Benefits of Coconut Oil
Anyone who has studied the lives of the South Sea Islanders immediately recognizes the vital role of the coconut in their societies. In today’s world market processed foods and products reach every corner of the world and undermine the centrality of the coconut in these regions. Nevertheless, the fact that the coconut was a mainstay of their traditional lifestyles continues to testify to its high nutritional value. It provides a nourishing food in the form of its fat, and its oil brings many benefits. Its multiple uses range includes medical and cosmetic applications, and some suggest it could even help you stay youthful.
1. Helps fight bacteria
The idea that the coconut could have a role fighting off bacteria is one that many will find very surprising. Most consider it a tasty food and drink but lack any awareness of possible medical qualities. Almost half of the fat of the coconut is composed of a substance known as lauric acid. This plays a key role destroying bacteria that active in the stomach and mouth areas. Interestingly enough this acid is also found in a mother’s breast milk. Researchers have proved that breast milk helps immunize babies against a variety of infection and in a similar vein, the lauric acid in coconuts can protect adults.
2. Build up muscles
Think about muscle-building and more likely than not the image comes to mind of somebody working away at the gym lifting weights. The association between eating coconut products and strengthening muscles seems to be far stretched, but recent research suggests otherwise. It seems that coconut oil affects the pancreas in a way that causes it to produce more insulin. This compound is best known for its role controlling blood sugar levels but is also delivers nutrients to muscles. Thus an increased intake of coconut oil can be translated into a strengthening of muscle mass.
4. A gift for weight watchers
Many people in western countries are concerned over putting on extra weight. The statistics show that obesity has become a major issue that now also affects many children. Coconut oil helps in weight reduction because the fat it contains converts into energy much more easily than other types of fatty acids. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition supports showed that consumers of coconut oil have more success in reducing weight that those who eat products with “long-chain” fatty acids.
