Coconut Oil and How it May Benefit You!

So I've been hearing lots lately about how awesome coconut oil is, but then of course there are also mixed reviews. I actually first heard about it in the 21 Day Fix Program because Autumn Calabrese swears by it. She even had it in her 3 Day Quick Fix program a couple times a day which was really suppose to rev up your results in only 3 days!! So of course I got interested in learning more about this wonder oil. 

It's also been given a bad rap because some say that it's unhealthy for you because it can increase your cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease. But of course, more facts explain that this isn't true. In fact, it actually contains no cholesterol and can actually help to reduce serum cholesterol and actually is a heart healthy food that can keep your body running better in many ways!

So what is coconut oil?
It is the fatty oil obtained from the coconut. It is edible and is extracted from the kernel of the meat of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It contains no hydrogenation and contains 92% saturated fat. Like all fats, coconut oil is a blend of fatty acids, which this contains an unusual blend of short and medium chain fatty acids. This unusual composition is where all the health benefits arise from!





What are some of the benefits of coconut oil?

It curbs sugar cravings and energy slumps

- Anyone with a sugar addiction can help get rid of your sweet tooth cravings! Because these medium chain fatty acids go straight to your liver to be used as energy, coconut oil is a source of instant energy to your body, much like when you eat simple carbs. ALSO, opposite from your simple carbs that spike your insulin levels up, coconut oil DOES NOT SPIKE insulin levels in your bloodstream. Therefore, this saves you from that energy slump you feel in the afternoon and helps your cravings later towards something as a pick me up for energy. It also helps to stabilize digestive hormones so you are not constantly hungry and it boosts your metabolism!

Can reduce cholesterol
It has a saturated fat called lauric acid which has been shown to increase the good cholesterol, HDL in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels. It can also help restore normal thyroid function. When the thyroid does not function optimally, it can contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol

Helps to maintain weight

It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. According to Dr. Oz, in a 2009 study, women who consumed 30ml of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually lowered amounts of abdominal fat, which is difficult to lose and also contributes to heart disease.
Another study found that 15-30 grams of coconut oil per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totaling about 120 calories per day! Which means it can lead to significant weight loss over the long term!

Kills Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi
This means it helps to fight off infections! It's been shown that these substances kill the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus (very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast Candida Albicans (yeast infections common in humans)

Good for skin and hair
Is has good amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E which is very protective. Studies show that individuals with dry skin, the use of coconut oil can improve the moisture and lipid content of the skin.
  

Here are some other many useful ways in which you can experience the benefits of coconut oil in your every day life!

Comparison of Coconut Oil to other oils!