As a cooking medium, coconut oil offers several health benefits. Renowned for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, potential contributions to weight loss, and enhanced skin and oral health, coconut oil has garnered praise from many. Some of us have even read about “oil pulling” and wondered whether it’s effective. Here, we will explore six evidence-based health benefits of coconut oil, offering valuable insights for individuals contemplating its incorporation into their daily diet.
What Health Advantages Does Coconut Oil Offer?
Let’s explore the myriad benefits of coconut oil, a versatile and nutrient-rich substance. From promoting coronary heart health to boosting brain functions, coconut oil could be a valuable addition to your way of life.
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Unlocking Fat-Burning Potential:
Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil is known for its calorie-burning capabilities. This, in turn, may assist in weight loss. However, one must exercise prudence, as more extensive and higher-quality studies are required to establish the correlation between MCTs and weight loss.
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Quick Source of Energy:
Coconut oil’s MCTs offer a swift energy boost. Unlike long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs directly reach the liver, metabolise and provide energy. This quick absorption makes MCTs popular in sports nutrition products for athletes who require a quick energy boost.
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Curbing Hunger:
MCTs, found in coconut oil, can decrease hunger pangs by producing ketones. These ketones affect the urge for appetite-related brain chemicals and hormones like ghrelin, potentially aiding weight management.
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Nourishing Skin with Coconut Oil:
Beyond its culinary uses, coconut oil is a versatile cosmetic aid that promotes skin health. It effectively moisturises the skin and enhances the skin barrier function. Applying virgin coconut oil can effectively prevent dry skin due to the frequent usage of alcohol-based hand sanitisers and may alleviate symptoms of skin ailments like atopic dermatitis.
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Mitigating Seizures:
Ketogenic diets, characterised by following a diet comprising low carbs and high fats, aid drug-resistant epilepsy by decreasing seizure frequency. The theory revolves around limited glucose availability for brain cells, prompting increased ketone production as an alternative energy source. Modified keto diets, featuring MCTs and a slightly higher carb allowance, have shown promise in epilepsy treatment, with research highlighting the conversion of coconut oil’s MCTs into ketones.
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Antimicrobial Effects:
Coconut oil’s MCT content, especially lauric acid, contributes to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Comprising 50% of MCTs, lauric acid demonstrates potential effects against diverse disease-causing microorganisms, appearing as a bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal agent and offering a versatile protective shield.