Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Solidified coconut oil

Research has shown that medium-chain fatty acids, like those found in coconut oil, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of the most promising are summarized below.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL 

1.  Improves digestion  
2.   Provides quick energy  
3.  Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose  
4.  Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body  
5.  Can be easily absorbed and utilized by those who have trouble digesting fats or who have gallbladder disease  
6.  Improves calcium and magnesium absorption for the development of strong bones and teeth  
7.  Aids in the absorption of minerals and fat soluble vitamins
8.  Is lower in calories than any other fat  
9.  Supports thyroid function  
10.  Promotes excess weight loss by increasing metabolic rate  
11.  Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats  
12.  Supports and aids immune system  
13.  Helps protect against disease-causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites  
14.  Is heart healthy; does not increase blood cholesterol or platelet stickiness  
15.  Does not create free radicals like other vegetable oils and is stable under cooking temperatures  
16.  Helps to protect the body from free-radical damage that encourages aging and degenerative disease  
17.  Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils  
18.  Helps you to look and feel younger  
19.  Makes skin smooth and soft  
20.  Reduces the need for essential fatty acids  
21.  Does not deteriorate like polyunsaturated oils so has a long shelf life  
22.  Is completely non-toxic to humans. 

What Coconut Oil does NOT do: 

•  Does not contain cholesterol  
•  Does not increase blood cholesterol  
•  Does not promote platelet stickiness which leads to blood clot formation  
•  Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease  
•  Does not promote cancer or any other degenerative disease  
•  Does not contribute to weight problems 

What Coconut Oil Does Do: 

•  Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses  
•  Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions  
•  Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections  
•  Aids the body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS  
•  Supports immune system function  
•  Helps prevent osteoporosis  
•  Helps control diabetes  
•  Promotes weight loss  
•  Supports healthy metabolic function  
•  Provides an immediate source of energy  
•  Supplies fewer calories than other fats  
•  Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health  
•  Improves digestion and nutrient absorption  
•  Has a mild delicate flavor  
•  Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life)  
•  Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking)  
•  Helps keep skin soft and smooth  
•  Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of skin  
•  Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes  
•  Helps maintain the body's antioxidant reserves. 

Health benefits coconut water

Health benefits coconut water

The water of fresh tender coconut which is the liquid endosperm is the most nutritious wholesome beverage that the nature has provided for the people of the tropics to fight the sultry heat. It has a caloric value of 17.4 per 100 gm.
According to Ayurveda "It is unctuous, sweet, increasing semen, promoting digestion and clearing the urinary path." Medicinal properties of Tender Coconut Water (T.C.W.) 
Some of the medicinal properties of T.C.W. reported are:
1. Good for feeding infants suffering from intestinal disturbances.
2. Oral rehydration medium.
3. Contains organic compounds containing growth promoting properties.
4. Keeps the body cool.
5. Application on the body prevents prickly heat and summer boils and subsides the rashes caused by small pox, chicken pox and measles etc.
6. Presence of saline and albumin makes it a good drink in cholera cases.
7. Excellent tonic for the old and the sick.
8. Diuretic (a substance which tends to increase flow of urine).
9. Can be injected intravenously in emergency cases such as cholera and dysentery when other pyrogen-free fluids are not available.
10. Can be used as a blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, pyrogen - free and does not produce heat, and does not destroy blood cells.
11. Aids the quick absorption of drugs and make their peak concentration in the blood easier by its electrolyte effect.
12. Urinary antiseptic and eliminates poisons in case of mineral poisoning.'Fluid of Life'
Tender coconut water is the natural isotonic beverage with almost the same level of electrolyte balance as we have in our blood. It is the 'fluid of life' says Chief of FAO's Agricultural and Post Harvest Management Service, Morton Satin.

Health Benefits of Coconut

Health Benefits of Coconut

The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae. It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut.

Coconut is a tropical fruit that is rich in protein. The meat of the coconut is very good in destroying intestinal parasites, that we get from eating infected food. Coconut water is good for kidney and urinary bladder problems.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm. 

