Benefits And Harms Of Coconut Oil

Man from ancient times took advantage of the beneficial properties of coconut oil. The product is derived from the inside of coconuts and is widely marketed as a superfood. The unique combination of fatty acids in it has a positive effect on human health - they help fight excess fat, improve heart health and brain function.

Nutritional composition of coconut oil

One tablespoon of coconut oil contains:

• 121 calories;
• 0 grams of protein;
• 13.5 grams of fat (of which 11.2 grams saturated);
• 0 milligrams of cholesterol.

In 100 grams of the product there are 862 calories, 100 grams of fat (of which 87 grams of saturated, 1.8 grams of polyunsaturated and 6 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids). Vegetable oils, including coconut, are a wonderful source of vitamins and other nutrients. It contains vitamins A, E and C, as well as the minerals calcium and phosphorus. It is also a natural antioxidant. Coconut oil contains almost 100% fat, most of which is saturated. Their structure differs from that of fats from many animal products, which consist mainly of long-chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is high in medium chain fatty acids. The body finds it harder to convert them into stored fat, but it burns them more easily than long-chain triglycerides.

Benefits of coconut oil

There are two varieties of the product - edible coconut oil, which is used in cooking, and one intended for cosmetic purposes. In addition, it is used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent in various diseases. Regular consumption of coconut oil:

• balances blood sugar;
• lowers blood pressure;
• improves digestion;
• normalizes metabolic processes in the body.

Coconut oil contains natural saturated fats that increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body. Consumption of the product has been found to reduce total and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. It also raises the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides. When consumed, they reach directly into the liver. The body uses them as a quick source of energy or converts them into ketones. The latter have powerful benefits for the brain. Scientists are studying them in the treatment of epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions.

The fatty acids contained in coconut oil can reduce appetite and encourage the body to burn fat and calories, providing a quick source of energy for the body and brain. A study found that consuming 15-30 grams of them daily increases 24-hour energy expenditure by 5%. It should be borne in mind that coconut oil is high in calories and can easily lead to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.

Abdominal fat or visceral fat accumulates in the abdominal cavity and around the organs. The fatty acids contained in coconut oil are especially effective in reducing belly fat.

Lauric acid represents about 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. When it is absorbed, a substance called monolaurin is formed in the body. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens - bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Coconut oil is also used in cosmetics to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Studies show that the product can moisturize dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema. Coconut oil can also protect against hair damage. It also acts as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20% of ultraviolet (UV) rays. There is evidence that the use of coconut oil as a mouthwash strengthens gums, strengthens tooth enamel and reduces bad breath.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and usually affects the elderly. This condition reduces the brain's ability to use glucose for energy. It has been suggested that ketones may provide an alternative source of energy for these malfunctioning brain cells and reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

• protects against osteoporosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue;
• recommended for use in the fight against hepatitis, influenza, cytomegalovirus;
• it is useful for people suffering from liver diseases and for prevention against such.

Contraindications to the consumption of coconut oil

If you are consuming coconut oil for the first time, start gradually with one tablespoon and increase to two tablespoons per day. Eating too much of the product can cause nausea. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, upset stomach, chills, hives, rashes or other adverse skin conditions. In practice, coconut oil cannot be dangerous to human health. The only way to harm is in case of allergy, food poisoning or excessive consumption, and this happens only when uncontrolled intake of the product.