Introduction
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “super food“. It has been consumed worldwide for various health-related reasons and some of its benefits have been scientifically evaluated.
It Works As A Skin Moisturizer
Coconut oil is very much popular because of its skin-benefitting properties. Not only that it is a great facial cleanser but it works as a moisturizer and sunscreen too. Studies show that the fatty acids (Caprylic and Lauric) found in coconut oil reduces inflammation internally and externally, thus making it a great solution for all types of skin conditions. In addition, protects the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal for healing the skin.
It Prevents Combing Damage & Hair Loss
It has always been known that coconut oil has importance in hair care. It can penetrate the hair shafts thus promoting stronger adherence of hairs to the scalp. Previously published results in the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that coconut oil treatments prevented combing damage of various hair types. Coconut oil has the ability to reduce the protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used as a wash grooming product.
Reduces Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
Being heavily promoted as healthy oil, coconut oil has benefits that include support of heart health. Recent studies by Eyres and his colleagues (2016) showed that coconut oil can lower blood cholesterol levels and thus can be used in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases risks.
It Has Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Coconut oil has long been established as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Studies by Peedikayil (2015) showed that coconut oil is an easily usable, safe and inexpensive agent with minimal side effects which can be used in good oral hygiene maintenance. More studies on the antimicrobial property of coconut oil on microorganisms causing oral diseases are also being conducted at present.
It Works As A Treatment For Pimple/Acne
Coconut oil, as mentioned earlier has a strong bacteria-killing property because of its lauric acid content. A study by Nakatsuji and his colleagues (2009) showed this property of coconut oil against the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, the main cause of acne in humans. The obtained data showed the promising effect of the lauric acid found in coconut oils as an alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy of acne.
It Can Contribute To Weight-Loss
Did you know that coconut oil can also aid in weight loss? Coconut oil contains high amounts of healthy fatty acids which can help in weight management. Studies by St-Onge (2008) revealed that consumption of coconut oil as part of a weight-loss diet improves weight loss compared with olive oil.
It Can Reduce Seizures
Who would have thought that the yummy coconut oil could help and supplement the diet for epileptic patients? There is a new study about the effect of fatty acids called medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oils in the development of more effective and safer epilepsy treatments. The study of Pishan Chang (2013) and his colleagues showed that fatty acids are promising agents in seizure control with a reduced potential for side effects.
It Has An Anti-Stress Property
Known for its calming effect, coconut oil has been scientifically proven for its anti-stress property. A recent study showed that the fatty acids found in coconut oil are potential antidepressants. In the study of Swee Keong Yeap, coconut oil treated individuals were found to show higher levels of brain antioxidant. They also observed reduced weights of the adrenal glands, which are the organs responsible for secreting these stress-causing compounds. Hence, such results suggest the potential value of coconut oil as an anti-stress functional oil.
It Can Boost Brain Power
Coconut oil is also linked with the combat against aging and death of nerve cells. A pilot study by Nafar and his colleagues (2014) investigated the effects of coconut oil supplementation directly on nerve cells. The results of their study indicated greater nerve cell survival in individuals with coconut oil-supplemented diet as compared to those who did not. As a result, aging in individuals is somewhat slowed down.
It Prevents Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by weakening of bone tissues and increased risks of fracture. Coconut oil is very rich in antioxidants and numerous studies have investigated its potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of the disease. A study by Zil Hayatullina published in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on bone architecture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The results of their study showed the promising effects of coconut oil as a natural treatment for osteoporosis.
References:
- Cawthon, P.M., and Marshall L, Mackey DC, Fink HA, Cauley JA, Cummings SR, Orwoll ES, Ensrud KE, Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group Fullman RL. “Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation Prevents Bone Loss in Osteoporosis Rat Model.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012.
- Eyres, L., MF. Eyres, A Chisholm, and RC. Brown. “Coconut oil consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in humans.” Nutr Rev, 2016: 267-280.
- Faizal C. Peedikayil, Prathima Sreenivasan,1 and Arun Narayanan2. “Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis — A preliminary report.” Niger Med J, 2015: 143–147.
- Nafar, F. and Mearow, K.M. “Coconut oil attenuates the effects of amyloid-β on cortical neurons in vitro.” J Alzheimers Dis, 2014: 233-237.
- Pishan Chang, a Nicole Terbach,a Nick Plant,b Philip E. Chen,a Matthew C. Walker,c,∗∗ and Robin S.B. Williamsa,∗. “Seizure control by ketogenic diet-associated medium chain fatty acids.” Neuropharmacology, 2013: 105-113.
- Rele, A.S. and Mohile, R.B. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” J Cosmet Sci., 2003: 175-192.
- St-Onge, M.P. and Bosarge, A. “Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil.” Am J Clin Nutr, 2008: 621-628.
- Swee Keong Yeap, 1 BOON KEE BEH,2 NORLAILY MOHD ALI,3 HAMIDAH MOHD YUSOF,3 WAN YONG HO,4 SOO PENG KOH,5 NOORJAHAN BANU ALITHEEN,3 and KAMARIAH LONG. “Antistress and antioxidant effects of virgin coconut oil in vivo.” Exp Ther Med, 2015: 39–42.
- Teruaki Nakatsuji, Mandy C. Kao, Jia-You Fang, Christos C. Zouboulis, Liangfang Zhang, Richard L. Gallo,and Chun-Ming Huang. “Antimicrobial Property of Lauric Acid Against Propionibacterium acnes: Its Therapeutic Potential for Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.” J Invest Dermatol, 2009: 2480–2488.
- Zil Hayatullina, Norliza Muhammad,* Norazlina Mohamed, and Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman. “Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation Prevents Bone Loss in Osteoporosis Rat Model.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012.
