In recent years scientists and doctors have discovered the benefits of certain types of fat for our health and wellbeing. Most people know that having too much fat in our diet is a bad thing, but it’s the types of fat we consume that matter just as much.

Coconut oil has been identified as a major “superfood,” along with avocado, salmon, and almonds, and is a great source of healthy fats.

The truth about Saturated Fat

For years health professionals advised the population to avoid foods rich in saturated fat, because it was believed to raise Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood, also known as the “bad” cholesterol. The reason why LDL is the “bad” cholesterol is that it is made of up of small, slow moving particles which easily clump together and clog arteries.

However, recent scientific studies, notably those conducted by Robert Krauss for The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1998 and 2010, have shown that the relationship between saturated fats and LDL are much more complex than originally thought.

Saturated fats do temporarily raise the level of LDL, but they also change the size of particles in the LDL from small, slow moving particles to larger, faster moving particles which are much less likely to clog the arteries. Saturated fats also raise the level of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL,) which is known as the “good” cholesterol and are actually protective to your cardiovascular health.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

This discovery about the properties of saturated fats has made coconut oil a heart-healthy food, but there are more benefits than just protecting the heart from disease.

The brain can also benefit from coconut oil, especially those afflicted with or at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease or epilepsy. Coconut oil is a rich source of ketone bodies, which have been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy. The brain of an Alzheimer’s patient has a hard time using it’s normal source of energy, glucose, but those same ketone bodies found in coconut oil are believed to be used as an alternate source of energy for the Alzheimer brain. More energy for the brain means a higher functionality, and a reduction in the number or severity of Alzheimer symptoms.

Lauric acid and monolaurin are two enzymes that are highly concentrated in coconut oil, and both have been proven to kill pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These acids are so powerful that they can kill the bacteria that causes staph and yeast infections. Consuming coconut oil can keep your immune system stronger and stop illnesses before they even start.

Coconut Oil for Weight Loss

Coconut oil contains a large amount of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of essential fatty acids. Medium chains are easier for the liver to break down and convert into energy, meaning that the fat from coconut oil will give you more energy for longer periods of time.

It has also been demonstrated through studies from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders that those who eat a high level of MCTs eat fewer calories throughout the day and feel less hungry.

Additionally, most of the weight lost when using coconuts is from the abdominal area. A study conducted with 40 women asked them to add 1 oz of coconut oil to their daily diet, which resulted in significant reduction to both their Body Mass Indexes and their waistline measurements.

Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil