Top 5 health benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of matured coconuts and harvested from the coconut palm tree, a member of the Arecaceae plant family. Coconuts, despite their name, are technically not nuts but drupes (a fruit with a single seed). Whether it’s drinking coconut water, using the oil as a moisturizer or adding a spoonful to bakes, we’ve seen the coconut rise to prominence in both our kitchens and bathrooms. Virgin coconut oil is deemed to be higher quality than refined coconut oil and is said to be richer in antioxidant polyphenols as well as nutrients like vitamin E. Top 5 health benefits of coconut oil 1. Contains medium-chain fatty acids Coconut oil is different from other dietary oils, because it is mainly composed of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), whereas most other oils are almost entirely long-chain fatty acids. This means that the fatty acids in coconut oil are made up of a chain of six to 12 carbon atoms, as opposed to the more than 12 found in long-chain fatty acids. This difference in structure has all sorts of implications, from how the oil is digested to how it influences your body. 2. Has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties About 50% of the MCFAs in coconut oil are a type called lauric acid, which contributes to the oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. 3. May be helpful in the treatment of skin conditions Limited but consistent evidence appears to support the topical use of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate cases of chronic skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. It has also been shown to alleviate some complex skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. 4. May protect hair from damage The lauric acid in coconut oil appears to have a high affinity for hair protein and, because of the way the oil is structured, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft. This means coconut oil and products made from it may be useful in preventing the hair damage caused by protein loss due to grooming and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. However, more studies are needed to confirm this effect. 5. May be helpful in the prevention of dental caries Oil pulling is a traditional ayurvedic remedy originally practiced in ancient India for the maintenance of oral health. More recent studies suggest the practice of using coconut oil may be beneficial for the prevention of dental caries by reducing plaque formation and gingivitis. However, limitations in sample sizes and duration means a larger number of well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed to determine the true value of coconut oil for this purpose. Source: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-coconut-oil