Coconut oil is rich in nutrients. This is the reason why it is used to remove many problems related to the body. Coconut oil is commonly used for hair and body massage, but in South India, this oil is also used for cooking. In view of the nutritional elements present in it, many researches have been done on coconut oil, in which many of its medicinal properties have been revealed.
Let us know about these properties as well as the benefits of coconut oil for health and beauty
Types of Coconut Oil
It is important to know about the types of coconut oil, so that it can be selected and used properly.
Let us know about the types of coconut oil further:
Organic Coconut Oil:
This oil is made directly from the coconut plucked from the tree.
No chemical fertilizers are used in its production. In this, instead of chemical fertilizers, natural fertilizers are used. coconut like this
In this, instead of chemical fertilizers, natural fertilizers are used.
Non organic coconut oil:
There is no shortage of nutrients in this type of coconut oil.
Refined Coconut Oil:
It is made from dried coconut.
It is bleached and goes through such a process, so that bacteria remain negligible in it.
To make it attractive, a little white color can also be used in it.
It retains the natural aroma and taste.
Virgin / Unrefined / Cold Pressed Coconut Oil:
Unrefined coconut oil is generally the most useful, as it is prepared from completely pure and fresh coconut fruit. It shows the natural color of coconut oil without any adulteration. The coconuts that are selected for making unrefined coconut oil are converted into coconut oil within 1-2 days.
It is also called Virgin Coconut Oil.
Benefits of coconut oil.
There are many benefits of coconut oil for health. This oil can work to get rid of problems like weight loss and diabetes. The benefits of coconut oil also include cardiovascular benefits (2). Just note that this is not a cure for serious diseases.
It may simply be a way of staying healthy. Come, let us know in further detail how this oil can be beneficial for the body.
Benefits of eating coconut oil for weight loss
Coconut oil can also be used for weight loss. In fact, coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and caprylic acid. (3). These MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are considered a staple of any weight loss diet (4). On this basis, it is believed that coconut oil can help in weight loss.
However, some research also says that it is not clear whether coconut oil helps in reducing overweight and obesity. For this reason, more research should be done about it (5). Along with coconut oil, it is also necessary to do yoga for weight loss.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Digestive Health
Coconut oil benefits also include improving digestive health. Actually, coconut oil is considered a healthy oil, which can be helpful in improving digestion (6). It has been reported that if coconut oil is used in cooking, it can improve the digestive system. This not only improves the digestive system, but can also be helpful in reducing the problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome (constipation, diarrhea, gas, etc.) ( 7 ).
Benefits of coconut oil in preventing seizures
Coconut oil may also help prevent seizures. Yes, coconut has anticonvulsant properties. It acts as a drug for epilepsy in a way. For this reason, it is believed that coconut oil can provide some benefit in the problem of seizures ( 8 ). In addition, the antioxidant effect and medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil may be helpful in reducing the problem of epilepsy (9).
Benefits of coconut oil in diabetes
Diabetes is also included in the benefits of eating coconut oil. Actually, diet has a huge contribution in controlling diabetes (10). A research states that virgin coconut oil has the ability to control diabetes, but consuming it in excessive amounts can also be harmful (11). Another research states that the bioactive compounds present in virgin coconut oil can reduce the amount of glucose present in the blood. Also, coconut oil can help in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. For this reason, it has been recommended to conduct a clinical trial regarding virgin coconut oil (12).
For heart health
Coconut oil can also help in keeping the heart healthy. Actually, coconut oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart diseases by many folds (13). However, it has also been said to do more research in this subject. Heart patients can include a limited amount of coconut oil in their diet. Consuming it in excess can prove harmful to health.
Benefits of coconut oil in Alzheimer’s
Home remedies for Alzheimer’s can be done with coconut oil. This is because of the saturated fat present in coconut oil. However, there is no scientific confirmation regarding this yet. According to a research, coconut oil can also be helpful in increasing memory (14).
Benefits of eating coconut oil for immunity
Coconut oil can also help strengthen the immune system. A research states that coconut oil contains capric acid, lauric acid and caprylic acid. These acids have antimicrobial activity, which may help the immune system fight disease (14).
Another study states that virgin coconut oil (VCO) can inhibit the growth of S. aureus bacteria. Also helps in increasing the capacity of phagocytic immune cells (cells that protect the body from bacteria and harmful foreign substances). For this reason, immunomodulatory effects are found in coconut oil (15).
Dental Health
Coconut oil can be used for oil pulling, which can prevent plaque build-up. It may also be effective in reducing gingivitis caused by plaque. Indeed, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. For this reason, coconut oil can be considered good for dental health (16).
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Bone Health
Coconut oil can help keep bones healthy and strong. The polyphenols compounds present in virgin coconut oil act as antioxidants. In a study conducted on rats, it was observed that the use of coconut oil increased the amount of antioxidant enzymes in rats suffering from osteoporosis.
It helped prevent lipid peroxidation, which causes cell damage. For this reason, coconut oil may increase bone volume and improve bone health. Research states that it can also help in the prevention of fractures. On this basis, it has been said that antioxidant rich diet such as coconut oil can be consumed for bones (17).
