Once banished as a cholesterol-inducing fat, coconut oil is now gaining support amongst health gurus who have now crowned it as the world’s healthiest oil.

For centuries, the benefits of this hard shelled fruit have been known by islanders and people living in tropics. They have long touted that it is rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants which makes it a powerhouse of nutrition. A list of the unique replenishing and healing elements of coconut oil is surmised below.

Debunking the cholesterol myth

Although coconut oil consists of approximately 90% saturated fat, the fatty acids are categorized as medium chain fatty acids which is easier to digest than the fatty acids in butter, eggs, meat and other oils. The saturated fat in coconut oil is called lauric acid. People who add a teaspoon of coconut oil in their morning coffee find that it increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood and improves cholesterol ratio levels. It also lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies need.

The great healer

Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida.

The blood-sugar regulator

People who take coconut oil also tend to have improvements in how they handle blood sugar since coconut can help improve insulin use within the body. Coconut oil can boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. It increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Antioxidant booster

Oxidation is considered a major contributor to cardiovascular problems and skin aging. The oils found in coconut have a positive antioxidant action in the body. They help our body stop the damage to other healthy fats and tissues in our body and help our bodies reduce the need for antioxidant intake. Coconut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for skin and hair. It has copious amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is very protective. If you use coconut oil on the skin regularly, it is recommended that you find an organic brand to reduce the absorption of toxins and pesticides through your skin.

Increases metabolism

Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. A 2009 study found that women who consumed 30 milliliters (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks not only did not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose, and contributes to more heart problems.

So there you have it the benefits of coconut oil are invaluable. It is packed with serious replenishing agents that should make you run to your nearest grocery store to stock up. You can eat the fleshy white layers or cook with the oil to add some oomph to your meals. You will also be adding some nutrition to your meals.

Nutritional elements of coconut derived from www.doctoroz.com