Health news. Coconut oil was once vilified as an unhealthy fat but independent research has shown that it is the best oil there is due to its many significant health benefits. These benefits are attributed to the presence of three acids, namely, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. The main one being lauric acid.
The several benefits of coconut oil include relief from stress, skin and hair care, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, relief from kidney problems, proper digestion and metabolism, lowering of blood pressure, control of diabetes, improved heart functioning and the strengthening of bones. Coconut oil also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is a powerful anti-oxidant.
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The body converts lauric acid, the most significant medium chain fatty acid that coconut oil is so rich in, into monolaurin which is said to help in dealing with the viruses and bacteria which cause herpes, influenza and HIV. Coconut oil is also a natural moisturizer and helps with psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.
With regard to these three, it is better to use a two pronged approach by adding coconut oil to your diet, about one to two tablespoons a day and by also rubbing it on your skin. More recently coconut oil has been very strongly connected with improvements in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, insulin resistant type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Huffington’s disease.
Apparently four tablespoons of coconut oil or more per day may regenerate those parts of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. There is quite a lot of positive anecdotal reporting of this connection but no scientific tests so far. Could it be that after vilifying coconut oil for so many years scientists are unable to face the truth?
When buying coconut oil be very careful. Proper coconut oil does not melt until its temperature reaches about 76F. Consequently the oil you buy should look like a white gel and can last for a very, very long time, even without refrigeration. Some supermarkets sell coconut oil that looks like oil but this has probably been hydrogenated and thus becomes a trans-fat which is not conducive to good health. Pure coconut oil is very beneficial when considering a weight loss diet.
Coconut water is more nutritious than whole milk as it contains less fat and no calories. It contains lauric acid which is also present in human mother’s milk and is identical to human blood plasma. It also contains more potassium than most sports drinks.
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Coconut milk is a good substitute for cow’s milk and is packed full of potassium, vitamins A, C and E and some vitamin D. It also contains the trace minerals copper and zinc and is also of great benefit to those who are intolerant to lactose. It is also low in cholesterol and helps protect the body from infection and viruses. Coconut milk lowers blood sugar levels, keeps the skin and blood vessels flexible and elastic, thus preventing atherosclerosis. It lowers blood pressure, relieves constipation and eliminates gas.
Coconut flour, which is the ground dried flesh of the coconut is a natural alternative to wheat flour and is not only full of protein but is also full of dietary fibre. Fibre, as you know is essential for proper elimination of waste from the body.
It slows down the release of glucose and is low on the glycemic index, which means it is helpful to diabetics and pre-diabetics. Coconut flour is 58% dietary fibre, more than any other flour, 14% coconut oil and 28% water, protein and carbohydrate (wheat bran is 27% fibre). It is gluten free, promotes heart health, supports the immune system, promotes the absorption of vitamins and minerals, helps in detoxifying your body, reduces cholesterol and facilitates better digestion. Coconut flour does not bind naturally but this can be solved by adding some eggs.
Coconut palm sugar, made from the buds of the coconut palm tree, is the latest in the line of coconut products and is low in fructose and also said to be low on the glycemic index (35) although this has not been properly verified. If it is, then that means that coconut palm sugar is ideal for diabetics and pre-diabetics.
It is not to be confused, however, with palm sugar which comes from the sap of the date palm tree or sugar date tree. Coconut palm sugar tastes like brown sugar but with a hint of caramel. We have sourced the best organic virgin coconut oil for your benefit. Simply click on the coloured text for the product you want, buy and have it delivered to your door. Article courtesy http://blackhealth.co.uk
