Essential oils have become extremely popular for medicinal and aromatherapy use. Found in many households today, essential oils such as coconut oil are easy to store and can be used to heal various conditions and ailments.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Commonly classified as a “superfood,” coconut oil, has various benefits and positive effects on our health and well-being.
Coconut oil is an edible essential oil that is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts. It is slow to oxidize, high in saturated fat and resistant to rancidification. Fun fact, coconut oil can last for about six months without spoiling.
Coconut oil is a wonder oil that is gaining popularity all over the world. It has immense benefits and can be used in our daily life.
Uses of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also strongly recommended for its uses mentioned below:
- Acts as a stress reliever
- Controls blood sugar and helps in treating diabetes
- Boosts energy
- Maintains healthy bones
- Controls cholesterol
- Lowers high blood pressure
To reap the complete health benefits of this essential oil, always choose organic virgin coconut oil. Refrain from using refined coconut oil as it contains too many additives.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Some of the health benefits of coconut oil include:
1. Weight loss
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fatty acids that serve as an excellent medium for weight loss. The short and medium chain fatty acids increases the metabolic rate and burns more calories.
It also removes stress on the pancreas and maintains the healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system.
2. Increases immunity
Coconut oil is rich in capric acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid and lipids that have anti-microbial properties.
Our body converts the lauric acid present in coconut oil into monolaurin, which helps fight bacteria and viruses that infect the body, thereby, strengthening the immune system.
3. Speeds up wound healing
The chemicals in coconut oil form a protective layer that guards the infected area against bacteria, fungi, viruses and dust. Thus, coconut oil can be applied on wounds and cuts as it speeds up the repair process of damaged tissues and prevents secondary infections.
4. Prevents Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of the yeast Candida albicans in the stomach lining. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation both internally and externally.
It contains myristic acid, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid that helps to eliminate the yeast Candida albicans.
5. Maintains skin health
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and massage oil for the skin. It helps treat skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and extremely dry skin. It’s anti-oxidant properties also reduces sagging of skin and prevents the appearance of wrinkles.
6. Promotes hair growth
We’ve all used coconut oil in our hair, at some point in our lives and there’s a reason for that.
Coconut oil is a wonderful food for the hair that helps to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair follicles to grow healthy and strong. Using coconut oil regularly keeps the hair free from lice and dandruff.
7. Boosts digestion
Various fungi, bacteria and parasites can cause indigestion. Coconut oil has saturated fats that fight and eliminate external microbes from the digestive system.
Coconut oil enables the absorption of amino acids, minerals and vitamins. It helps to boost digestion and prevents digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Maintains dental hygiene
Coconut oil enables the proper absorption of calcium in the body. Since calcium is an important ingredient of our teeth, using this oil in the right way helps the teeth stay strong.
Regular usage of coconut oil prevents tooth decay and maintains healthy gums in the long run.
Side Effects of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has its share of side effects such as the following:
- Excess use of coconut oil can cause diarrhea.
- Over application of coconut oil on the skin can cause acne breakouts.
- Coconut oil can cause skin allergies in those having sensitive skin, therefore, always do a patch test before use.
- Can cause heart attacks and strokes due to its high saturated fat content.
- Can cause liver damage.
- Pregnant and nursing women must limit the quantity of coconut oil they consume and use.
