benefits of coconut oil???

greatachie

What are considered to be the benefits of coconut oil in our skin??

Answer
(m)

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is also being used by thyroid sufferers to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products, as it is one of the healthiest things one can put on their skin.

At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease, but are in fact very healthy. Also, some negative studies done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Other studies have clearly shown that traditional Asian cultures that eat significant amounts of coconut in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in western cultures that promote a low-fat diet.

Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products:

"Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the anti-viral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil. Please go to coconutoil.com to read about these studies.

What are your opinions on coconut oil?

I have read in depth about coconut oil and have some of it, but I still would love to know any facts or other benifits of this oil. It would also be appreciated if you could tell me about any good or bad experiences you have had with this oil.

Answer
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.

At one time coconut oil received negative press in the US because of its high level of saturated fat. However, modern research has shown that not all saturated fats are alike and that the fatty acids in coconut oil, the medium chain triglycerides, do not raise serum cholesterol or contribute to heart disease, but are in fact very healthy. Also, some negative studies done on coconut oil in the past was done on hydrogenated coconut oil, which has been altered from its original form. Other studies have clearly shown that traditional Asian cultures that eat significant amounts of coconut in their diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in western cultures that promote a low-fat diet.

Much research on the nutritional and medicinal benefits on coconut oil has surfaced in recent years. Much of that research has been done by Dr. Mary Enig. Dr. Enig has classified coconuts as a "functional food," which provides health benefits over and beyond the basic nutrients. She has specifically identified lauric acid as a key ingredient in coconut products:

"Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the anti-viral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid."

As a "functional food," coconut oil is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases. Several studies have been done on its effectiveness, and much research is currently being done on the incredible nutritional value of pure coconut oil. Please go to coconutoil.com to read about these studies.

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Does any one know about Coconut oil? Is it more harmful than good?

Lo Lo

Answer
Coconut oil contains no dangerous trans-fats, which are found in vegetable oils (including olive oil), margarine, shortening and more. Trans-fats can raise LDLs or âbadâ cholesterol levels and lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, type-II diabetes and more, and should be avoided.
For those with diabetes, itâs almost a sin that coconut oil has been kept hidden from them. Not only does it not contribute to diabetes, but it also helps regulate blood sugar, thus lessening the effects of the disease.
Coconut oil also raises metabolic rate causing the body to burn up more calories and thus promoting weight loss. A faster metabolic rate stimulates increased production of needed insulin and increases absorption of glucose into cells, thus helping both Type I and Type II diabetics.
For those with Crohnâs and IBS, the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of coconut oil have been shown to play a role in soothing inflammation and healing injury in the digestive tract. Interestingly, researchers have demonstrated the benefits of coconut oil on patients with digestive problems, including, Crohn's disease, at least since the 1980s. Its antimicrobial properties also promote intestinal health by killing troublesome microorganisms that may cause chronic inflammation.
Finally, for those with chronic fatigue syndrome, coconut oil may provide a vital solution. The fatty acids in coconut oil can kill herpes and Epstein-Barr viruses, which are believed to be major causes. They kill Candida and Giardia. They kill a variety of other infectious organisms, any of which could cause chronic fatigue. The key to overcoming CFS is strengthening the immune system. Coconut oil supports the immune system by ridding the body of harmful microorganisms, thus relieving stress on the body. With fewer harmful organisms taxing the body's energy, the immune system can function better.
Uses include:
·In place of other oils, margarine, butter, shortening, etc. for all cooking needs, as it is a stable cooking oil
·As an ingredient when juicing or making smoothies
·It smells and tastes so pleasant and has such excellent nutritional properties that some also consume it straight, by the tablespoon, and use it in place of other oils on their salads
·An excellent massage oil
·As a skin lotion for healthier, younger skin.
Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing. It will have lasting benefits, unlike most lotions. It can help bring back a youthful appearance. The coconut oil will aid in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine". And the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.

Which is better for fading spots, coconut oil or cocoa butter?

shorty2002

Answer
I would say neither and go for castor oil, but if I had to choose, cocoa butter. Consider this instead:
If you want to erase age spots or reduce fine lines and wrinkles turn to your refrigerator and your fruit bowl. Sometimes you can't beat a simple home remedy for its good old fashioned anti aging benefits.

Take milk for example, people have been using for decades to soothe indigestion, heartburn and ulcers. Good old milk is also one of the gentlest and most effective ways of removing dead skin cells.

Studies have shown that the lactic acid in milk is what helps generate new skin cells. This process also helps to improve your skin's texture and does wonders to even out the tone of your skin. So if you want a fresh young complexion all you need to do is splash on a little milk each night after washing your face. And, to beautify your whole body add four cups of milk to your bath water.

Lemons are another home remedy staple that does wonders for everything from whitening teeth to fading freckles, age spots and darkened elbows and knees.

So if you have age spots grab a lemon and make the most of its vitamin C bleaching power. Vitamin C naturally fades melanin pigment which is the substance that gives freckles and dark spots their color.

To erase age spots you need to dab a few drops of lemon juice on each day for up to six weeks. The key is to leave the juice on the spots for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

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