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The wonders of coconut oil
By Anne Davis
After decades of “low fat, high carb” dietary guidelines proposed back in the 1970s, the world is waking up to the results of this trend – obesity. A high-carbohydrate diet reduces the fats and proteins bodies need to properly function. Instead this high intake of carbs forces the body to store fat and deprives the body of the energy necessary for everyday life. The result over time is a steady increase in body weight. Coconut oil can be instrumental in reversing that trend as well as helpful in a myriad of other ways.
Coconut oil contains three compounds, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid as well as antimicrobial lipids, which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections and fungi and yeast that contribute to candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot and diaper rash.
Lauric acid can help to prevent or lessen high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also helps the body to fight off infection and viruses as well as parasites, fungi and bad bacteria that can overwhelm the digestive tract. It helps prevent irritable bowel syndrome and allows the body to absorb nutrients and minerals in food more easily.
Coconut oil has been known to heal flaking, cracked skin, slow wrinkles from forming, and help in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and even in speeding the healing of bruises. It makes a fabulous hair conditioner and skin moisturizer, too.
Another amazing effect of coconut oil is the improvement in the secretion of insulin which helps the body to regulate blood sugar and use glucose more efficiently.
The fatty acids in coconut oil are easily digested and used as energy. These fats increase a body’s metabolism by removing stress on the pancreas which, in turn, helps to burn more energy and assists in weight loss.
In order to get the most benefit from using coconut oil, be sure to use a virgin coconut oil as non-virgin coconut oil is subjected to bleaching and deodorizing before it is bottled.
Is coconut oil the fountain of youth? Maybe, maybe not, but you’ll never know how much of a difference it makes until you try it for yourself.
Anne Davis is a writer, blogger, artist and photography buff. Born in Quebec, she now lives in Kimberley, BC where she is editor of and contributor to the City of Kimberley’s Active Community Guide and webmaster for the City’s websites.
