Lately, coconut oil has been the hot topic of the nutrition world. The attention it has received in recent years is suggestive of the fact that it is good for hygiene and weight loss among other things. Some studies suggest that it is also good for brain function, which puts it in the superfood category.
Although coconut oil is saturated fat, it is free of cholesterol and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that are great for health according to several studies. It is important for you to include superfoods like coconut oil in your diet. Get expert advice from certified dietitians on your phone with FITFEAST to fulfill your nutritional needs for perfect health.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
- Provides Healthy Fatty Acids
Coconut oil is packed with saturated fats that affect the body very differently than its counterparts. These fatty acids help the body burn fat while also providing energy to your brain and the rest of the body. Moreover, these fatty acids increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood and thus, reduce the risk of heart problems.
As mentioned earlier, coconut oil consists of shorter fatty acid chains – MCTs – as compared to those of other oils and foods. These MCTs are transported directly to the liver which then uses them for energy or turns them into ketones. Ketones are good for your brain.
An increasing number of people are overweight or obese these days. The number of calories you consume is not the only factor that determines your weight, although it is important. The source of calories makes a difference too – foods have different effects on your hormones. The triglyceride chains in coconut oils help burn more calories. However, coconut oil is high in calories in itself and you shouldn’t consume too much of it.
Coconut is not necessarily a staple in households but it is catching up in the lists of the health-conscious. Still, it is used as an important ingredient in many households and has been used there for generations in several preparations. In certain islands across the Pacific, people derive more than half of their calories from coconuts. These people have extremely healthy hearts and have very low rates of heart disease. Consuming coconut along with fruit, fish, and tubers is known to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
The MCTs present in coconuts, when transformed into ketones, reduce appetite based on your metabolism. In a study, people were given MCTs and LCTs (long-chain triglycerides) and those who consumed the former ended up eating much less comparatively. Consuming MCTs for breakfast can help you reduce the amount you eat for lunch. Doing this for a long time can help you lose body weight
substantially.
- Good for skin, hair, and teeth
Coconut oil is not just good for cooking; it is used for cosmetic purposes. It is known to be good for hair and skin. Using coconut oil on your body improves the moisture content of your skin and reduces dryness and even eczema. Coconut oil has been used for centuries to reduce hair damage. Moreover, it might work as a light sunscreen as well. Some people use it as a mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth, which improves dental health.
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