Going Coco for Coconut Oil!
Going Coco for Coconut Oil
Let’s be honest, coconut oil is totally the new ‘thing.’ This new health trend raves about the benefits of the oil for our hair, skin, and even our bodies. Whether or not you are already aware of this superfood, here are some of its benefits to show you just how miraculous it really is.
- Coconut oil helps our brains function
The fatty acids found in coconut oil (which are called medium-chain triglycerides) have very powerful medicinal properties. From the digestive tract, they make their way straight to our liver where they are turned into a source of energy called ketones. Ketones have a therapeutic effect on brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
- Coconut oil burns fat and reduces hunger, leading to weight loss
The medium-chain triglycerides found in coconut oil are proven to increase the rate at which our bodies burn calories by up to 5% in the span of 24 hours. This, along side the fact that coconut oil also reduces appetite, can have a positive impact on weight loss.
- Coconut oil improves our cholesterol levels
Despite the fact that coconut oil contains saturated fats, they aren’t the bad ones we naturally think of. Instead, they are good fats that raise our good HDL cholesterol levels and in this way, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Coconut oil can help strengthen our immune systems
About half of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are 12-carbon Lauric Acid. This acid in particular helps kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the body. Thus, coconut oil can help improve our health by protecting us from illness.
- Coconut oil aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels
Coconut oil has been shown to improve our body’s secretion of insulin and its use of glucose in the blood, thus helping to steady our blood sugar levels. Take advantage of all these health benefits and use coconut oil in place of butter or margarine. Spread it on toast or even drizzle it over popcorn!
