Coconut oil used to get a bad rap in the past for its high saturated fat content. But times change, and the once vilified oil currently holds a superfood status.

Health benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil might have started as a trend, but its reported health benefits have kept it afloat amid all the health and food fads that came and left. Take a look at some of the incredible health benefits attributed to this product:

1. Boosts metabolism – The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil can stimulate the body to burn more energy by increasing its metabolic rate.
2. Kills pathogens – Coconut oil contains fatty acids called lauric acid that has natural antibacterial properties. In fact, studies found that lauric acid can help kill harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
3. Supports muscle building – Besides helping the body burn more calories, coconut oil can also aid muscle building. For this reason, coconut oil can be found in many muscle-building products.
4. Curbs appetite – Studies found that MCTs have a positive effect on hunger in that they help control appetite. Higher consumption of MCTs has also been linked to better blood sugar control.
5. Enhances memory – MCTs have also been found to boost cognitive performance and enhance memory, especially in older adults.
6. Promotes heart health – The natural saturated fats found in coconut oil aren’t as bad as they’re made out to be. In fact, these fats help increase levels of good cholesterol that are essential for optimal heart health.
7. Nourishes skin and hair – Coconut oil is often used as a natural moisturizer for both the skin and hair, and for good reason. Studies found that the fatty acids in coconut oil help lock in moisture, keeping the skin from drying out.
8. Improves oral health – Coconut oil is often used in oil pulling, an ancient dental technique that involves cleansing the mouth of acids and odor-causing bacteria using natural substances like oils. One reason coconut oil is often used for this practice is because of its rich MCT content. MCTs are found to be one of the most effective in getting rid of bacteria on tooth surfaces.
9. Helps balance hormones – Some studies suggest that coconut oil can help balance levels of the hormone estrogen during menopause.
10. Reduces the occurrence of epileptic seizures – The MCTs in coconut oil can also increase the number of ketone bodies in the blood. These substances are believed to have an anti-convulsant effect that can greatly reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizures.
11. Treats arthritic inflammation – Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants that can help fight chronic inflammation due to inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
12. Protects against osteoporosis – Coconut oil has also been found to increase the absorption of calcium in the gut. This can be especially beneficial for older adults suffering from bone loss or osteoporosis.

Tips for choosing the best coconut oil

Coconut oil is no longer just a health fad. On the contrary, it has gone mainstream. From moisturizers to conditioners, coconut oil takes center stage as one of the safest natural products out there for skin health, hair health and oral health.

But the amount of coconut oil products available on the market can be a lot to take in, and the budding health enthusiast looking to purchase their first bottle of coconut oil can easily feel intimidated.

Here are some important points to remember in choosing the best coconut oil:

1. Read the label – Not all coconut oils are created equal, and some might contain more chemicals than others. Read the label to avoid grabbing processed coconut oil.
2. “Extra-virgin” is a marketing gimmick – Virgin coconut oil isn’t any different from extra-virgin coconut oil. Don’t be misled into paying more for the same oil.
3. Look for the official USDA Organic label – Coconut oil made from organic ingredients should be your number one priority. To be 100 percent safe, look for the USDA organic label on the product. This certifies that the oil didn’t use GMOs.
4. Refined coconut oil might contain chemicals – Refined coconut oil tends to have a longer shelf life than unrefined or virgin coconut oil. This is because refined coconut oil has been processed to kills germs and bacteria, a process that also eliminates the oil’s beneficial fatty acids. Some processes also use chemicals to further filter the oil.
5. Hydrogenated coconut oil contains trans fats – This is an ultra-refined coconut oil that has quite a long shelf life. It also has a higher melting point than unrefined coconut oil. That said, the process used to create hydrogenated coconut oil creates trans-fatty acids that can lead to heart disease.

Coconut oil is one of the most versatile superfood oils out there. Outside of its culinary uses, coconut oil nourishes the body from the inside to protect it from infection and disease. Try this potent, all-natural oil today and reap its benefits.

Sources:

HSPH.Harvard.edu

EatThis.com

UltimatePaleoGuide.com