Coconut oil and common health problems

It turns out that coconut is not only delicious, but has incredible health benefits. Coconut oil is used in Caribbean, Pacific and Asian populations for cooking and in medicinal applications for virtually all illnesses. After islanders had been cooking with coconut oil for centuries, the medical community deemed coconut oil to be too high in fat and harmful to healthy. It’s now known that coconut oil is high in nutrition and fiber and actually contains important fatty acids for our health. This oil previously thought to be unhealthy and thus only used as an occasional treat is now called the healthiest oil on earth.

Coconut oil contains the medium chain fatty acids: caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid. These healthy fats have so many functions in the body. For example, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin is anti-bacterial and anti-viral and can be used in the treatment of many bacterial and viral infections such as influenza, herpes and even HIV!

At this point you may be confused and wondering why you haven’t heard this information before.  I know you’ve heard all about extra virgin olive oil being very healthy though and you may have even heard that organic butter is great too.  Well add coconut oil to the list with those two, because it is just as good for you. It may not be commonly talked about but it should be.

Healthy fatty acids are an important component of our diets and actually help keep cholesterol levels low as well as aid in the prevention of heart disease. The reason that healthy fatty acids are so vital is due to their ability to improve the efficiency of cellular activity, benefitting both the body and mind.

Coconut oil is also beneficial in the treatment of kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and to increase bone strength. It even has positive benefits in cancer patients. Coconut oil is also gaining popularity with dieters and athletes. Both groups can enjoy the lower calorie oil and the medium chain fatty acids which are more easily digested and aid in optimal enzyme and thyroid functioning. Coconut oil has also been shown to aid in the function of the pancreas and helps with other digestive problems.

This oil can be a helpful ingredient in a healthy diet due to its ability to help the body absorb more of the nutrients like amino acids and vitamins needed for optimum health. It also helps the body absorb more minerals, which we all know are essential for bone health, bone strength and dental health.

Diabetes can be a life changing disease but coconut oil may help to improve life for diabetics. It helps in controlling blood sugar and helps the body improve its ability to secrete insulin. Also, it aids in dissolving kidney stones.

With all the talk about olive oil, coconut oil doesn’t seem to get the press it deserves. But now you know the real truth about coconut oil. In addition to all the internal physical benefits there are many external uses as well.