Fats come in many forms. You can categorize fats based on their saturated or unsaturated status.
Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are liquid at room temperature. Coconut oil is a saturated fat. Plant oils and animal fats tend to be unsaturated.
Saturated fats increase LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance. They also cause inflammation. Saturated fats in your diet may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
There are three types of saturated fats – short-chain (SCTs), mid-chain (MCTs) and long-chain (LCTs).
Coconut Oil is mainly made up of MCTs.
Coconut Oil For Losing Weight
Long chain triglycerides (found in meat, dairy and other animal products), are , metabolized differently in the liver than MCTs .
MCTs metabolize more quickly, and they go directly to the liver where they can be used as energy or converted into ketones.
Ketones can be used as an energy source by your body when it is low on blood sugar. The breakdown of fat tissue is what produces ketones, the fuel that we use when we say “burning a lot of fat”. Ketones also help reduce hunger and can prevent overeating.
Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s Disease
These MCT-derived ketones may also assist Alzheimer’s disease patients , by providing them with a more efficient energy source.
Alzheimer’s disease is marked by a decreased ability to use blood sugar (glucose) as energy. This leads to cell damage and cognitive decline.
Coconut oil can improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients by increasing the availability of ketones to the brain.
Coconut Oil For Reducing Inflammation
Coconut oil also contains a lot of antioxidants. These nutrients neutralize particles that cause inflammation in the body, known as reactive oxygen species (or free radicals).
Reactive Oxygen Species are produced by metabolic processes. They can cause damage to cells and tissues, if they’re not removed by antioxidants.
Coconut Oil For Killing Microbes
Lauric acid is one of the healthy MCTs found in coconut oil. It has antibacterial properties. It can therefore help to fight infections and kill harmful microbes.
Coconut oil is used by some people as a mouthwash in order to reduce plaque and prevent cavities. Coconut oil consumption may help to regulate pathogenic bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Coconut Oil For Skin Health
Coconut oil is a great topical cream for improving the health of skin.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer which can heal and soothe dry, irritated or scaly skin. It also helps to restore the protective barrier function of skin. Coconut oil keeps your skin hydrated and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of this product may help protect your skin against damage and infection.
Coconut oil is a healthy addition to any lifestyle, whether you like its taste or the feel of it on your skin.
