By Dr. Joseph Mercola | mercola.com
Aside from being used in cooking, coconut oil can be a carrier oil for aromatherapy and moisturizer for your skin and hair. It’s loaded with high-quality healthy fats such as saturated acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols that are all important for optimal health. Findings from different studies have shown that coconut oil promotes multiple health benefits, as it can help:
- Reduce abdominal obesity and promote weight loss — One study found coconut oil may help eliminate abdominal fat, and potentially play a role in weight loss.
- Boost heart health — Multiple studies have confirmed that coconut oil may help optimize and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and support cardiovascular health.
- Reduce stress levels — Using coconut oil for a massage may help relieve stress and mental fatigue.
- Raise your energy levels and improve athletic performance — The good fats in coconut oil can be converted into energy, which can help raise your athletic performance and endurance.
- Enhance brain health and memory — Coconut oil contains ketones that help “feed” your brain.
- Inhibit yeast infections — The healthy fats in coconut oil may help eliminate the fungi Candida albicans.
- Eliminate multiple viruses, bacteria, fungi and other yeasts responsible for multiple diseases — Coconut oil possesses antimicrobial abilities that can help fight these disease-causing organisms.
- Address dental issues like plaque and gingivitis — Try oil pulling with coconut oil to combat plaque and plaque-caused gingivitis, and improve your dental health.
- Alleviate skin problems — If you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, wounds, xerosis (dry skin) and burns, coconut oil may help provide relief because of its antibacterial, antiaging, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil also heals cracked and peeling skin.
- Promote hair growth and shine when used as a treatment — Coconut oil’s thick and butter-like texture aids with hair growth and makes it shinier. It can protect against hair damage as well.
One tip: If you want to buy coconut oil, purchase organic unrefined virgin coconut oil from a reputable health store or website. Make sure you seal the container properly, so it will not attract insects or rodents!
