If you’ve missed seeing it on your Facebook and Instagram feeds, you should know that coconut oil is definitely a trend right now!
Whether mentioned as an ingredient in recipes, a cooking oil, or even a type of toothpaste, coconut oil is getting a lot of media attention.
Aside from being delicious, edible coconut oil is also incredibly healthy! Below are 5 amazing health benefits of coconut oil.
1. Hair, Skin, and Bone Health
Like many herbal products, coconut oil has major benefits for your hair and skin. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and provides protein and moisture, which prevents damage.
Vitamins in coconut oil work to give hair a natural shine.
This hydrating effect also benefits people with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.
Finally, coconut oil has properties that help your body to better absorb important minerals such as magnesium and calcium. These minerals are important for building strong teeth and bones while preventing osteoporosis.
2. Edible Coconut Oil Contains Healthy Fats
In the past, coconut oil had a bad reputation due to the saturated fats it contains.
However, coconut oil actually contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are metabolized in a different way than unhealthy long-chain fatty acids.
These healthy saturated fats are good for heart health. They work in your body to increase the beneficial HDL cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol.
3. Hormone Balance and Energy
In addition to cardiovascular benefits, the healthy fats in edible coconut oil aid the body in balanced hormone production.
Hormones can affect many aspects of your daily life including energy levels, hair and skin health, and physical and mental responses to stress.
The ketones produced when MCTs in coconut oil are metabolized can even work to balance insulin levels in the body, which can prevent Type 2 diabetes.
4. Better Digestion
Coconut oil benefits your digestive health by acting as a natural antimicrobial agent. As a natural remedy, coconut oil rids your gut of harmful bacteria and parasites, you’ll see your digestion improved.
A digestive tract that is properly moving food and absorbing nutrients for energy is less to become inflamed. Less inflammation means less bloating and cramping!
5. Burn Fat and Boost Your Workouts
A bit of Nuton MCT Oil (a type of coconut oil) in your protein shake or coffee might give you the boost you need. The healthy fats in coconut oil actually provide long-lasting energy, compared to other fats and proteins.
Furthermore, the compound effects of hormone balance, digestive improvement, and energy from healthy fats can kick your exercise into high gear.
As a regular part of your diet, coconut oil will naturally cut down the number of cravings you have for unhealthy junk foods.
Get Cracking!
Now that you know these 5 examples of how edible coconut oil can benefit your health, start researching how you can work it into your diet!
Know of any great recipes using coconut oil? Did we miss a health benefit that you’ve experienced?
Leave a comment below to let us know!
