Coconut oil is an ingredient with multiple uses and virtues for the body and health. Discover the 5 reasons to adopt it to take care of yourself every day!
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1. Reduces bad cholesterol levels
Coconut oil may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. It does contain some saturated fatty acids, but these are primarily medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are metabolized differently from other types of saturated fatty acids.
MCFAs are rapidly absorbed by the intestine and transported directly to the liver where they are used as an energy source. They are therefore not stored as body fat like long-chain fatty acids are.
Additionally, some research has shown that the MCFAs found in coconut oil can increase levels of HDL , also known as ” good cholesterol ,” which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
2. Improves digestion
First of all, as explained, coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). These are easily digestible and can be absorbed quickly by the body. These fatty acids can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which can improve overall digestion.
Additionally, coconut oil may help reduce inflammation in the digestive system due to its antioxidant properties. This can be especially helpful for people with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Finally, coconut oil can help improve the overall health of the digestive system by helping to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This can help reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption in the body.
3. Promotes weight loss
There are several ways coconut oil can help promote weight loss. First, the MCFAs it contains are quickly converted to energy by the liver, which can increase metabolism and help burn extra calories .
Additionally, MCFAs may help reduce appetite by increasing feelings of fullness, which may lead to a reduction in the amount of food consumed over time.
Additionally, coconut oil can help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients , which can help reduce inflammation and increase metabolism efficiency.
4. Ideal for hair and skin care
Much like jojoba oil , coconut oil is often used in skin and hair care products, such as moisturizers, hair oils, and hair masks.
Indeed, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, which allows it to easily penetrate the skin and hair to deeply hydrate them . It helps prevent dryness and maintain a healthy appearance. In addition, it contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for skin and hair health, such as vitamin E, iron and zinc. It can help nourish skin and hair, leaving it soft and smooth.
Apart from this, coconut oil forms a protective layer on the skin and hair that can help prevent damage caused by environmental factors such as sun, pollution and wind. It can also help prevent frizz and split ends.
Finally, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated or acne-prone skin.
5. Prevents infections
Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties , allowing it to prevent infections in different ways.
First, lauric acid, which is a fatty acid found in coconut oil, can help kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses . When lauric acid is digested by the body, it produces a substance called monolaurin, which has antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil contains approximately 50% lauric acid, making it an important source of this beneficial substance.
Additionally, coconut oil may help strengthen the immune system due to its medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) content. MCFAs can be easily absorbed by the body and used as an energy source for immune cells, which can help boost their function.
Finally, coconut oil can also help reduce inflammation in the body . Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to infections. Coconut oil contains antioxidant compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage.
Also Read : The 3 Oils You Should Use Every week To Combat Hair Loss