An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away — Fact or Fiction? However, these studies didn’t specifically look at the effects of coconut oil. It might seem counterintuitive to assume that eating coconut oil (a fat) will contribute to fat loss, but it is actually quite logical. Benefits of coconut oil on skin and hair are many. In one study, 6 healthy men ate varying amounts of MCTs and LCTs. LEARN MORE: 99 Amazing Uses for Coconut Oil. In fact, there is so much coconut oil can do for hair. Coconut oil has properties that can help treat many different health conditions, from hair and skin damage to poor cognitive function and metabolism. Meanwhile, a 4-week study in 20 men with obesity noted a reduction in waist circumference of 1.1 inches (2.86 cm) after they took 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil per day (30). The MCFAs found in coconut are also used in popular muscle-building products like Muscle Milk™. The health benefits of coconut oil include improving heart health by increasing the HDL cholesterol levels, promoting weight loss, relieving symptoms of yeast infections, skin and hair care, improving digestion, and boosting immunity.The oil is not only used in tropical countries, where coconut plantations are abundant, but also in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. It helps burn fat and calories, decrease appetite, and in studies it was especially helpful in losing belly fat. Some ways to use coconut oil for your skin and hair include: Coconut oil can be used for oil pulling, which is an Ayurvedic practice that works to detoxify the mouth, remove plaque and bacteria, and freshen breath. Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet, but you may wonder what type of milk it's made of. There’s no doubt that many people are confused about whether or not they should consume coconut oil regularly, especially after the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2017 report on saturated fats. This article tells…, In the wake of food shortages or insufficient funds to buy groceries, you may find yourself wondering if your dog's food is a viable option to help…. Cupuaçu is a chocolaty fruit that can be eaten on its own, processed into butter or powder, and used in various cosmetics. Your body uses them as a quick source of energy or turns them into ketones. To effectively kill candida and treat yeast infections, remove processed sugar and refined grains from your diet and consume plenty of healthy fats. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) When taking a quality unrefined coconut oil, you can get the most coconut oil benefits as its MCFAs are sent directly to the liver to be converted into energy. One study found that eating 15–30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24-hour energy expenditure by 5% (6). Pu-erh Tea: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. The MCTs in coconut oil can increase the number of calories your body burns compared with longer-chain fatty acids (5). © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Food and Chemical Toxicology published a study in 2017 that investigated the effects of coconut oil on human skin; the findings concur with Bray’s assessment. Coconut oil helps to soften the skin and is especially good for dry skin. And the second quality is the medium-chained fatty acid content in coconut oil. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. A randomized crossover trial published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that daily consumption of 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil in young, healthy adults, significantly increased HDL cholesterol. Research on osteoporosis has found that coconut oil not only increases bone volume and structure in subjects, but also decreased bone loss due to osteoporosis. Ketones supply energy to the brain without the need for insulin to process glucose into energy. It kills bacteria and fungus that may be growing in your house, and it keeps surfaces looking shiny too. You can make a homemade energy fuel by mixing coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds together. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Nutritional highlights Fat is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet — it is a source of essential fatty acids and helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. are clickable links to these studies. Most of the fats we consume take longer to digest, but MCFAs found in coconut oil provide the perfect source of energy because they only have to go through a three-step process to be turned into fuel, as opposed to other fats that have to go through a 26-step process! Abdominal fat, or visceral fat, lodges in the abdominal cavity and around your organs. Related: Is Peanut Oil Good or Bad for Health? benign prostatic hyperplasia a.k.a. Most dietary fats are categorized as long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), while coconut oil contains some medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are shorter fatty acid chains (2). 3. You can use coconut oil on your face as a make-up remover. In our search for truths that affect your health, this research will give you some of the best evidence and proper uses of coconut oil, but cannot be 100% conclusive. Take one tablespoon of coconut oil three times daily as a supplement. Many people use it for cosmetic purposes to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair. If this effect were to persist over the long term, it could lead to reduced body weight over several years. You can use coconut oil in so many ways — from your cooking and baking, to adding it to smoothies and coffee, using it as an ingredient in DIY natural remedy recipes, and using it for oil pulling. Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-2o minutes and then dump the oil into the trash. You can also consume other coconut forms, such as coconut butter or coconut water. Coconut is a powerful superfood, which is evident given all of these tremendous coconut oil health benefits. Removing oral bacteria greatly reduces your risk of periodontal disease. What are the health benefits of coconut oil? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Last medically reviewed on February 12, 2020, Mayo is a popular condiment for sandwiches and often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces. Coconut oil appears to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the \"bad\" cholesterol — but not as much as foods that contain long-chain fatty acids, such as meat or full-fat dairy products. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! Researchers have suggested that ketones can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning brain cells to reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (28). Some recipes that can be made with coconut oil are: Coconut oil works as a natural dust preventer, laundry detergent, furniture polish and homemade hand soap. It works to enhance our immune function and protect the liver from toxins. Although coconut oil is one of the richest natural sources of MCTs, there’s no evidence that coconut oil intake reduces appetite more than other oils. There’s so much unrefined coconut oil can do for skin. Some of the cleaning products created by coconut oil have been known to cause contact allergies as well, but it is not common. Waist circumference is an easy, accurate marker for the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity. 2. One study shows that it may work as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays (23, 24). Kitavan people in Papua New Guinea also eat a lot of coconut, alongside tubers, fruit, and fish, and have little stroke or heart disease (4). Coconut oil has been known to clear up and improve UTI symptoms and kidney infections. The authors of a 2006 study reported that MCTs improved brain function in people with milder forms of Alzheimer’s disease (29). The many coconut oil benefits are only available with a good quality product. Coconut oil also benefits the heart by lowering high triglycerides. Related: MCT Oil Health Benefits, Dosage Recommendations and Recipes. Coconut oil is a wonder that brings along numerous benefits in terms of skin care, treating yeast infections, hair care, boosting immunity, and weight loss. Oil pulling, which involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth like mouthwash, may kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth. So despite the somewhat negative response to coconut oil in the last few years, I’m still a huge advocate of coconut oil for reducing inflammation, supporting cognitive and heart health, and boosting energy levels — just to name a few of the many coconut oil benefits. Coconut oil has a wonderful aroma and great flavor profile, coconuts are a moderately cheap and healthy choice for cooking, baking, and pan-frying. All things considered, it’s the MCFAs present in coconut copra that makes it a true superfood, and it’s why coconut oil health benefits are so plentiful and amazing. 6. To moisturize and nourish skin: The same properties make coconut oil great for skin as well.Many people like to use it as a natural moisturizer. Proteins: Like coconuts themselves, coconut oil is rich in many proteins. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Candida imbalance, in particular, can decrease stomach acid, which causes inflammation and poor digestion. By swishing the oil in your mouth, the oil denatures the bacteria and sticks to it. For hair: This nourishing oil has been used for centuries in hair and its unique fat composition makes it especially beneficial for certain hair types.Use it as a hair mask, hot oil treatment, or in homemade hair products. Coconut Oil is a highly efficient topical oil that can be used on your lips, hands, nails, feet and as a full-body moisturizer alongside the regular skin and hair treatment. According to research published in the medical journal Food and Function, coconut oil improves antioxidant levels and can slow aging. You can replace grains and sugar in your diet with coconut oil as your natural fuel source when you’re sick. Potential Health Benefits of Coconut Oil. The vast majority of heavily produced supplements, however, use processed forms of MCFAs. Because of the energy-creating abilities of coconut oil and the fact it’s a no-carb oil, it is no wonder that it is beneficial in losing weight. Coconut oil works by reducing stress on the liver and lowering oxidative stress. But going back to the study mentioned above, researchers even compared coconut oil to saw palmetto (a common favorite for prostate health) and sunflower oil and still, coconuts came out victorious. It can even be used to help reduce inflammation assocaited with overexposure to UV rays. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Learn about cupuaçu. Coconut Oil Benefits: If you use coconut oil in your daily use, then you are definitely taking advantage of these 7 benefits somewhere. MCT Oil Health Benefits, Dosage Recommendations and Recipes, great solution for all types of skin conditions, study from Boston University Medical School, Is Peanut Oil Good or Bad for Health? The unique combination of fatty acids in coconut oil may have positive effects on your health, such as boosting fat loss, heart health, and brain function. 