The Benefits and Uses of Coconut Oil

It might seem ironic to suggest that health conscious Americans should consider adding fat to their diet, but don't be fooled, some fats are essential in promoting and maintaining good health. Eliminating fat from your diet is not the answer to weight loss or the path to better health. Fats play vital roles in our bodies and we need to incorporate them into our diet.

Not all fats, though, are created equal. We should try to minimize the amount of fats we consume from fast foods, but the fat from coconut oil redounds in health benefits. At first blush it might seem as if we should avoid coconut oil as well because it is high in saturated fat, and we are usually told that saturated fats contribute to heart disease and high cholesterol. But coconut oil has some unique properties that make it an unrivaled source of goodness.

The saturated fats in coconut oil are mainly medium chain fatty acids [MCF], and unlike the long chain fatty acids found in most foods, do not promote weight gain. In fact the abundance of MCFs in coconut oil is what makes it such a potent health tonic. MCF provide a great energy boost because they are released by the liver into the bloodstream, but unlike sugar and carbohydrates, do not increase insulin levels. Other fats circulate the bloodstream as lipoproteins and put a toll on the pancreas to break them down. Those suffering from low energy levels or those with thyroid problems can greatly benefit from the regular consumption of coconut oil, which may also assist in weight loss.

But the goodness of coconuts does not end there. Approximately 40-60% of the saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid and one of its derivatives, monolaurin, has been shown to successfully improve the immune system. Moreover, lauric acid has been shown to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoal. Many studies demonstrate that daily consumption of coconut oil reduces the viral load of those suffering from herpes, hepatitis C, measles, as well as bacteria responsible for gum disease, cavities, ulcers and so on. Coconuts are the richest source of lauric acid, except for human milk, which infants require to boost their immunity and ward off dangerous bacteria and other pathogens.

If you do a lot of cooking then it is advisable to switch to coconut oil. Other cooking oils -- canola oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, sesame seed oil, olive oil -- all have polyunsaturated fats that are very sensitive to heat and can easily change shape and become toxic. Saturated fats -- in particular the kind from coconut oil -- maintain their integrity after long exposure to heat. Coconut oil's strong and rich aroma makes it a palate-pleaser as well. Also, when the recipe calls for butter, try using coconut oil, or even coconut butter, as a substitute since it works just as well and is much healthier.

Coconut oil has tremendous benefits for the skin as well. Not only does it help moisturize the skin, but also protects against the ravages of free radicals. Once absorbed, the oil helps restore your skin's connective tissue, promoting a supple and youthful appearance. Coconut oil has also been shown to be useful in healing damaged skin that is often unresponsive to conventional therapies. You can mix coconut oil into your shampoo or conditioner to give your hair a thick and vibrant feel, or even add some to your toothpaste since it does help fight bacteria. Coconut oil has so many rich and varied applications that everyone should make it a staple of their diet.

Naturally, one wants to choose the highest quality, so look for a brand that is organic, cold-pressed, and non-hydrogenated.