7 Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Catherine Marqueses
2 min readFeb 21, 2017

--

You have read about it all over the Internet. You can see it on the shelves of local grocery stores. Yes, it’s coconut oil. These days, this tropical staple is making a name for itself, not just as an ingredient, but for the benefits it offers.

To get you acquainted about this superfood, here are 7 health benefits of coconut oil you should know.

1. It promotes weight loss.

Can a fat help you lose weight? Though it sounds absurd, it is actually possible. The fats found in coconut oil are medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids, so the liver quickly absorbs them and then are converted by the body into energy. And because coconut oil slows down the digestion process, we feel full for a longer span of time.

2. It is antiviral.

This oil contains a significant amount of Capric acid that, when ingested, helps ward off viruses like herpes and HIV. As of now, researchers are also conducting studies whether or not this oil can aid in healing major diseases, such as hepatitis C and measles.

3. It is anti-fungal.

Of course, you can fight yeast with an oil! Because of the Lauric acid found in coconut oil, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and Candida fungus are killed.

4. It prevents tooth decay.

The mouth is home to the bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which are guilty for causing tooth decays. Thankfully, researchers found that an ample amount of this oil can effectively destroy these microorganisms.

5. It is antimicrobial.

With the MCTs found in coconut oil, harmful bacteria don’t stand a chance.

6. It slows down the appearance of fine lines.

Coconut oil does not only enhance the flavor of foods, it also prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But make sure you use virgin coconut oil for better results. Also, apply it daily on your face for a healthy glow.

7. It improves brain function.

The MCTs found in coconut oil serves as a great source of fuel for the brain. That is the reason studies are conducted to prove its effectiveness in curing Alzheimer’s disease.

Do these health benefits convince you how awesome coconut oil is? Let us know your thoughts. Drop by your comments below.

--

--

Catherine Marqueses

Loves to travel and shares expertise about nutritious and organic foods like coconut oil on her blog Free Coconut Recipes.