Coconut oil is very popular due to its health benefits for health, skin, hair and what not. Coconut oil comes from the fruit (nut) of coconut. It’s often termed as virgin coconut oil too, ‘virgin’ refers to unprocessed, pure and natural oil of coconut which is healthier.
How does coconut oil works on our body?
Coconut oil has been widely used for skin care, hair care, etc. it has moisturizing effect on our skin and hair. It helps the skin against getting skin allergy like eczema.
Coconut oil benefits:
1. Increases metabolism:
Coconut oils have MCTs which are medium chain triglycerides. MCTs are easily absorbed by the body and help you burn calories faster. MCT’s helps you control your metabolic rate. It is a good option for people who are trying to lose fat, just substitute your oil with coconut oil in food.
2. Dental health:
Coconut oil is a powerful weapon against bacteria of mouth which causes plaque and decay of tooth. Swishing daily with coconut oil will reduce the chances of tooth decaying and will keep your tooth and gums healthy and intact.
3. Improves brain function:
MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by liver to form ketones, which are the alternate source of energy for brain. MCTs have very good benefits to treat people with epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
4. Moisturize your skin:
Coconut oil is a very good moisturizer for your arms, legs, face, elbows, etc. It also helps cure foot cracked heels and makes your foot smooth. It reduces irritation from skin allergies like eczema and prevents risk of major skin disease.
5. Fights infection:
Virgin coconut oil has many anti-bacterial properties. It makes your immune system strong to fight against the infections. It is also loaded with anti-oxidants which will enhance your immune system.
6. Increases your good cholesterol:
It has tendency to increase your good cholesterol that is HDL. It helps for the people trying to lose weight and may reduce belly fat.
7. Protects hair:
Coconut oil protects your hair from damage. Use of coconut oil helps prevents protein loss from hair. It makes the hair healthy and smooth.
8. Helps heal wound:
Coconut oil helps reduce inflammatory markers in the body. It increases production of collagen a major skin component. It is rich in vitamin E and thus it helps in faster recovery and wound healing.
9. Bone health:
Coconut oil helps restore bone’s health by neutralising free radical damage which damages the bones. It increases the volume of the bones and maintains the structure.
10. Improves liver health:
Coconut oil can work wonders for your liver by reducing production of inflammatory markers and also protects you against damage caused by alcohol and other toxins.
Ideas of cooking and baking with coconut oil :
One can definitely use coconut oil in cooking and baking. Prefer virgin or refined, more natural forms of coconut oil. Below are some uses of coconut oil in cooking.
-Cooking at high temperature:
Coconut oil has a very high smoking point, which means it can be used for frying items and other process which needs high amount of heat.
-Frozen coconut oil:
You can use frozen coconut oil on your bread toast.
-Smoothies:
Adding 1 tbsp in your smoothies will help you to boost energy and makes you
feel energetic throughout the day.
-Popcorns:
Add some pop corn kernels along with coconut oil to give it a delicious flavor.
-Replace vegetable oil- Replacing your vegetable oil with coconut oil will not only make the dish delicious, but also will enhance health benefits of the same.
-In coffee:
Coconut oil is often used in coffee by some people. It is the morning boost of energy which people need pre-workout which makes them work out better.