oil in your diet may help you lose weight by effectively suppressing the appetite. Further, since the body metabolizes MCFAs for energy rather than storing them as fat, you'll have greater vitality for staying active throughout the day, according to Fife.

Skin and Hair

Coconut oil soothes and softens the skin, leaving no greasy residue to stain your clothing. Additionally, the lauric acid content fights fungal infections, and it also tackles stubborn skin concerns such as psoriasis and eczema, says Oz. Your hair will benefit from regular applications of coconut oil, too. Apply it liberally and leave it on for about an hour before shampooing. Unlike many conditioners, the oil does more than coat the hair shaft, reports NaturalNews.com. It penetrates deep within the cell, providing antioxidant protection from thermal and environmental damage.

Cooking and Baking

Coconut oil is ideal for sautéing or frying foods. Unlike olive oil, it remains stable at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, explains Fife in "The Coconut Oil Miracle." Other polyunsaturated oils, such as corn and safflower, shouldn't be used at all for cooking, because they oxidize and cause free radical damage within the body when heated. Coconut oil naturally contains no hydrogenated or trans fats. When baking, try replacing half the butter or oil in your recipe with coconut oil. You might detect a slight coconut taste to your pastries.