The Amazing Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

[heyokah]

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If you’ve been around the real food community much, you’ve heard many references to the benefits of coconut, especially Virgin Coconut Oil.
Ostracized by the medical community for it’s saturated fat content, it seems that coconut oil might finally be making a comeback in the mainstream health community.

Coconut oil is the most nutrient dense part of the coconut. It is solid at room temperature like butter. It doesn’t break down in heat or light and become rancid like many oils, and in my opinion has a wonderful tropical smell.

It is a wonderful way to increase the amount of healthy fats in your diet, and is helpful in assimilation of fat soluble vitamins.

For years, “health” advice has warned against consuming saturated fats, and coconut oil has gotten thrown out with the rest without good reason!



The health benefits of coconut oil


* Natural remedy for pneumonia.
In a study presented before The American College of Chest Physicians on October 29, 2008, coconut oil was found to offer pneumonia patients faster and more complete relief from symptoms.
This could be a welcome development for many as this means a reduced stay in the hospital, lower medical expenses and lower exposure for the patient to a hospital environment.
Moreover, it is an inexpensive addition to traditional antibiotics and has no known side effects.

* Lowers risk of diabetes, heart disease and improves cholesterol levels.
In a study made on women subjects ranging from 20 to 40 years old, half of the subjects were instructed to take a 30 ml soybean oil supplement while the other half were instructed to take a 30ml coconut oil supplement while maintaining moderate exercise routine over a 12-week period.
Results of the study showed that although both group of women had a decrease in body mass index (BMI), only the women who were taking coconut oil showed a notable decease in waist circumference significantly lowering the risk of conditions like type II diabetes and heart disease.

Furthermore, the study also showed that the subjects who experienced an improvement in their cholesterol profile along with higher HDL levels and higher HDL: LDL ratio were the ones taking coconut oil.
Those taking soybean oil did not receive the same benefits but reflected a higher total cholesterol as well as higher LDL cholesterol lower, lower HDL cholesterol and a lower HDL: LDL ratio.

* Assists in bone health and chronic fatigue.
Research has found coconut oil to help prevent osteoporosis because it helps in the nutrient absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium - important minerals that fight osteoporosis.

Moreover, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil produce energy rather than body fat, thereby improving metabolism and preventing fatigue. The oil has also been shown to destroy organisms in the body that sap its strength and contribute to the condition of fatigue.

* Hair care.
The unique fatty acids in coconut oil have a small molecular structure and pass freely into the hair's cell membrane, allowing for the oil to penetrate the hair's shaft; this literally brings out the deep conditioning from within compared to other conditioners that work from the outside in.

Massaging the oil into the scalp can offer relief from dandruff. Dandruff is caused by dry skin or an internal fungal condition that reached the scalp.
With regular use, coconut oil can kill the fungus and eliminate dandruff issues. For deep hair conditioning, a teaspoon or two on damp hair left for as long as possible can give an ultra-nice shine. Leave it on overnight and see startling results.

* Skin care.
Coconut oil is an excellent skin conditioner containing medium-chain triglycerides, naturally occurring fats which deeply penetrate, moisturize and acts as a protective barrier against environmental and free radical damage.
The oil also provides sun protection by screening 20 percent of ultraviolet exposure.

The oil is rich in anti-oxidants and bursting with the natural microbial and antibacterial agents caphrylic and capric acids.
Its ability to smooth the skin while infusing with anti-oxidants makes it a perfect anti-aging moisturizer.
Moreover, it contains vitamin E, another antioxidant popular for hastening the recovery of skin abrasions, burns and other trauma.

* Weight loss.
Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can speed up metabolism faster than long-chain fatty acids because they are easily digested and converted into energy.
In fact, a study reported medium-chain fatty acids to be three times more effective in raising metabolism than long-chain fatty acids, leading researchers to conclude that effective weight loss can be achieved by replacing long-chain fatty acids with medium- chain fatty acids.

* Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Mary Newport, after failing to get treatment for her husband's dementia, discovered that coconut oil contained natural medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). The same substance was used in a drug trial her husband failed to qualify for. So, she gave her husband 1 tbsp. of coconut oil twice a day for a month and a half and saw him almost completely recovered.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVD7ZuCe3vY
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html#ixzz2S9F x37vY


101 Uses for Coconut Oil

http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

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[conk]

Also, coconut flower sugar is excellent and a great alternative to any other sugar. Very low glycemic index and affects insulin minimally. Taste good too!

Coconut meat is very tasty and excellent fiber. Coconut milk makes a great starter for fermented drinks.

Hail the mighty coconut! Can even be used as a weapon, but mostly in Tarzan movies.

[heyokah]

Also, coconut flower sugar is excellent and a great alternative to any other sugar. Very low glycemic index and affects insulin minimally. Taste good too!

Coconut meat is very tasty and excellent fiber. Coconut milk makes a great starter for fermented drinks.

Hail the mighty coconut! Can even be used as a weapon, but mostly in Tarzan movies.

I didn't know the coconut flower sugar, only the palm sugar. Thanks.

Coconut milk is really great.
It's a crucial part of a plant-based diet because it is a vegan replacement for milk that doesn’t require much compromise — it boasts a creamy consistency and a delicious taste.  

