With a turbulent history to its name, coconut oil in the 80’s earned a bad reputation when it was publicized as a major cause of heart attack. However, recent studies have validated the health benefits of coconut oil.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
With 85% saturated fats (natural in source), it serves as a concentrated source of energy, where about 100g of coconut oil has about 884 calories. Lauric acid is amongst the major constituents of the saturated fats and plays a significant role in bringing early sense of satiety. It also serves as a rich source of Vitamin E and other tocopherols which confers the anti-oxidant effect to this oil.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL
Some of the health benefits of Coconut oil are:
1 . Promotes Skin Health
-Amongst the major ingredients of mnny moisturizers and creams, it contains many minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for dry skin.
-The fatty triglycerides in the oil are easily absorbed by the body and therefore helps in nourishing the skin. It is also used in treating eczema and psoriasis.
2 . Improves Hair Health
-The nourishing nature of the oil makes it a preferred option for dry and frizzy hair. The rich lipid profile of the oil, helps in providing protection to the damaged hair and is also found to reduce dandruff and promote hair growth.
-Take a small amount in your palm and apply on your hair starting from root to tip. Leave it on for 1-2 hours and then shampoo off.
3 . Fights Ageing
-Rich in antioxidants that remove free radicals, it helps in delaying the ageing process. It helps avert sagging of the skin which is accompanied with aging.
-Massage coconut oil on your face till it is absorbed. Leave it on overnight. You can also use the oil for the skin around your eyes. Over time, this will reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
4 . Nourishes Chapped Lips
-Enriched with several nourishing vitamins, it has been a good remedy for your chapped and cracked lips.
-It adds moisture to the lips and over consistent use it helps in keeping the repairing the damaged lips
5 . Works As Make-up Remover
-Coconut oil is an excellent natural make-up remover and can be used to remove eye make-up as well.
-Just dab coconut oil over your face and use a wet cotton ball to remove the makeup. You can use a mild face-wash after you are done removing your make-up in case you have an oily skin or leave it on in case of dry condition.
6 . Promotes Heart Health
-Rich source of natural saturated fats, it helps in increasing the healthy cholesterol and also converts the bad cholesterol to good cholesterol. But this holds true only in case of saturated fats coming from natural plant sources.
-It helps in promoting heart health and lowers risk for heart disease. Experts suggest to use coconut oil in moderate amounts for cooking maybe once a week.
7 . Aids Weight Loss
-Rich source of Lauric acid, that helps in lowering ones appetite, it helps one eat less and gradually lose weight.
-Studies also suggest that people who consume coconut oil twice a week were found to be fit and not obese compared to those who did not.
So, go ahead and add this oil to your winter grocery list and reap the countless benefits of coconut oil this winter. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!