Coconut oil is very versatile, and it affects the body internally by consumption in food, or externally by application on the hair and skin. Discover some of its benefits!
Coconut oil is gradually dominating the headlines, and its benefits have been highlighted. This is because of the utilization of coconut oil by influencers on the social media outlets, especially for hair and skin.
Suddenly, it shows up as a miraculous solution for health and beauty. Refined coconut oil is a fat that can be found in dried coconut or fresh coconut, which is designated as extra-virgin oil, the most popular and most effective one for treatments.
Below, we explain how to use the oil and what benefits it can bring to your health.
1. Improves brain functions
There are current trials assessing coconut oil as useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. It is due to the fact that the triglycerides in it serve as the brain’s energy source alternative.
2. Fights candidiasis
For candidiasis, the oil can be ingested, added to food or applied directly to the affected area, if there is already an infection.
3. Helps with healing
The oil reduces skin inflammation and increases collagen production, helping to improve skin’s radiance and accelerate the healing of superficial wounds.
4. Moisturizes skin and hair
Extremely popular among the beauty world, coconut oil softens cracked feet, works as a makeup remover, helps to fortify toe cuticles, enhances vitamin D absorption and even guards against UV radiation when used on the face and body. To moisturize your locks, just combine a tablespoon with your moisturizer.
5. Slows down aging
The vitamin E present in the oil combats the oxidation of healthy cells and slows down aging, in addition to balancing the presence of free radicals in the body.
6. It is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of coconut oil can be acquired when added to food and help in the treatment of arthritis, improve liver health, protect intestinal flora and regulate bowel function.
7. Helps control cholesterol
It reduces LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) by acting directly on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as well as helping to prevent heart disease.
8. Speeds up metabolism
As we mentioned, coconut oil is an instant source of energy due to the triglycerides present in its composition that accelerates the metabolism. Since it gets metabolized quickly in the body, it burns calories, hence becoming well-liked as a weight-loss oil too.
How much coconut oil is safe for me to eat each day?
Just because coconut oil can bring health benefits, it doesn’t mean it should be consumed excessively. Too much of it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, cramps and diarrhea.
It is recommended not to exceed the consumption of one tablespoon of coconut oil per day, however, visit a nutritionist or nutritionist and consult how to add it to your diet correctly before starting consumption.
How to consume coconut oil
In the kitchen, excess virgin coconut oil should not be used for frying, as compared to other oils, it burns at a lower temperature.
It can be utilized by employing refined coconut oil, adding it to stews, grilled meat or cake and pie mix, in place of butter.
To condition your hair, simply add a spoonful to your moisturizer, mix and apply, letting it work for 20 to 25 minutes. Then, wash your hair normally with shampoo and conditioner, rinsing thoroughly from your scalp and hair.
For moisturizing the face, it can be applied on a cotton pad and left overnight, which is wiped off in the morning. It can also be used as a remover for makeup. It can be applied to lips as a balm.
Coconut oil is better precisely because it has so many proven benefits and so many more that are yet to be studied, especially for external use. It needs to be consumed in moderation because it is very high in saturated fats, just like any other oil. Remember that it is always advisable to consult a nutritionist before altering your diet in any way.
