It’s almost certain you’ve heard of coconut oil, and you may have even seen it on a store shelf. But do you know the truth about this popular new supplement? We’re going to give you the answers today.
This popular supplement- grown and produced in the Philippines- is now found in (almost) everything from protein shakes to cosmetics, and fans are finding new ways to incorporate the so-called ‘miracle cure’ into their everyday lives.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acid, which has long been suspected to clog arteries. However, recent data proves that that isn’t true.
Once you eat it, the MCFA actually goes straight from the digestive system to the liver where it’s turned into water-soluble molecules (ketone bodies) that provide extra fuel to the brain, muscles, and kidneys.
This is only one of the countless benefits, though; below we’ve compiled seven more (as if you needed any more convincing).
Cooking: Coconut oil has a longer natural shelf-life than soy and vegetable oils, which have hydrogen molecules added to them that turn into trans-fat when they’re cooked
Energy and Weight Loss: Medium-chain fatty acid keeps your blood sugar stabilized, boosts your energy by helping your body metabolize fat, curbs and prevents cravings, and keeps you satiated and feeling full longer.
Anti-Fungal Properties: The lauric acid in coconut oil fights the ‘bad bacteria’ in your gut (things like yeast overgrowth, which causes bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, and other digestive problems) and promotes healing.
All-Natural Moisturizer: The skin is the body’s largest organ and will absorb anything you put onto it (the alcohols and chemicals in your drugstore moisturizer are no exception). So if you’re looking to substitute all those potentially harmful ingredients with a natural, beneficial alternative, coconut oil should be your first choice.
Hair Repair and Growth: MCFA’s small molecules penetrate the hair shaft better than other oils and eliminate frizz better than alcohol or silicone-based hair products (which can be extremely drying/damaging). Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil onto your hair can both hydrate your hair and promote new, healthy growth.
Improve At-Home Dental Care: The concept of ‘oil-pulling’ (swishing a small amount of coconut oil around in your mouth) originated in Ayurvedic medicine practice, but is now becoming increasingly popular in the Western world. Oil-pulling coats your teeth, removes stains, plaque, and odor, treats bleeding gums, and eliminates oral bacteria that can eventually migrate to your heart.
Improve Cognitive Functioning in Alzheimer’s Patients: As we mentioned earlier, the ketone bodies produced from the MCFAs provide the brain with additional energy. Numerous Alzheimer’s patients have shown improvement after supplementing their diet with a daily dose of coconut oil.
We couldn’t possibly list all the ways coconut oil will benefit your life- both on the grid and off- but it’s safe to say you definitely need to get your hands on some. So whether you’re cooking, staying fit, or looking to add something new to your regimen, you’ll want to make sure to always have some of this within arm’s reach.