Coconut Oil

Coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, but it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Coconut oil is described as one of the healthiest oils on earth. Because of its high saturated fat content it was once believed to be unhealthy. Now it is known that the fat in coconut oil is unique and different from most all other oils, and possesses many health benefits. The health benefits of coconut oil is attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial. Our human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases.

Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine, that it is called "The Tree of Life". On many of the islands coconut is a staple of the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. The traditional Indian medicinal system, Ayurveda, uses coconut oil extensively. Wherever the coconut palm grows, people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine.

It has been only recently that modern medical science has discovered the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers. Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these include reducing the risk of antherosclerosis and cancer. Providing an immediate source of energy. Improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Coconut oil has fewer calories than other fats and promotes weight loss. It helps keep skin soft and smooth and helps prevent premature aging and wrinkles.

Around the world coconut oil is used to treat baldness, earaches, fever, rashes, toothache, coughs, lice, tumors, high blood pressure, diabetes and the list goes on.

Early Spanish explorers called the coconut "coco" which means "monkey face". The big hairy nut has three indentations that resemble eyes causing it to look like the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing." Cocos nucifera is the scientific name for coconut.

http://www.coconut-connections.com/
http://www.coconut-connections.com/healthiest_oil.htm
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/