• Vitamin A :  
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .10 mg.;  
• Riboflavin :  
• Niacin :  
• Vitamin C : 2 mg.  
• Calcium : 21 mg.  
• Iron : 2.0 mg.  
• Phosphorus : 98 mg.  
• Fat : 34.7 gm.  
• Carbohydrates : 14 gm.  
• Protein : 3.4 gm.  
• Calories : 359 

Health Benefits of Coconut
1. Prevents simple goiter (enlarged non-toxic thyroid) because of its organic iodine content.
2. Good body builder, so it is a food recommended for building up the body muscles of thin and emaciated individuals.
3. Constipation and for any build-up of gas in the stomach and intestinal tract.
4. Coconut milk has been found to help cases of sore throat as well as relieving stomach ulcers.
5. Coconut oil has been found to heal cuts, scratches, burns and sunburns.
6. The oil has also been recommended for facial massage and is reported to be good as a wrinkle remover.
7. Coconut oil is also good for the scalp and hair and makes hair dressing unnecessary.
8. Intake of at least 2 Tbsp. of Virgin coconut oil per day can lessen your Vitamin E requirement.
9. Coconut water is good for kidney and urinary bladder problems.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, but unlike many other vegetable oils, the saturated fat in coconut oil is naturally occurring and not created through hydrogenation. Multiple studies carried out on Pacific Island populations have all shown nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular diseases. These populations get 30-60% of their total caloric intake from fully saturated coconut oil.

1. The benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, and capric acid. 50% of the fat content in coconut oil is called lauric acid.  The body converts lauric acid into monolauring, which has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

2. Good for the heart
Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.

3. Promoting weight loss by stimulating metabolism  
In the 1940’s American farmers tried to use inexpensive coconut oil to fatten their livestock. Instead of fat, the animals turned lean, active and hungry! Coconut milk is easily digested, helps stimulate the metabolism, and is easily turned into energy. It also helps in proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Several studies have shown that it can enhance physical or athletic performance.

4. Supporting the immune system  
Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer. Monolaurin can destroy viruses such as influenza and herpes.

5. Ideal for skin care  
Some studies have named coconut an antioxidant due to its resistance to oxidation. Coconut oil helps to protect your skin, and improve the appearance of it.

6. Great for cooking
Most oils are highly susceptible to heat damage. Frying destroys the antioxidants in oil, causing it to oxidize. Coconut oil is stable enough to resist mild heat induced damage, making it the smartest choice for frying.

7. Why is Coconut Oil Solid?
Coconut oil has a high melting point - about 24 to 25 degrees Celsius or 76-78 Fahrenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature. Store in room temperature, not in the fridge.

For topical purposes, especially hair care, melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or warm water. Do not use microwave. Then take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. For internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes.

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut is a very nutrient dense food containing a reservoir of vitamins and minerals & is a natural remedy for an impaired immune system. Coconut is one of the significant source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) that are smaller than other fats and, therefore, digest very quickly, so quickly in fact, that the body uses them as an immediate source of fuel rather than pack them away in storage inside our fat cells.

Coconut milk is a superfood filled with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, and growth factors. It is low in fat and has only a fifth of the sugar found in most fresh fruit juices.

1. Coconut milk contains lauric acid that gets converted to Monolaurin which possesses anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal and anti-bacterial properties.

2. Coconut milk also helps to keep the arteries and heart clean and healthy due to its lauric acid content. And although coconut milk contains saturated fats, the presence of lauric acid and other beneficial acids in coconut milk make it perfect against heart disease and atherosclerosis.

3. Coconut milk can help to prevent cancers & help ward off degenerative diseases such as premature aging; sagging of the skin, wrinkling, vision and bone problems due to its potent antioxidant properties.

4. Coconut milk is also used to promote skin health and helps in combating skin problems.

5. It improves digestion and bowel function, relieving problems such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

6. It also promotes normal bone development and contributes to healthier and stronger bones, which is especially important for kids and elderly.

7. Try to take in moderation or slightly more since coconut food (including its cream, milk, water, meat) does you more good than harm. And when you eat, make sure you get premium quality coconut milk with reduced fat version for better taste and greater nutritional benefits.

Coconut - Health Benefits

Coconut - Health Benefits

Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

1. Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

2. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

3. Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

4. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

5. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

6. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

7. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

8. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

9. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

10. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

11. Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

12. Helps protect against osteoporosis.

13. Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

14. Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

15. Improves digestion and bowel function.

16. Supports tissue healing and repair.

17. Supports and aids immune system function.

18. Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

19. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

20. Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

21. Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

22. Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

23. Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

24. Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

25. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

26. Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

27. Helps prevent liver disease.

28. Is lower in calories than all other fats.

29. Supports thyroid function.

30. Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

31. Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

32. Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

33. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

34. Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

35. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Coconut Oil for Skin Care

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for skin care. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin.

The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil.

Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.

(organicfacts.net)

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