By Chisom Ibemere
Coconut oil is edible oil which is gotten from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit. It may be refined or unrefined. The unrefined coconut oil gives a distinct coconut flavour. It is used in cooking and commercially for cosmetics and detergent production. It has a high level of saturated fat which may not be encouraged for excess consumption as food.
Coconut oil is believed to be one of the healthiest foods in the world. It is produced by pressing the dried or fresh coconut meat, known as copra. It is an excellent moisturizer for skin and scalp; it is easily absorbed into the skin.
Coconut oil contains high amount of natural saturated fats which increases the healthy cholesterol (known as HDL cholesterol) in your body, and also convert the LDL “bad” cholesterol into good cholesterols or healthy cholesterol.
Coconut oil is believed to treat urinary tract infection symptoms and kidney infections. It serves as a natural antibiotic by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and inactivating them. It has high antioxidants which are proven to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis symptoms more effectively. It worked as both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Coconut oil has two qualities that help it fight cancer, including the ketones produced in the oil. Tumour cells are not able to access the energy in ketones and are glucose-dependent.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is proven to help reduce candida, fight bacterial infections and create a hostile environment for microorganisms. Many diseases today are caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites in the body. Coconut oil antimicrobial activity helps to activate the anti-inflammatory nature of the immune response in the human body.
Coconut oil is easily digestible and produces a longer sustained energy and increases the metabolic rate. Coconut oil aids digestion of food by absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, calcium and magnesium.
Coconut oil is effective in the treatment of skin disorders and used as a face cleanser and moisturizer. Caprylic and lauric acids, are fatty acids present in coconut oil which reduces inflammation both internally and externally and serves as a moisturizer making them a great fit for all types of skin conditions.
It gives protection to all skin types and contains loads of antioxidants that make it ideal for wound healing. Antioxidants reach foods help to fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment for osteoporosis. Coconut oil increases calcium absorption in the gut.
Coconut oil is great for the treatment of dandruff and improves the texture of the hair. It slows aging and improves the level of antioxidants. It reduces oxidative stress on the organs such as the liver.