Lately, the demand increased for extra-virgin coconut oil. Mostly it is used for shiny and long hair and also as a moisturizer for the skin.
Coconut oil is natural to help with beauty when it comes to hair and skin. What is not known is that coconut oil can do much more. Coconut oil is great for other issues considering health, except those mentioned above and it is also a superfood.
This particular oil has medium-chain fatty acids i.e. healthy fats like capric, caprylic, and lauric acids.
Did you know that there is saturated fat in coconut oil? In fact, this oil is one of the best sources when it comes to saturated fat which is healthy. In coconut oil, around 90 percent of the fatty acids are saturated.
The saturated fat in the coconut oil that naturally occurs is very beneficial for health. And it is more than just for your hair and skin.
Coconut Oil Homemade Remedies
1. Cure for Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids also known as piles, are a condition that is uncomfortable and painful. What characterizes this condition is the abnormal downward displacement and enlargement of the rectum, to be more specifically the lower part of the rectum.
Coconut oil may be very useful for this condition. Because the nature of the oil is anti-inflammatory, it helps with the veins that are inflamed and contribute to fast healing. A major cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. Coconut oil helps with this also, because it is a natural laxative.
2. Supports Oral Health
If you have good dental and oral hygiene that may prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath.
To improve your oral health, you may try oil pulling using coconut oil. This coconut oil attacks the bacteria in the mouth and fights gum disease and tooth decay.
In 2015, The Nigerian Medical Journal published a study that says that this way of oil pulling using coconut oil is effective. Effective therapy for plaque-induced gingivitis and decreasing plaque formation.
Steps For Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil:
- One tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil swish in your mouth for around fifteen minutes.
- Do not swallow or gargle, just spit it out.
- Brush your teeth as you always do.
- Repeat this daily, in the morning before you start with your breakfast.
- Also, you may take a few drops of the oil and use it to massage your gums. You can do this on a daily basis.
3. Treats Eczema
You can treat eczema successfully with coconut oil. Eczema is a chronic skin condition. This condition is also known as atopic dermatitis. What characterizes this skin condition is the fact that parts of the skin become rough, itchy, red, inflamed, and cracked.
There are cases where blisters also appear.
Coconut oil has antioxidant properties, and it is also a natural antibacterial agent. It can prevent scarring and can help to heal the skin that is damaged and also contributes to restoring the health of your skin.
In 2008, a study published about eczema also known as Dermatitis says that there are emollient and antibacterial effects of the oil that help treat atopic dermatitis in adults.
Ways to Treat Eczema with Coconut Oil
To alleviate the symptoms take orally one to two tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil. Bear in mind to do this only once a day.
You can use it topically. Use extra-virgin coconut oil. Put the appropriate amount in your palm and apply it. Gently rub it for a few minutes.
You can do this three or even four times per day, but bear in mind to do it, especially before going to bed.
If you have eczema on your scalp, this might help. Take warm coconut oil and apply it to your scalp and rub for around five minutes. Leave it overnight or for at least a few hours. Bear in mind to use mild shampoo. You can repeat this 2 to 3 times a week.
4. Improves Thyroid Function
Coconut oil can actually improve the function of the thyroid gland. It is good for people that have an underactive thyroid, i.e. hypothyroidism.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that actually stimulate the production of hormones, and in that way keep the proper function of the thyroid gland. People that suffer from underactive thyroid have problems like weight gain and problems with metabolism.
Coconut oil promotes weight loss and increases metabolism. It might also raise the basal body temperature. The acids in the coconut oil above mentioned increase enzyme production and help in rebuilding the cell membranes.
That on the other hand helps with the conversion of the hormones from T4 to T3.
Take two or three tablespoons of extra virgin or virgin coconut oil per day. Also, you might add it to your cooking, in your milk, coffee, or hot tea. You can also pour some into your soups, smoothies, or salads.
5. Combats Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that leads to a decline in mental capabilities, behavior, or memory. Besides all other benefits, coconut oil is good for your brain and may help to prevent or may help delay this disease.
Coconut oil contains Mayo Clinic that help increase the blood levels of ketone bodies. That actually works as fuel for the brain. Also, it helps to improve brain power and cognitive performance.
In 2014, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published a study that says that coconut oil reduces the effects of beta-amyloid peptides on the cortical neurons in vitro.
Known as contributing component to neurodegenerative diseases, along with Alzheimer’s disease is the Beta-amyloid peptide.
The medium-chain triglycerides restore the lining of the nerves. Take one to two tablespoons of cold-pressed, organic, virgin coconut oil daily to boost cognitive functioning.
6. Aids Weight Loss
Believe it or not, Mayo Clinic. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are water-soluble and shorter than other saturated fats. In fact, this means that these acids directly absorb into the cells and produce energy, instead to store in the body.
In 2002, the Journal of Nutrition published a study that focuses on the satiating effect of the triglycerides mentioned above compared to triglycerides that are long-chain. Simply said, you will feel full.
In 2008, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that says diets to lose weight that has medium-chain triacylglycerols included cause a bigger rate of fat and weight loss.
On the other hand, in 2009, a study on Lipids points out the benefits of coconut oil on the anthropometric and biochemical profiles of women who present abdominal obesity.
Use extra-virgin coconut oil instead of regular cooking oil. Consume one or two tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil. Just add coconut oil to your smoothie, tea, milk, or hot chocolate.
7. Improves Cholesterol Levels
Saturated fats can also help to keep your cholesterol under control. It contributes to converting the so-called bad ” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol into good cholesterol, and it increases the so-called good cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
In 2004, Clinical Biochemistry published a study that points out the effects that are beneficial of this oil to lower lipid levels in tissues and serum.
And also the oxidation of LDL by the oxidants that are physiological. This is due to the active polyphenol components in this particular oil.
In 2008, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism published a study that discovered that virgin coconut oil maintains the levels of the Mayo Clinic and also reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
This oil reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and by improving HDL cholesterol. When your thyroid does not function properly that leads to high levels of cholesterol which is bad. This oil can help the thyroid to function properly.
8. Kills Harmful Microorganisms
Coconut oil can help you if you have yeast or a viral or bacterial infection. The antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent is lauric acid.
When this acid is digested, a substance is formed that is called monolaurin, which may destroy bacteria that is harmful, fungi, and virus.
- You can use coconut oil topically if you suffer from fungi such as athlete`s foot or candida.
- You can use coconut oil internally if you want to fight harmful bacteria and viruses.
9. Reduces Seizures
Coconut oil can also help with the reduction of seizures. Those that have Mayo Clinic. We recommend the ketogenic diet in order to reduce seizures.
This diet contains very high fat and very low carbohydrate. The diet alerts the way our energy burns in our bodies.
This is due to the fact that fat is used as the primary fuel and not carbohydrates. This leads ketones to increase in the blood, which actually acts as therapeutic for the brain cells.
10. Boosts Stamina and Energy
Start using coconut oil, if you need to increase your energy or stamina.
The medium-chain triglycerides metabolize in a different way. These fats go to the liver and act as a source of energy.
This oil can also help to increase your metabolism and to produce sustained energy. This is good for people who experience hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue.
Consume 1 or even 2 tablespoons on a daily basis to boost your energy. You can simply add it to your coffee or smoothie.
Guidelines for Internal Intake of Coconut Oil:
For best results use virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil.
- Toddlers – 1½ teaspoon on a daily basis.
- Children – 1 tablespoon on a daily basis.
- Adults – 3 tablespoons on a daily basis.
- Elderly and teenagers – 2 tablespoons on a daily basis.
Source Mayo Clinic
