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When it comes to superfoods, coconut oil may just be the reigning champion. Coconut oil uses, and versatility is seemingly endless, and there are many benefits to adding it to your daily routine.
If you have ever wondered what all the coconut oil uses are, this list will answer any questions you may have. You will find here 25 of the best uses for coconut oil and the various ways you can add it to your life.
From aiding weight loss to helping your brain function at its best, to stabilizing your blood sugar, continue reading to learn more about this product.
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Fight fat with… fat?
It seems counterintuitive to use a product with such a high fat content to assist with weight loss. However, when you look at the science behind why it works, it not only makes sense but is fascinating!
Boston University’s Medical School published an article detailing how the MCFA’s in coconut oil have the ability to break down reserve fat cells so efficiently that the results are similar to those from fasting!
Save Your Sanity
When your liver digests MCFA’s, it creates ketones. Ketones are a form of energy used by the brain without needing insulin to turn into glucose. The brain generates its glucose from insulin, but it appears that those with Alzheimer’s have lost the ability to do this.
Ketones are a likely solution, as the brain would still have a viable energy source that could potentially repair the brain and restore functionality. A study by Mary T. Newport et al. published a study in 2015 further explaining this process.
Related: 30 Astonishing Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Will Change Your Life
Starve and Destroy Cancer Cells
There are at least two reasons to get excited about coconut oil benefits for fighting cancer. The first is that the ketones formed are an energy source that is impossible for cancer to feed on, as cancer is glucose dependent.
Second, the MCFA’s digest and kill certain bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori which are known to increase one’s risk for stomach cancer. This YouTube Video goes into a bit more detail about how Coconut Oil is able to combat colon cancer.
Wind Back the Clock and Leave Your Skin Looking Years Younger
The regular application of coconut oil to the skin not only works to prevent the formation of new wrinkles but can reverse any damage done in the past.
Antioxidants found in coconut oil work to destroy free radicals in the skin that lead to skin damage and wrinkling, and also promotes your skin to produce elastin and collagen. This leaves your skin firmer, less wrinkled, and helps you to look much younger.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease with Saturated Fats
Saturated fats have the ability to increase the body’s healthy cholesterol as well as convert LDL, or bad cholesterol, into healthy cholesterol. Coconut oil has a very high natural saturated fat content.
When healthy cholesterol increases and the unhealthy reduced, your heart comes out as a big winner. A healthy heart has a significantly decreased chance of developing heart disease.
Restore Healthy Hair
Hair benefits from the regular application of coconut oil in much the same way as your skin does, by protecting it from damage caused by the sun and dehydration.
Hair and scalp coated in a small amount of coconut oil also protect from damaging UV radiation and other harmful chemicals. Regular use can also reduce and even eliminate dandruff and other irritations of the scalp.
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Help Your Body Absorb Nutrients Effectively
The body needs a variety of nutrients to function properly. You may be eating the right foods to get all of those nutrients, but if your body is unable to absorb them, they are of little use.
When ingested, coconut oil assists your digestive tract better absorb the fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. To increase your intake, consider replacing olive oil and butter with coconut oil.
If you don’t mind swallowing coconut oil, chase your vitamins with a tablespoon to ensure they are adequately absorbed.
Safely Stabilize Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes results when cells no longer respond to insulin or use glucose for energy. Overcompensation and overproduction of insulin results. MCFA’s help to balance out this overreaction and encourages healthy digestion.
This results in a pancreas that is no longer strained and provides energy that is not dependent on glucose. Traditional drugs for the treatment of diabetes often come with their set of side effects, making coconut oil a much safer alternative.
Fight Depression Without Dangerous Medication
Coconut oil may be a more effective treatment for depression than traditional medications. Stress is known to release free radicals into the body which can lead to neuron death.
A source of antioxidants, coconut oil works to counteract damaging free radicals. The Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine published research showing the benefits.
Stop the Rise of the Super Bug
Coconut oil benefits for fighting infection are exciting to many people who are growing increasingly concerned about antibiotic-resistant germs. As a country, we overuse antibiotics, which has created “superbugs” that are no longer affected by their presence.
Due to the Lauric Acid in Coconut oil, some studies are showing that it works even better than its pharmaceutical counterparts when it comes to fighting infections.
Naturally Boost Energy
Coconut oil not only provides a natural source of energy due to Lauric Acid but because your body does not have to convert it into a usable energy form, it also conserves energy!
When your body uses the energy derived from Lauric Acid, it also burns calories faster, speeding up your metabolism naturally.
Naturally Clear up Candida and Yeast Infections
The Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy published a study detailing their discovery that the capric acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil are highly effective when used as a natural treatment for both candida and yeast infections.
Treatment consists of adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to a diet free of sugar and refined grains 3x daily.
Kill Harmful Bacteria and Improve Digestive Health
When consumed, coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties begin. The fats contained within the oil convert to monoglycerides in the digestive tract, which leads to an improvement in digesting and allows for better nutrient absorption.
