If
there is one thing we have an abundance of here in Thailand, it is coconuts.
There is so much goodness that comes from just one coconut- the water, the
flesh, the oil and even the shell have an abundance of uses.
From
a health perspective, coconuts should be a part of everyone’s diets, especially
coconut oil,which has some really amazing health benefits.
Healthy Fats
Even
though coconut oil is a fat, it is one of the good guys that we need to have
for healthy muscles and brain functioning. A medium-chain saturated fatty acid,
your body will metabolise this type of fat for immediate use (and won’t make
you fat- promise!).
Boosts Your Immunity
There
are three immune boosting compounds in coconut oil- lauric
acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. These acids are known to have
properties that are antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial, meaning they can
strengthen your immune system and even help to naturally heal viruses.
Improves Digestion
The
fatty acids mentioned above also have super powers when it comes to treating
digestive concerns such as Candida, irritable bowel syndrome or even in
soothing the effects of stomach problems caused by bacteria and parasites. Adding
a tablespoon of coconut oil to your smoothie might help to relieve bloating and
have a positive effect on overall digestion.
Reduces Hunger
Not
only do these fatty acids help with metabolism of fat, but they can also help
to reduce your appetite so that you eat less calories, making coconut oil a
great weight management ingredient.
Increases Metabolism
On
top of its ability to suppress the appetite, coconut oil can also aid in
speeding up the metabolism to burn calories more quickly. Turns out that
coconut oil hasthermogenic qualities, which means that it burns fats more efficiently
than the same amount of calories from other fats.Help to keep your weight off
by adding a tablespoon or two of coconut oil to your diet each day and increase
your energy expenditure to about 120 calories per day!
High Smoke Point
Forget
the olive oil for cooking and start using coconut oil, especially when making
dishes at high temperatures. Coconut oil has a high smoke point of 171 degrees Celsius
which means that you can heat it at very high temperatures and it won’t oxidise
and cause disease-causing free radicals to be released into your food.
Look
out for coconut oil brands that are neutral in taste and smell so that it
doesn’t affect the flavour of your food, and always be sure to choose organic,
cold-pressed varieties to get all the health benefits from using coconut oil.
Prevents Cravings
Often
when we have cravings- particularly for sweets- it is because we are lacking in
good quality fats. Coconut oil can be a great solution to sugar when you want a
sugary hit which will leave you feeling satisfied. Try making some coconut oil
bark by mixing coconut oil with cacao powder and pouring the mixture on a tray,
then leaving it in the freezer to set. Break off small pieces when you have
sugar cravings and find them dissipate in an instant.
Skin and Hair Nourishment
You
don’t have to consume coconut oil to get all its benefits. You can also apply
it to your skin to hydrate it and in your hair to condition it completely
naturally. Coconut oil can help prevent stretch marks, reduce wrinkles, and is
even good for treating skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Removes Toxins and Whitens Teeth
The
ancient practice of oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon
of oil in your mouth on an empty
stomach for around 20 minutes every day. This action draws out toxins from your
body and can improve your oral health as well as whiten your teeth. Use coconut
oil in this way daily to reduce bacteria, plaque, and
infections in the mouth.
Tasty (Healthy) Treats
One
of the best ways to enjoy coconut oil is in delicious desserts and snacks. This
tasty recipe for raw cookies not only uses coconut oil but some of the
coconut’s other awesome bi-products too (and the recipe is simple and easy!).
You will need:
1 cup dry
almonds
¼ cup coconut
flour
¼ cup coconut
palm sugar
¼ teaspoon
sea salt
¼ cup coconut
nectar
2 tablespoons
melted coconut oil
Combine
all the dry ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds, then add the
coconut nectar and oil to make a dough. Scoop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a
baking tray and press into cookie rounds. Put into the freezer until firm.
Meta Description
Coconut Oil is a powerhouse when it comes to the
health benefits it can bring- find out the top 10 reasons why coconut oil
should be a part if your daily die
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