9 study-based health and beauty benefits of coconut oil

Click next to find out 9 study-based health and beauty benefits of coconut oil

If you're health-conscious, then you've probably kept coconut oil at arm's length because of the health stigma surrounding it. For years, the supposed association between coconut oil and heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels, and weight-gain has driven many to exclude it from their diets. But have we overlooked what could possibly be a natural remedy for many of our everyday health and beauty conundrums? Is the oil from this tropical nut, used in Asia for hundreds of years, really bad for you? Evidence-based research has busted some of these myths and brought to light the natural health and beauty advantages of coconut oil. Easily available in Singapore, we're happy to share some of the good news about this local favorite. In saying that, just like with every good thing, good is good only when taken in moderation.

1. Heightens fat-soluble nutrient absorption

Healthy fat-soluble nutrients such as lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E, have to be eaten with certain fats to be beneficial to health.

Coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids and various enzymes enable your body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients and antioxidants when consumed together.

2. Stimulates fat-burning

The good fats in coconut oil help burn belly fat as they jump-start your metabolism. Studies have shown consumption as little as 30ml a day for 1-3 months helps shed the fat layers away.

Costly pharmaceutical diet pills versus off-the-supermarket-shelf natural coconut oil? It's a no-brainer.

3. Boosts brain function

The medium chain fatty acids in a single serving of coconut oil have been proven to instantly improve cognitive function.

Not only that but recent studies have made stronger connections between the medium chain fats of coconut oil and the prevention - and even possible reversal - of Alzheimer's disease.

4. Reduces oxidative stress level

Regular consumption of coconut oil has been scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress in organs such as testes, and bones.

A drop in oxidative stress in the testes results in a significant incline in testosterone level. A natural substitute to viagra, anyone?

5. Promotes bone health

Regular coconut oil intake improves calcium, magnesium and some amino acids absorption, which in return promotes bone growth, and could benefit women affected by osteoporosis.

The goodness does not stop there as it also contains lauric acid, found in breast milk, which is super good for your body.

6. Accelerates healing

The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil have been proven effective in the treatment of skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Coconut oil is also regularly used as a protective barrier in the wound healing process.

7. Improves blood lipids

The all-time notorious myth that coconut oil contains bad fats is busted. Coconut oil is made up of a high percentage of natural saturated fat to a small ratio of monounsaturated to an even smaller count of polyunsaturated.

It does not contain any traces of cholesterol. Studies show the good fats in coconut oil are closely associated with the good cholesterol, HDL.

8. Clears head lice

Coconut oil combined with either anise or tea tree oil has been tried and tested in the treatment of head lice. A natural remedy to this yucky, itchy problem as opposed to the numerous off-the-counter chemical sprays out there.

9. Anti-fungal properties

The lauric acid present in coconut oil gives it its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Lauric acid gets converted into monolaurin by the body, which boosts the body's immune system, keeping viruses, fungi and bacteria at bay.

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