The Amazing Medicinal Properties Of Coconut Oil

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Is there anything that coconut oil can’t do? This amazing superfood has been proven to effectively treat everything from acne to cancer. How can one item do so much for so many different health conditions? A closer look at its composition will help to explain it all.

Where does coconut oil come from, and what makes it so effective?

While the people who populate the South Pacific use coconut oil in their daily diet, there are many areas where this food is viewed more for its health benefits. Coconut oil comes from coconut-bearing palm trees. Also known as copra oil, it is extracted from mature coconuts from the meat of the dried flesh.

Coconuts never go out of season, making them an ongoing source that is easy to cultivate. Every palm tree can yield anywhere from 100 to 120 coconuts each year. The main reason coconut oil is so effective in resolving health issues is that its main claim to fame is its high level of natural saturated fats.

Much like olive oil, there is a crude oil, a refined oil and an extra virgin unrefined. The virgin and extra virgin types of coconut oil are best to use, and the crude is not a good choice at all. Here are the different things that coconut oil can do for you and several ways to incorporate it for the best results.

 

1. Lowers your cholesterol levels 

Use coconut oil in cooking, and you will find your bad cholesterol dropping and your good cholesterol rising.

 

2. Kills lice

These pesky bugs are easily killed off by the application of coconut oil. Apply the oil to the scalp, and cover with a shower cap. Leave on at least 4 hours or overnight, and the bugs will suffocate and die. This method has been proven to be more effective than the medicated shampoos prescribed by doctors.

 

3. Weight loss

One to three tablespoons each day can help to rev up your metabolism and encourage weight loss.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

4. Heals wounds 

Apply coconut oil directly to the affected area and you will see that the wound responds within days and is healed in half the time.

 

5. Boosts your brain 

Coconut oil contains an impressive amount of medium-chain triglycerides. When it was administered to people who had Alzheimer’s disease, there was a large increase in ketone bodies in just 90 minutes. This helped to show a proven improvement in patients who were suffering from cognitive dysfunction.

 

6. Boosts your brain 

Coconut oil contains an impressive amount of medium-chain triglycerides. When it was administered to people who had Alzheimer’s disease, there was a large increase in ketone bodies in just 90 minutes. This helped to show a proven improvement in patients who were suffering from cognitive dysfunction.

 

7. Hair growth 

When you apply coconut oil to your scalp, you will see renewed hair growth within a month or two.

 

8. Moisturizer 

Apply coconut oil to your face for smoother skin.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

9. Detox your body 

Add a tablespoon to an Epson salt bath, and your body will feel relaxed as the toxins are drawn out.

 

10. Anti-ulcer activity

When patients who suffered from ulcers were given coconut milk (that had coconut oil in it), it was found to work just as effectively in reducing ulcers as the other drugs prescribed by doctors.

 

11. Effective NSAID

Take a tablespoon to reduce inflammation in your body. You can increase this amount without fear of any side effects.

 

12. Anti-ulcer activity

When patients who suffered from ulcers were given coconut milk (that had coconut oil in it), it was found to work just as effectively in reducing ulcers as the other drugs prescribed by doctors.

 

13. Anti-fungal 

Coconut oil was found to be effective in treating Candida albicans, a fungus that is becoming resistant to most prescription medications.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

14. Reduces high blood pressure and heart disease

A couple of tablespoons taken daily will help bring blood pressure levels back into the normal range. In addition, it helps to keep cholesterol under control, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

15. Effective in treating Alzheimer’s naturally

It was found that people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease were able to generate an alternative to insulin in order to help aid in the repair of the brain.

 

16. Resolves UTIs and kidney infections 

Coconut water has been proven to help deal with kidney stones. Coconut oil helps resolve urinary tract infections (UTIs), and it plays a big part in protecting the liver from damage.

 

17. Cuts down on inflammation from arthritis

Studies in India confirmed that coconut oil was effective as an anti-inflammatory and as an analgesic when treating those with arthritis.

 

18. Effective in preventing and treating cancer

It has been shown to decrease the bacteria in the stomach lining, reducing the chances of suffering from stomach cancer.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

19. Increases energy levels and endurance 

When professional athletes found the benefits of consuming coconut oil while training for their events, they relied on a tablespoon around 30 minutes before they performed to give them a solid performance.

 

20. Reduces gallbladder problems and pancreatitis

Taking coconut oil when suffering from pancreatitis helps to ease any strain that is placed on the pancreas. Easily absorbed, coconut oil aids those with digestive problems.

 

21. Gum disease and tooth decay 

Oil pulling, which is a process that cleanses the mouth of the bacteria that can cause periodontal disease, has been recognized and used for centuries. Because of the high level of antibacterial properties in the coconut oil, you can easily keep your mouth and gums healthy with just a few minutes a day. Just practice oil pulling for 20 minutes at a time for three times a week.

 

22. Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes – for people who are pre-diabetic, the pancreas begins to put out more insulin than it can handle. The patient becomes insulin-resistant and the next step is Type 2 diabetes. Coconut oil helps to keep the insulin levels even and reduces any unnecessary strain on the pancreas. This, in turn, helps to keep pre-diabetics from becoming type 2 diabetics.

 

READ ALSO: 10 Amazing Ways To Use Olive Oil In Skin Care Infographic

 

There are many more conditions that coconut oil has been successful in treating. If you have a condition that you think may benefit from a dose of coconut oil, discuss a safe dosage with your doctor.

References:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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