The requirement for extra-virgin coconut oil has been increased across the world in recent times. Coconut oil has been used as a foolproof moisturizer for their skin and the best oil treatment for long and shiny hair. Even though coconut oil is known as a big beauty aid, lots of people are still not familiar with the fact that it is a superfood as well as that there are many coconut oil home remedies.
Extra-virgin coconut oil in general is consist of healthy fats that are known as medium-chain fatty acids, like capric, caprylic and lauric acids.
Healthy saturated fats are the other fats found in coconut oil. Extra-virgin oil of coconut which has about 90 % of the saturated fatty acids, is probably the best source for healthy saturated fats.
These saturated fats found in coconut oil are very beneficial for the health. The uses and benefits are far beyond hair and skin.
10 Surprising Coconut Oil Home Remedies
1. Promotes the Health of the Oral Cavity
Maintaining good oral and dental hygiene can keep your teeth strong for years and help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis and gum disease.
Oil pulling by using extra-virgin coconut oil is extremely efficient if you want to improve the health of your oral cavity. It attacks the harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, and in turn is preventing the decay of the teeth and is fighting disease of gum.
One study in the Nigerian Medical Journal from 2015 reported that using the oil of coconut for oil pulling can be a very efficient stimulant in the process of decreasing the gingivitis that is induced by plaque and as well as the formation of plaque.
Follow these steps for oil pulling:
- Take orally 1 tbsp. of coconut oil, for 10 minutes.
- Spit the coconut oil out.
- Wash your teeth with water.
- Repeat this procedure, every morning.
Plus, you can massage a few drops of coconut oil on your gums daily.
2. Improves Thyroid Function
Coconut oil is improving the function of the thyroid gland. It is especially good for people who have hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid.
The coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that are stimulating the production of thyroid hormone and are keeping the normal function of the gland.
It is also helpful for increasing the metabolism and promoting the weight loss, which are two problems that people with hypothyroidism face. Coconut oil can also raise your basal body temperature.
Over time, the medium-chain fatty acids help to rebuild the membranes of the cell and to increase the production of enzyme that assist to promote the T4 to T3 hormone conversion.
For problems with the thyroid, take extra-virgin or virgin coconut oil (2-3 tbsp.) daily. It can be used in the cooking; added into a coffee, hot tea, or milk; even drizzled into salads, smoothies, or soups.
3. Aids Weight Loss
Though many people will not believe that any oil can support weight loss, it is true in the case of coconut oil.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil when compared to most of the saturated fats are more soluble in water and shorter. Therefore, the cells directly absorb the fatty acids and they immediately produce the necessary energy, without being accumulated in the body.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Nutrition is highlighting the effect of medium-chain triglycerides that was satiating in comparison to long-chain triglycerides. That means that you will get a feeling that you are full much faster.
Another publication in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition from 2008 claims that the diets for losing weight in which medium-chain triacylglycerols oil consumption is included lead to an increased rate of fat mass and weight loss.
One study from 2009 in Lipids reported the effects that are positive of dietary coconut oil on the anthropometric and biochemical profiles of women that had obesity on the abdomen.
- To support the loss of weight, replace the cooking oil you use regularly with extra-virgin coconut oil. Also, you can take 1-2 tbsp. of extra-virgin coconut oil daily by adding it to your milk, tea, hot chocolate or smoothie.
4. Fights Diseases like Alzheimer’s
Coconut oil can be beneficial for the function of the brain and can be helpful for preventing or delaying the Alzheimer’s disease, which is a common shape of dementia which is causing decline in behavior, memory, and the mental capabilities.
The levels of ketone bodies are increased by medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil. They work as fuel for the brain and in that way the power of the brain and its cognitive performance is improved.
In 2014, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published that the effects of beta-amyloid peptides are attenuated by coconut oil on cortical neurons in vitro. Beta-amyloid peptide is among the contributing components to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, the medium-chain triglycerides are helpful for restoring the nerves’ lining.
To boost cognitive functioning, consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic, cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil on a daily basis.
