Virgin coconut oil is perhaps the tropics best kept secret. Virgin coconut oil has been getting a lot of great press as of late due to its supposed health benefits. Despite a propaganda attack that coconut oil is bad for health due to high saturated fat content; it seems that there is a difference.The saturated fat that is found in virgin coconut oil is not the same that is found in other oils. The medium-chain fatty acids are more beneficial to the body than the long-chain ones found in other cooking oils. Virgin coconut oil stands out because it has certain chemicals that have positive health benefits.Here are some of the health benefits one may enjoy from virgin coconut oil.
Better immune system
There have been studies that show consumption of virgin coconut oil can help the immune system. Virgin coconut oil has shown good anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. That is why people that have impaired immune system may get some benefit by taking some virgin coconut oil. A study made at the University of the Philippines showed that virgin coconut oil has proved the anecdotal reports of the anti-viral properties of virgin coconut oil. Dr. Conrato Dayrit, professor emeritus of pharmacology at the UP said that initial trials confirmed that virgin coconut oil can beneficially reduce the viral load of HIV patients. The secret lies on the lauric acid and it seems that it is effective in lowering down viral loads.
Better bad cholesterol levels
Lauric acid is also responsible in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the body. The lower cholesterol is important because it will not cause adverse effects on the arteries that could cause it to harden and brittle which may increase the risk of strokes and even cause certain cardiovascular diseases. The medium-chain fatty acids that are found in virgin coconut oil easily pass through membranes and are not stored in the body as fat. It is easily converted into energy as it passes to the liver.
Better blood sugar levels
Virgin coconut oil can significantly lower blood sugar levels. It impact blood sugar levels in a lot of ways. The medium-chain fatty acids in virgin coconut oil stimulate metabolism the same way how exercise makes the body more efficient in absorbing insulin. Virgin coconut oil slows down the digestion of food thus delaying the release of sugars into the blood stream
Better weight loss
Do you remember that the medium-chain fatty acids can actually speed up the metabolism? MCFA is able to go through membranes and into the liver which converts the fat easily into energy. Since it does not get to be stored as fat in the body, this same idea can also speed up fat burning.
Better skin health
Virgin coconut oil has a generous amount of lauric acid, a rare kind of acid that is not found in significant amounts except in a mother’s milk. Lauric acid in breastmilk is nurturing, healing and good for babies. If lauric acid is safe for newborns then it should be safe for you too. The anti-bacterial properties of lauric acid can help get rid of eczema, dandruff, ringworm and even psoriasis. It is also good for moisturizing the skin and can protect it too using vitamin E from the harsh heat of the sunlight.
Better stress protection
People showing symptoms of anxiety and stress can get a lot of help from virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil has a significant amount of anti-oxidants that can help fight oxidative stress created by free radicals. Diet, exercise, meditation and virgin coconut oil can be a helpful combination as a cure for anxiety. Also, administration of virgin coconut oil can also help the elderly to prevent cognitive disorders that is associated with aging.
Virgin coconut oil has become a victim of a vicious attack which impaired its reputation. It does not get the respect it deserves because of the bad press. However, the scientific community is making amends to the injustice by publishing studies and reports attesting to the safety and the health benefits of coconut oil, with the hope that it will spread like wildfire.
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