Coconut Oil Health Benefits And Uses

There’s been some controversy on coconut oil largely started by the GMO oil lobbyist hiding behind front groups that don’t want you to use one of the healthiest oils in the marketplace. As consumers become more informed about what they’re frying their veggies in they will find that high-heat oils like coconut oil or avocado oil are much healthier than “vegetable” oil which is usually made from GMO corn, soy, cottonseed or canola. To dispel all myths, conventional oils are highly processed and are linked to cancer and should be avoided. Canola oil is one of the most unhealthy ingredients and products on grocery shelves.

The most recent attack was from the American Heart Association (AHA) claiming that coconut oil should be avoided. After many of my clients and my team investigated we found that the AHA has a long history of getting it wrong. This is the same organization that advised us to eat margarine, sugary snacks, and processed meats after all. The AHA should be actually focusing on your heart health but instead, they’ve partnered with big food and do not have your health in mind. We have a lot more information about trans fats and even the CDC is on board with avoiding them.

Coconut Oil Is A Healthy Fat

While fats, in general, have been demonized in our society, we absolutely need healthy fats in our diet and some can actually help us lose weight. The fats in coconut oil are metabolized differently and responsible for most of the health benefits health professionals refer to and many parts of the world coconuts are referred to as “superfoods.”

Coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats that can boost fat burning and provide your body and brain with quick energy thanks to the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These fats also raise the good HDL cholesterol in your blood, which is linked to reduced heart disease risk. When you consume MCFAs, they go straight to the liver, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones. Your liver turns this good fat into ketones, a type of acid, and sends them into your bloodstream. Ketones are beneficial for the brain and can boost stamina.

Studies On Coconut Oil

There are numerous studies on coconut oil’s antioxidant properties. And over 1,500 studies proving coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Here are the top eight studies you need to know to help you understand coconut oils benefits:

Weight loss: It helps burn fat and calories, decrease appetite, and it burns belly fat. The Obesity Research Journal published a study from Boston University Medical School that gives us a clue why MCFAs have fat-burning ability.
Kills Yeast Infections: in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found the capric acid and lauric acid in coconut oil made for an effective natural treatment for candida and yeast infections. Healthcare professionals usually advise one tablespoon three times a day.
Anti-aging: The medical journal Food and Function, coconut oil improves antioxidant levels and can slow aging. Coconut oil works by reducing stress on the liver and lowering oxidative stress. You can use it topically or ingest this powerhouse antioxidant.
Hormone balancing: Studies have found that coconut oil is an excellent fat to consume during menopause and also may have positive effects on estrogen levels.
Arthritis: In the arthritis study, the high levels of antioxidants present in virgin coconut oil reduced inflammation and treated arthritis more effectively than leading medications.
Brain function and memory: In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that the MCFAs in coconut oil improved the memory problems in their older subjects.
Energy for Workouts: When you consume coconut oil, the MCFAs are sent directly to the liver to be converted into energy. You can make a homemade energy fuel by mixing coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds together. Simply put together one tablespoon of each and consume 30 minutes prior to exercise.
Prevents Osteoporosis: Oxidative stress and free radicals are the two biggest culprits of osteoporosis. Since coconut oil has such high levels of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment for osteoporosis. Another study found that virgin coconut oil supplementation prevents bone loss in osteoporosis rat model.

So as you can see coconut oil is a powerhouse when ingested but did you know that this oil is a must-have in my beauty routine? Learn more about how I use coconut oil on a daily basis.