Benefits
1. Improves Skin Health
Coconut oil (CO) is a powerhouse of nutrients that can do wonders for your skin. Its fatty acid content makes it a great emollient & moisturizing agent. The remedial properties present in the cold-pressed oil help to fight off different skin conditions like acne, eczema, and stretch marks. It is also known for offering protection against stubborn UV-rays thereby works as a natural sunblock. A study1 conducted in 2013 studied the ability of virgin coconut oil (VCO) in fighting off skin condition; eczema. Patients with mild to moderate eczema conditions demonstrated improvement with topical application of VCO for eight weeks.
2. Raises good cholesterol
Cold-pressed coconut oil contains a rich content of saturated fats, known for raising good cholesterol, thus potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The link between coconut oil and improved heart health & cholesterol level has scientific evidence. A research2 conducted with the population of Tokelauto investigated the efficacy of coconut on lipid profile & heart health. It proved that the group of people who included cold-pressed coconut oil in their diet had a lower rate of cardiovascular diseases as it played a significant role in raising good cholesterol levels and improving the lipid profile.
3. Controls Seizures & Alzheimer’s
The fatty acid content in coconut oil can have a therapeutic effect on overall brain health. Patients with Alzheimer’s have a reduced ability of sourcing energy from glucose. However, the natural chemicals present in coconut oil provide your brain with immediate energy. Hence, contribute to reducing the rate of seizures & improving overall brains health. A recent investigation3 questioned the link between doses of ketones, the byproducts of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s), and improved cognitive functioning. The results proved increased ketone intake might help in treating cognitive impairment and epilepsy.
4. Improves Dental Health
Some unfriendly bacteria in our mouth create plaque around our teeth (the cause of tooth decay, yellow teeth, bad breath, gum inflammation & cavities). Oil pulling with cold-pressed coconut oil is an age-old remedy that is becoming increasingly popular in various regions of Pakistan for its claimed oral health benefits. Coconut oil claims to fight-off plaque producing bacteria because of its fatty acid content and anti-microbial properties. Thus contributes to better dental health and reduces bad breath.
5. Fights Abdominal Fat & Weight loss
The combination of fatty acids, (especially MCT’s), in coconut oil aids in weight loss & burning abdominals’ fat by reducing appetite & increasing the body’s metabolism. A systematic4 review compared the effects of MCTs (Medium-chain fatty acids) & LCTs (long-chain triacylglycerols) on weight loss. Results showed that MCT’s does induce a reduction in the body’s weight. Another research studied the effects of coconut oil on women’s abdominal obesity. Findings demonstrated, incorporating coconut oil into diet seems to promote a reduction in abdominal obesity.
6. Prevents liver disease
The unique combination of anti-bacterial, anti-viral & anti-fungal properties in cold-pressed coconut oil (CO) also helps in reducing inflammation related to liver diseases. Back in 20145 the efficacy of CO was tested for treating liver diseases. Results demonstrated that active components in CO showed protective effects against toxic reactions induced by anti-biotic in the liver of rats.
