COCONUT OIL HEALTH BENEFITS

 FACTS & BENEFITS

While some people falsely accuse coconut oil of being a "fad," the fact is that it is a traditional oil that has been consumed for thousands of years in tropical cultures, and the research on the health benefits of coconut oil has existed for a very long time. Lauric acid, for example, has a long history of use in combating pathogens, and this research has been around for more than 50 years. Coconut oil is nature's richest source of lauric acid. 

There are extensive researches on the internet and other sources now that all talk about this. Coconut oil was once prevalent in western countries like the United States. With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees, coconut oil was a favorite in the baking industry. But a negative campaign against saturated fats in general, and coconut oil in particular, led to most food manufacturers abandoning coconut oil in recent years in favor of hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils that come from the main cash crops in the US, particularly soy. These hydrogenated oils contain trans fatty acids. The polyunsaturated oils were not a big part of the diet of previous generations, so how has the health of Americans changed now that polyunsaturated oils are for the most part all one finds on supermarket shelves across the US?  A lists of sites below encourages you to take an honest look at the research presented on this websites, and consider the "other side" of the story, whether it be coconut oil, saturated fats, cholesterol, or the new vegetable oils!

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.

Here are just some of the amazing health benefits of Coconut Oil...

On Heart Disease & Cholesterol Management

Coconut oil as a "saturated fat" is not the culprit for heart disease as has been claimed. Heart disease prevention begins with consuming a good quality saturated fat such as virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil actually regulates blood cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides and therefore helps with heart disease prevention and treatment. Research indicates that coconut oil prevents oxidization of cholesterol, one of the main causes of atherosclerosis. Coconut oil-based diets lowered Lp(a) levels. Measuring Lp(a) levels has been found to be a much more accurate indication of being prone to CHD (Coronary Heart Disease). Prevention begins by normalizing bodily functions and virgin coconut oil does just that!

On Alzheimer's Disease & Diabetes

Some of the most recent research has come from people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, with reports of people improving or even reversing the effects of Alzheimer's by using coconut oil. Alzheimer's is now seen as a type 3 form or diabetes, and for years we have seen positive results from people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in using coconut oil.

On Thyroid Health 

We have also seen a lot of reports of coconut oil health benefits from those suffering from hypothryroidism, as coconut oil helps boost metabolism and raise body temperatures to promote thyroid health.

On Weight Loss

Restricting carbohydrates and increasing coconut oil in the diet has also led many to report losing weight with coconut oil.

On Skin & Hair 

Candida sufferers also report health benefits with coconut oil as research now confirms, and those suffering from various skin diseases are also seeing tremendous health benefits by applying coconut oil directly on the skin. The benefits of coconut oil for healthy hair are also well known.

On Immune System , etc. 

Other healthy benefits of coconut oil included fighting off bacterial infections and viruses. Coconut oil is also increasingly being seen to benefit athletes and fitness trainers giving them an advantage in sustaining energy levels longer without drugs or stimulants.  

Coconut oil has an antimicrobial effect in the body and can be used to treat even severe bacterial infections such as antibiotic resistant strains. This antimicrobial effect may very well play a key role in heart disease prevention by eliminating bacterial or viral lesions on artery walls. 

Coconut oil can be used as a successful treatment for acute aluminium phosphide poisoning which has no known antidote -- until now. 

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Article Sources:
http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/coconut-oil-and-heart-disease/
http://www.coconutoil.com/
http://www.coconut-info.com/
http://www.naturalhealthstrategies.com/heart-disease-prevention.html


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