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10 Incredible Ways To Keep Your Body Healthy Using Coconut Oil

Updated on August 31, 2010
Photo credit: mconnors on morgueFile
Photo credit: mconnors on morgueFile

The Tree of Life

Every culture that has native coconut trees nearby know how utterly important these massive seeds are.

Coconuts can be eaten, drank from, used for cooking, baking and even applied topically.

It is safe to say that coconuts are really a one-stop shop for health and vitality.


Slow The Aging Process

Coconut oil can prevent premature aging and reduce the signs of aging (wrinkles and sun spots on the skin). Coconut oil can also prevent degenerative diseases since it has so many antioxidants. Coconut oil also prevents sagging of the skin by using it internally and externally.

Fight Heart Disease

You may think that coconut oil is bad for you since it contains mostly saturated fats. However, this is not the case with coconut oil. Coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid helps prevent many types of heart problems including: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The saturated fats that are present in coconut oil are not harmful as the ones in other vegetables oils. Coconut oil will not lead to increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Coconut oil also reduces the injuries inside the arteries, which helps prevent atherosclerosis.

Make Your Digestive System Efficient For Increased Energy & Weight Loss

The simple action of replacing your regular cooking oil with coconut oil will greatly improve your digestive system's functioning. If you have an efficient digestive system then you will be less likely to have any stomach and digestion related problems especially irritable bowel syndrome. Coconut oil has saturated fats, which have anti-microbial properties that can help fight bacteria, fungi, and parasites, that can cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps increase nutrient absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

The fat from coconut oil is very easily converted into energy in the body since it contains fewer calories than other oils. Eating coconut oil also increases metabolism since it removes stress on pancreas. Coconut oil is a great aid for weight loss since it is so easy to digest, and it promotes optimal function of the thyroid gland. Eating coconut oil will help boost energy, endurance, as well as enhance physical performance.

Strengthen Your Teeth & Bones

Coconut oil greatly improves the body’s ability to absorb minerals necessary for vital functions. Two of these minerals are calcium and magnesium. Both of these minerals are necessary for healthy teeth and bone development. Eating coconut oil is a great way to prevent osteoporosis. The antibacterial properties found in coconut oil also stop teeth from decaying.

Treat Diabetes

Coconut oil is beneficial in treating diabetes since it helps control blood sugar levels. Another benefit is that coconut oil improves insulin secretion, and helps the body effectively use blood glucose.

Heal & Prevent Infections

When coconut oil is used topically applied to cuts or abrasions on the skin it will create an added layer to protect the body from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is very effective at healing bruises, since it speeds up the process by repairing damaged tissues. Coconut oil is also effective on getting rid of fungi and yeast that cause athelete's foot, candidiasis, diaper rash, ringworm, and thrush.

Due to coconut oil's antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properities it is very effective when taken internally to fight a number of infections. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, and SARS. Coconut oil also kills bacteria that cause gonorrhea, pneumonia, ulcers, throat infections, and urinary tract infections.

Strengthen Your Immune System

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial lipids, capric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid which are all responsible for strengthening the immune system. Each of these beneficial components have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. Our bodies convert lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It is believed that coconut oil plays an vital role in reducing viral susceptibility of cancer patients and HIV.

Eliminate Stress & Fatigue

The aroma-therapeutic qualities of coconut oil provide a sense of calm when inhaled.

Since coconut oil is very soothing and it helps alleviate stress of the mind and body.

Massage some coconut oil into the scalp to help get rid of mental fatigue.

Keep Kidneys & Gall Bladder Healthy

Coconut oil is know to help prevent kidney and gall bladder diseases. Ingesting coconut oil will also help dissolve kidney stones.

Help Your Liver

Coconut oil also contains medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids. These components help prevent liver diseases. These substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, which in turn reduces the work load on the liver as well as prevents the accumulation of fat.


Disclaimer:

The information given in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

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