Coconut oil also weakens the membrane of any harmful bacteria found in the gut, which causes it to die. It is so effective at this that it even kills super germs that are antibiotic resistant.
Naturally Achieve Balanced Hormones
Unbalanced hormones can create a multitude of problems in the body. A study published by Alan B. Feranil et al. published a study showing the benefits of coconut oil during menopause and estrogen levels.
The saturated fats, including lauric acid, may be beneficial to its hormone balancing abilities. To get optimal results, reduce sugar and grain in your diet and increase your consumption of healthy fats.
Use Coconut Oil to Assist Immune Health
The lauric acid contained in coconut oil has many benefits, one being that it creates an environment in which bacteria is unable to thrive. The cause of most illnesses is an overgrowth of bacteria in the body, which your body is unable to fight fast enough leaving you ill.
When you are sick, replace sugars and grains that feed bacteria with coconut oil. This will help to fight and starve the bacteria. When sick, take 1 TBSP of coconut oil at least three times daily.
Ingest Healthy and Necessary Fats When Pregnant
Women who are pregnant or nursing require a lot of fat to keep them and the baby healthy and growing. Studies have shown that mothers who increase their consumption of coconut oil also pass to their children higher amounts of lauric acid.
Also, for mothers who are concerned about being able to lose weight after pregnancy may like to know that the fats stored from coconut oil consumption quickly dissipate after the baby has been born.
Fight Stubborn Cellulite
Cellulite is very hard to get rid of, but coconut oil does seem to help. The first way it helps is when consumed, coconut oil speeds up metabolism and encourages your body to burn up fat reserves.
The second way is when used topically. Massaging the coconut oil into the affected areas encourages blood circulation which can work to diminish cellulite.
Put Back the Cranberry Juice, Fight UTI’s with Coconut Oil
The fats found in coconut oil also work as a naturally occurring antimicrobial, making coconut oil very effective in treating UTI’s at home.
Jennifer Smith from Livestrong.com claims that the addition of 3.5 tablespoons of the oil and drinking plenty of water may be helpful in reducing any symptoms you are experiencing.
Effectively Reduce Inflammation due to Arthritis
Vysakh A et al. performed a study in India which revealed that the antioxidant levels in coconut oil were effective at reducing the inflammation common in arthritis. Not only did it mitigate this inflammation, but it also did so better than traditional medicines used to treat arthritis.
It is important to note that the coconut oil used must be a high-quality product that was created using medium heat. With the use of high heat, many of the benefits are cooked out.
Reduce Stomach Ulcers
Coconut oil is an effective treatment for anyone suffering from stomach ulcers due to its ability to kill the bacteria that is responsible for the ulcers. If cancer is the cause of digestive tract ulcers, you will still find coconut oil an effective treatment.
Give your Gallbladder and Pancreas a Break
The MCFAs found in coconut oil do not require pancreatic enzymes to be broken down, allowing your pancreas to experience less strain.
Also, because the fats contained in coconut oil are very easy for your body to digest, some have reported that adding coconut oil to their diet has reduced symptoms of gallbladder disease.
Replacing complex fats with coconut oil can do wonders for pancreatic and gallbladder health.
Clear Up Skin Issues Like Eczema
Coconut oil is one of the best treatments possible for anyone who has eczema. Not only does it help to moisturize and heal the skin, but it does not contain any chemicals or scents that tend to aggravate the condition further.
It also does not just treat symptoms but works to heal the skin. Taking the oil internally or using it as a topical cream are both very effective in treating eczema.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Dr. Mercola reports that coconut oil is very effective in keeping teeth strong and healthy as it kills bacteria, including most strains of Streptococcus bacteria which are responsible for tooth decay.
Maybe someday we will see coconut oil infused toothpaste!
Fight back against Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis begins with free radicals and oxidative stress. Coconut oil is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which work to combat free radicals. This allows coconut oil to be a highly effective treatment for osteoporosis.
Coconut oil also helps the bones to absorb more calcium. An exciting study by Hayatullina Z et al. found that coconut oil both increased bone volume and decreased bone loss attributed to osteoporosis.
Build Muscles Naturally
Although most only talk about MCFAs ability to burn fat, they are also a great way to build muscle! Many popular supplements for muscle support claim to contain MCFAs, but the form they contain is a processed form.
Instead of using synthetic products, opt for the natural version and add several tablespoons of coconut oil to a muscle building daily shake.
Coconut Oil Is Something You Definitely Can’t Live Without
The benefits of adding coconut to your life are seemingly endless. The most amazing part is this list is in no way conclusive!
From keeping your immune system strong to fighting or preventing cancer, there is no reason to avoid adding this amazing superfood to your diet today. It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with one, several, or even none of these issues.
The prevention factor alone is worth a shot. Have you used coconut oil to treat any of these? If so, what was your experience? Let us know with your comments!
Need a way to use your EO? You also might like the 30 Beautiful Essential Oil Diffuser Necklaces 2017.