Coconut milk is extraordinarily versatile and serves a variety of purposes in the kitchen. 
It  is packed with vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6 as well as iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

 Coconut milk makes for an effective beauty product as well. The following 15 uses for coconut milk are sure to convince you to make it a daily fixture in your life. 

1. Substitute for Coffee Cream

Nix the dairy and opt for a healthier, animal-friendly alternative. 
Use coconut milk to replace the cream you pour into your morning cup of joe, and you’ll get a boost of energy not just from the caffeine but also from the electrolytes provided by the coconut milk itself. 
Coconut contains potassium, sodium, magnesium and chloride, all of which help to keep the body hydrated and properly functioning. What more could you ask for at the start of a busy work day?

2. Braise Meat

Coconut milk may not be the first ingredient you associate with chicken and meat, but it actually adds a sweet, delicious touch to the meal. Mix about ½ cup of coconut milk into the liquid of braising meat or chicken and watch as the milk absorbs the flavors of the dish and makes for a creamy, full-flavored sauce.
Lovely in carrot soup as well.

3. Be Calm and Drink Coconut Milk

Coconut milk contains 89 milligrams of magnesium per cup, which makes it a rich source of a mineral that helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure. Magnesium blocks nerve cells from becoming overactive by virtue of becoming stimulated by calcium. Calm nerve cells reduce contraction of muscles and make you feel more relaxed.

4. Build Strong Bones (Without the Dairy)

Coconut milk is not a good source of calcium. It contains just over 38 milligrams of calcium per cup compared to regular milk’s 300 milligrams in the same serving size. But while it may not be able to give dairy a run for its money in terms of calcium, it is a rich source of phosphorus. With 240 milligrams of phosphorus per cup, coconut milk contributes to strong bones.

5. Moisturize Skin

Whether ingested or applied directly to the skin, coconut milk is helpful in hydrating the skin and keeping it soft and smooth. 
Its fat content locks in moisture. Simply apply a thin layer of coconut milk to a cleansed face, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse clean. Pat dry to reveal supple, soft skin.

6. Fight Infection

Coconut milk contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which is quite valuable to the human body. 
When it enters the body, lauric acid is converted to monolaurin, which is a compound that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. 
For this reason, coconut milk consumption could fight infections and viruses.

7. Control Weight 

Because coconut milk contains saturated fats, it is often shunned by dieters as a fattening agent. 
However, because of its fiber content, coconut milk makes you feel fuller longer and, in moderation, can help to control weight.

8. Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Coconut water is a source of manganese, which is vital for regulating blood sugar levels. 
One of manganese’s most important functions is to help metabolize glucose in the human body. 
Manganese is also essential for metabolism function, treating inflammation, preventing osteoporosis, alleviating PMS in women, aiding vitamin absorption and maintaining the health of the digestive track.

9. Remove Makeup

Mix 1 part coconut milk with 2 parts olive oil and use the concoction as a gentle way to remove eye makeup and moisturize skin at the same time. 
There is no need for harsh, alcohol-ridden chemicals to get rid of makeup around the most sensitive area of your face. Coconut milk does the trick just right!

10. Lower Cholesterol

Despite its saturated fat content, coconut milk can actually help to reduce cholesterol levels if you are used to cooking with butter and dairy-based creams. 
The truth is, not all saturated fats are created equal. Coconut milk raises cholesterol levels, but its lauric acid boosts HDL (good) cholesterol, which improves the HDL-LDL (bad) cholesterol ratio. 
So while the better option may be to reach for an unsaturated fat, if choosing among saturated fats, coconut milk is the best of the bunch. 
The fats in coconut milk are also easier for the body to break down and metabolize and contain healthy fats including omega 6 essential fatty acids.

11. Prevent Wrinkles

Improve skin elasticity with the consumption or application of coconut milk due to its copper and vitamin C content. 
Copper and vitamin C maintain flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels, slowing the aging process of your skin and body.

12. Treat Sunburns

After a long day in the sun, it’s never a bad idea to continue the tropical theme, even in the form of a remedy. 
Apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to the sunburned area and the coconut milk with soothe and moisturize the skin.

13. Get Baking

For those who have lactose intolerance or are opting for a more animal-friendly diet, try using coconut milk in place of milk in baked dessert recipes. 
While other nut milks on the market do a good job of replacing dairy milk, sometimes they have a watery consistency that does not to the dessert much justice. 
Coconut milk packs with it a viable bulk that can bring the decadence back to vegan baked goods.

14. Treat Arthritis

Coconut milk contains selenium, which is an antioxidant that relieves arthritis symptoms. 
Selenium controls free radicals and decreases the risk of joint inflammation.

15. Condition Hair

Benefit from the nutrients and fats in coconut milk with a hair treatment. 
Massage coconut milk into your scalp and use your fingers to brush the milk through hair strands. 
Once covering your hair and scalp, wrap your hair in a towel and let the coconut milk sit for an hour or two. The longer it sits, the more deeply the moisturizing and strengthening effects of coconut milk will penetrate. 
You could also warm the milk up prior to application to jump start the assimilation of nutrients.

http://odewire.com/334255/fabulous-fat-15-benefits-of-coconut-milk.html