Coconut Essential Oil: Health Benefits and Healing Properties
Coconut is well-known around the world as nutrient-rich when it comes to its milk, oil and meat. People living on islands have used it as one of their major sources of food. Coconut has a long and glorious history in these places and has not only nourished the islanders but has also provided them with a source of income. The coconut palm is popularly known as the “Tree of Life” among Pacific islanders as it’s an excellent source of food and medicine.
Although coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, its health benefits extend beyond its nutritional content. Although these benefits have been known for ages in traditional medicine, modern medicine has only recently discovered their amazing health benefits.
Coconut Essential Oil Benefits
Healthy Heart
Scientists have recently discovered that consuming coconut oil regularly can reduce the risk of heart attack. This is a surprising finding for many as earlier discoveries had pointed to the presence of `harmful’ saturated fats in it. However, it has now been revealed that the medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil can actually lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Studies have further shown that coconut oil contains fifty percent of lauric acids which is instrumental in preventing heart-related problems, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Healthy Digestive System
Coconut oil when used in cooking helps maintain the health of the digestive system. It keeps at bay problems such as indigestion, stomach upsets and also irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats in coconut oil come with anti-microbial properties which combat various bacteria, fungi and parasites in the stomach that are responsible for indigestion. It also helps with the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids from the food we consume.
Scalp Care
Coconut essential oil is excellent for hair care. It promotes the healthy growth of hair while providing it with a shiny look. Massage coconut oil regularly on to your head and you’ll find that your scalp will be free of lice and dandruff. Those with damaged hair can benefit from the proteins of coconut oil which helps in its repair. As such, coconut oil is extensively used in hair care products such as conditioners and dandruff cream, among others.
Weight Control
Those with a weight problem will benefit from coconut essential oil. The fatty acids in coconut oil actually do a wonderful job in keeping a person’s weight under control. It’s easy on the stomach and boosts the body metabolism which helps the obese and overweight reduce their weight. Studies have shown that those who use coconut oil as their primary cooking oil don’t usually have a weight problem.
Precautions
Coconut oil is non toxic and can be consumed freely without worry of side effects. However, you may want to watch the calories depending on your body type and the level of physical activity you engage in.
References
https://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10132.htm - coconut oil and the prevention of heart disease
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html - health benefits of coconut essential oil
https://www.advance-health.com/coconut.html - coconut essential oil safety precautions
Disclaimer
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