Coconut Oil - Benefits

Coconut oil is one of the more popular oils in recent times. Mainly because of its wide range of uses and health-promoting properties.

Its advantages also include a high content of medium-chain fatty acids, more widely known as MCTs.

Coconut Oil and MCT

Coconut oil is very often used by people who have decided to adopt a high-fat diet – so-called ketogenic diet. By the way, such a diet, coconut oil and MCTs may prove very beneficial in cases of insulin resistance or reducing body fat.

The fact is that a significant part of coconut oil's composition consists of medium-chain fatty acids, classified as MCTs. It is also worth knowing that it is from coconut (and/or palm kernels) that the acids used to produce MCT oil are often obtained, as an extremely useful supplement in terms of both health and sports benefits.

All the same, if we care about rapid conversion into energy, then a better choice will be MCT oil, because it mainly contains C8 (caprylic) and C10 (capric) acids. It is the chain length that determines the rate at which it is converted into energy in this case. For this reason, it will also be a better choice than coconut oil if we are preparing the popular bulletproof coffee.

Caprylic acid has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, especially when it comes to combating candida yeasts. Some sources mention support in alleviating intestinal inflammation. In addition, it is a very fast source of energy.

Capric acid, on the other hand, is characterized by antibacterial and antiviral properties. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on cholesterol, and despite being metabolized more slowly than the aforementioned caprylic acid, it is better absorbed by the body.

Don't get me wrong, as a dietary addition, coconut oil is one of the best options of this kind. It is simply a matter of the fact that it can be used differently so that it serves specific purposes better – e.g. for strictly health-related uses.

Coconut oil and health benefits

Coconut oil is a very good product, successfully used in cosmetology. It works very well for hair and skin condition both as a preventive measure against conditions and as a soothing aid when problems are already present. In addition to its moisturizing effect, it reduces skin inflammation. As for hair, it works as a natural conditioner – it nourishes it. It's not all about the figure.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid (C12), which may not be converted into energy to the same extent as the others, but serves a health-promoting role. Many sources recognize its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties – mainly due to its conversion to monolaurin. Some also mention a beneficial effect in stomach ulcers. Interestingly, lauric acid, which coconut oil is rich in, helps eliminate pathogenic organisms while having no negative effect on the bacterial flora so important in the context of the body's immunity.

It is worth mentioning that the proper use of an appropriate oil may positively affect digestive processes, intestinal peristalsis and the intestinal epithelial tissue. In addition, it may be a good remedy for constipation.

According to studies, including those by the Athlone Institute of Technology, coconut oil, thanks to its antibacterial properties (lauric acid), is able to limit the growth of and support the elimination of bacteria that promote the development of cavities. Similarly in the case of infections involving the oral cavity.

The beneficial properties of the product also include supporting hormonal balance. Saturated fats help produce some hormones. For example, the aforementioned capric acid has a beneficial effect on the thyroid in this context. In addition, there are reports of a similar effect of lauric and myristic acids to that of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in testosterone metabolism.

Coconut oil containing monolaurin also shows antiparasitic effects – it helps eliminate, among others, the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia. Monolaurin has also been used in cases of weakened immunity with chronic fatigue and has increased T-lymphocyte activity.

It is also worth mentioning the role of saturated fatty acids in improving the functioning of the nervous system. Nerve impulses are electrical signals passing along nerve fibers covered by a sheath. That sheath is largely made up of saturated fatty acids.

Refined coconut oil or cold-pressed?

Refined coconut oil is much cheaper than its unrefined counterpart. As logic suggests, the more expensive option will be characterized by greater health-promoting qualities, which is what we care about most. Refined oil is bleached and has a barely noticeable coconut aroma, unlike cold-pressed oil, which has a stronger smell and a slightly darker colour (it is not bleached).

Let us know in the comments whether you use coconut oil in any way!