The coconut tree is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and is botanically a drupe rather than a nut. Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from the kernel of mature coconuts that has grown in popularity in recent years due to its numerous health advantages.
Thousands of research have shown that coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods. Coconut oil’s numerous applications and therapeutic advantages far exceed people’s expectations; coconut is truly a superfood.
The Nutritional Facts on Coconut Oil
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, these are the dietary information for a 1 tablespoon serving of coconut oil.
- 121 calories
- 0 gram protein (g)
- 13.5 g fat
- 11.2 g Saturated fat
- 0 g Carbohydrates
- 0 g fiber
- 0 g sugar
This is comparable to other oils. A tablespoon of olive oil, for example, provides 119 calories and 13.5 g of fat.
Uses of Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has the ability to stabilize blood sugar, increase energy and improve digestion. It is loaded with medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic properties.
Coconut Oil can be used for both cooking and cosmetic purposes as well. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment revealed that coconut oil could also prevent hair loss.
Many people also use coconut oil to reduce their blood cholesterol levels, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, improve thyroid function, lose weight, reduce inflammation, prevent yeast infections, etc.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can heal many diseases because it is composed of saturated fats easily digested by the body. It has the following health benefits:
Weight Loss
A research revealed that coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which stimulate metabolism, thereby increasing the body’s ability to burn fat.
Furthermore, coconut oil increases the body’s ability to burn stored fat and improves its ability to process sugar. It boosts the metabolic rate and helps in weight loss.
Proper digestion
Coconut oil helps in the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K. It helps in the proper digestion of food.
Prevents Heart Diseases
Coconut oil helps in preventing various heart-related diseases. It lowers LDL or bad cholesterol levels while increasing levels of HDL or good cholesterol.
It also prevents cholesterol from sticking to the walls of blood vessels, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.
The saturated fats in coconut oil can also help in preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of a heart attack.
Coconut oil contains caprylic acid that inhibits the growth of bad bacteria in the gut, thereby protecting against gastrointestinal infections and other diseases.
Increase Brain Function
Coconut oil increases the production of ketones in the brain, which can easily be converted into energy.
Coconut oil improves the brain’s functioning and increases the brain’s metabolic rate, and it can reduce the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Cures Dental Problems
Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, which can be a good replacement for common antiseptic mouthwashes. The coconut oil can also be used as a substitute for regular toothpaste as it prevents cavities and helps fight bad breath.
Conclusion
Coconut oil has many health benefits, and it can be used in various ways and can be taken as a supplement. It is a highly recommended food for a healthy body and to avoid any disease.
It can be used as a cooking oil, a hair oil, a skin oil, a massage oil, and for many other purposes, and it is found to be safe for the body and can be used even by children and pregnant women.
It is found to be used by many of the Western countries and by the people in the East for ages together.
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