Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Continuing on in our coconut oil series, here is post number
two! In case you missed post one, you can find it here. Today we will dive into
the health benefits it brings to the
table!
There are many ways consuming this oil can boost our
wellbeing, such as preventing heart disease, boosting thyroid function, raising
the metabolism and promoting lean body mass, and supporting the immune system.
There are jars and jars of coconut oil on the shelves, which
one should I choose? Organic is ideal, but not a must. Look for these key words though: virgin, unrefined, and expeller or cold pressed. The less processing
and modifications the oil goes through, the more true to it’s original
composition it will be.
Here's one of my favorites:
Here's one of my favorites:
Like we talked about in the first post, studies have shown
that consuming coconut oil does not have significant effect on your cholesterol
levels, both LDL and HDL, and may potentially lower your overall levels. This
is a great contribution towards heart health and preventing conditions such as
atherosclerosis. Information gathered from a study of a Pacific Island
population shows nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular disease where the
population gets 30-60% of their total caloric intake from fully saturated coconut
oil.
The liver takes care of digesting coconut oil without the
gallbladder or pancreas, so there is no need for bile or insulin. This is
fantastic because this means there is immediate energy to your body (think
carbs) but without the insulin spike (unlike
carbs)! This also makes coconut oil a particularly great option for people that
have had gallbladder issues or removal, sensitive digestive systems, diabetics,
and dieters. Meals including medium chain triglycerides, like coconut oil, can
help burn even more calories than one including longer chain oils. A higher
metabolic rate promotes fat burning, leaner body mass, and improved thyroid
function. Fat-soluble vitamins and minerals are also more readily absorbed when
eaten in conjunction with coconut oil because of its saturated fat content.
Now to my favorite of the coconut oil bragging rights:
immune support!
Scientists
first discovered lauric acid when they studied human breastmilk to determine
what sort of antimicrobial substances were present to protect infants from
infections. Coconut oil is the highest naturally-found source of lauric acid,
after breastmilk, making up nearly 50% of the fatty acids! Lauric acid is
converted to the immune-booster, disease-fighter, monolaurin, in the body.
Monolaurin is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-protozoal. Its
medium chain triglyceride structure allows the acid to readily cross and
infiltrate the membranes of microbes, disintegrating them so they are unable to
reproduce and replicate. I first became intrigued to study monolaurin after my sister had remarkable results using it to treat mono, the Epstein-Barr Virus. Unlike prescribed antibiotic medications, monolaurin
does not appear to affect good bacteria, only targeting the disease-causing microorganisms.
Monolaurin continues to be researched, but has currently been shown to be effective against staphylococcus aureas, multiple strains of streptococcus, measles, bronchitis, RSV, Epstein-Barr Virus, influenza, pneumonia, several strains of herpes, Candida albicans, ringworm, Giardia lamblia, Listeria, H. pylori, and is more thoroughly being researched after having positive results in treating AIDS/HIV--just to name a few!
Monolaurin continues to be researched, but has currently been shown to be effective against staphylococcus aureas, multiple strains of streptococcus, measles, bronchitis, RSV, Epstein-Barr Virus, influenza, pneumonia, several strains of herpes, Candida albicans, ringworm, Giardia lamblia, Listeria, H. pylori, and is more thoroughly being researched after having positive results in treating AIDS/HIV--just to name a few!
There are several brands that make a capsule-form. Here is
the one my sister used:
If you choose to purchase this or any other natural product
through Vitacost.com, please use my link and save us both $10! https://www.vitacostrewards.com/jWjZPRD
Stay tuned, because in the next post of this series I'll cover some cosmetic uses!
Disclaimer: The views of The Gray Poppy Blog are based on my passion for natural health and information provided here is researched from multiple sources prior to publishing. The information provided, however, is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as, nor be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment regimen, supplement, exercise plan, or dietary change.
Sources:
Stay tuned, because in the next post of this series I'll cover some cosmetic uses!
Disclaimer: The views of The Gray Poppy Blog are based on my passion for natural health and information provided here is researched from multiple sources prior to publishing. The information provided, however, is for informational purposes only and not intended to serve as, nor be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any treatment regimen, supplement, exercise plan, or dietary change.
Sources:
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