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Arthritis
Coconut oil should be included in a healthy diet. It can also be used for arthritis patients, as coconut oil has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Experiments done on rats have also confirmed that coconut oil can be effective in preventing arthritis (18).
Kidney Health
Coconut oil is also considered beneficial for the kidneys. According to a scientific study, coconut oil can not only control high blood pressure but can also help in curing kidney problems. Research suggests that the antioxidant activity of coconut oil may be helpful in preventing renal injury (kidney failure and damage) (19).
Benefits of eating coconut oil to control appetite
There is a desire to keep eating something or the other even after the stomach is full, due to which the weight is increasing continuously? None, coconut oil can help in this too. Yes, appetite can be controlled by consuming coconut oil. According to a scientific study, if coconut oil is used daily in breakfast smoothie, then some degree of control over appetite can be found.
Fungal Infection
Coconut oil can help in preventing fungal infections. According to one study, coconut oil can be used to prevent Candida (a type of fungus) infection. In fact, coconut oil has antifungal properties, which can protect the skin from fungal infections (22).
Viral Infection
Coconut oil can be used to avoid viral infections. This is because the lauric acid and monoglyceride monolaurin present in virgin coconut oil exhibit antiviral properties (15). In addition, coconut oil also has antimicrobial effects that prevent infection. According to another research, the use of coconut oil can prevent inflammation and fever in the stomach caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria ( 23 ).
Benefits of coconut oil for quick energy
Coconut oil can be used as a quick energy source. In fact, coconut oil contains 892kcl of energy per 100 grams (24). A research says that coconut oil can produce energy. For this reason, it is also used in infant formula. Actually, the fat present in it is digested well and gives energy to the body from time to time.
Lip Balm
There are benefits not only of eating but also of applying coconut oil. Coconut oil is also used to apply on the lips. Actually, the fat present in coconut oil can help in moisturizing the skin of the lips (26). Coconut oil is often used in natural lip balms (27). This oil does not even smell much. For this reason, it can also be used as a lip balm.
Effect of sunscreen
Still wondering what happens when you apply coconut oil? Explain that coconut oil can help in protecting the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Coconut oil can block up to 20 percent of the sun’s harmful rays (28). One study states that coconut oil has the best sun protection factor, due to which it is also used in many sunscreens (29). For this reason, it is counted among the benefits of applying coconut oil on the skin.
Benefits of coconut oil for hair
The benefits of coconut oil are also for hair. Coconut oil can act as a hair mask to protect the hair. Yes, the benefits of applying coconut oil to hair include reducing the damage and protein loss of normal hair. For this reason, it can be used both before and after bath. Along with this, it can go inside the hair shaft and nourish it (30). For this reason it is said that the benefits of coconut oil for hair are many. There are also benefits of massaging the hair with coconut oil. Therefore, it can be well massaged into the hair after being lukewarm.
Frequently asked questions about coconut oil
Should You Rinse With Coconut Oil?
We have already told above that oil pulling can be done with coconut oil. It is just a kind of rinse. Just note that this oil should not reach inside the stomach under any circumstances. It should be rinsed and thrown away.
Can we drink raw coconut oil?
Making coconut oil a part of a healthy diet can be beneficial. But it is not advised to drink it.
What happens if you use too much coconut oil?
Too much of anything is never good, even if it is nutritious coconut oil. If coconut oil is used excessively, instead of its benefits, coconut oil can cause harm to the body. We have explained in detail above about the disadvantages of coconut oil.
How Much Coconut Oil Should You Take Per Day?
The amount of coconut oil to be taken can also vary depending on the age and health of each person. Hence, medical consultation may be taken for the correct dosage information. According to a research, only 30 ml i.e. two teaspoons of coconut oil can be used in a day (35).
What will happen if I drink coconut oil everyday?
It is not recommended to drink coconut oil.
Can I drink coconut oil before sleeping?
As we have told above that it should not be drunk.
What is the best time to drink virgin coconut oil?
No, drinking coconut oil is not recommended and neither is there any research available on the benefits of drinking coconut oil. So, don’t think about drinking it. However, limited amounts of virgin coconut oil can be included in a healthy diet.
What happens when coconut oil is rubbed on the stomach?
It is believed that rubbing coconut oil on the stomach can reduce fat, but there is no such research available. For this reason it can be said that it is nothing more than a myth. If the skin of your stomach is dry, then by applying it it can definitely get moisture.
Can coconut oil reduce belly fat?
Yes, coconut oil can reduce belly fat. As we have mentioned above that it can reduce weight and control appetite. Using coconut oil can reduce overall body weight. Also, it can reduce the fat around the stomach and waist ( 32 ) ( 36 ). To know about them in detail, you can read above by scrolling.
What are the benefits of applying coconut oil?
The benefits of applying coconut oil include making hair healthier. Apart from this, softening dry skin, reducing back pain in pregnancy are also included in the benefits of applying coconut oil.
What are the benefits of applying coconut oil to hair?
We have explained in detail above about the benefits of applying coconut oil to hair. It can repair damaged hair and make them soft as well as make them beautiful.