4. Proteins also contribute to the cellular health and tissue repair, along with a wide range of other essential activities within the body. In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL, compared with soybean oil (19). Testing the effects that MFCAs have on fat breakdown, adipose (fatty) cells in rats were pretreated with caprylic acid. Coconut Milk Nutrition: Beneficial Vegan Milk or High-Fat Trap? Coconut oil is an edible oil produced from the kernel of mature coconuts and it has gained immense popularity in the recent years for its innumerable health benefits.. The coconut tree belongs to the palm tree family (Arecaceae), which is botanically a drupe, not a nut. Virgin coconut oil typically has a great nutty and sweet flavor. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida. Supporters claim coconut oil provides various health benefits. Researchers are currently studying the ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbs and high in fats, to treat various disorders. Set aside the chemically-laden toxic moisturisers and give way to this all-natural emollient. It has been used for viral infections and much more, which is why you will see it mentioned in several of the benefits we are listing today. As the MCFAs are absorbed easily in the body and can be accessed in the brain without the use of insulin. Thus, they are able to fuel brain cells more efficiently. Simply put together one tablespoon of each and consume 30 minutes prior to exercise. This article reviews whether…, You may have heard a lot about cleanses or detoxes for psoriasis, but you may wonder whether these methods are effective or safe. Then shower 30 minutes later. Today, many triathletes use coconut oil as their source of fuel during training and races for long-distance events. Coconut oil is known to be one of the beauty world’s most effective natural ingredients. It has a smoke point of about 350 degrees, making it a great oil option for sautéed dishes, sauces and baked goods. Studies have found that coconut oil may be an excellent fat to consume during menopause and also may have positives effects on estrogen levels. In order to naturally balance hormones, reduce sugar and grain consumption and load up on healthy fats from coconut, avocado, flax seeds and ghee. Studies show that coconut oil can improve the moisture content of dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema (21, 22). In fact, we should highlight that the AHA did point out that we don’t have to completely avoid saturated fats, and that’s because we actually need it. Here are 8 tasty fish…, Pu-erh tea offers a number of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory-based benefits to help improve overall health and well-being. These fats have different effects in the body compared with most other dietary fats. For instance, in studies, it reduced the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments. Coconut water also helps hydrate and support the healing process. When your body digests lauric acid, it forms a substance called monolaurin. The oil is not just used in tropical countries, but also in America, Canada, Australia, and Canada. Thousands of studies have been conducted to uncover the secrets of this amazing superfood: namely healthy fats called medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Coconut oil is easy to digest and also produces a longer sustained energy and increases your metabolism. This article examines the evidence for and against eating soy. Increasing good cholesterol Share on Pinterest The MCTs in coconut oil may help preserve insulin sensitivity. As some of the fatty acids in coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it may also help you lose weight. For example, test-tube studies show that these substances help kill the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections, and the yeast Candida albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans (9, 10). Obesity is one of the biggest health conditions affecting the Western world today. The coconut oil use can eliminate candida, kill off bacteria and fight against viruses. Keep in mind that coconut oil is very high in calories and can easily lead to weight gain if eaten it in large amounts. Coconut oil can apply to the cuticle, and it will strengthen the nails. Boosting the immune system is one of the benefits of coconut oil for health because coconut oil contains antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. So many of us work hard every day and feel like we ... Every person’s health and well-being depends on how well her body removes ... virgin coconut oil (VCO) reduced inflammation and improved arthritis symptoms more effectively than leading medications, somewhat negative response to coconut oil. The fatty acids in coconut oil can encourage your body to burn fat, and they provide quick energy to your body and brain. Coconut oil works as a great moisturizer and it has antimicrobial properties that will boost skin and hair health. Coconut oil is seen by many as a form of "superfood." [ Read: Benefits of Coconut oil for Face] 6. Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Rubbing it into your skin right after you shower is especially beneficial. Oil with antioxidant-rich berries for breakfast your house, and Canada Milk or High-Fat Trap benefits. 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