Coconut Health Benefits

Health Benefits of CoconutFor years coconut oil has been the “bad boy” of a healthy diet. That was then, now everyone interested in a healthy anti-ageing lifestyle can’t get enough of this tropical delight. Coconut, technically a seed not a nut is the rising star in low carb high fat (LCHF) diets and the extremely popular Keto diet which is trending world wide.

As more research and evidence is being produced on the benefits of healthy saturated fats, people are beginning to take notice and add this once demonized fat back into their diet

Numerous evidence based studies have shown that coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats known as medium chain triglycerides (MCT’S)

 One of these MCT’s lauric acid is very beneficial in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Only in mothers milk is lauric acid found in such high quantities.  Also antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti -parasitic, gluten free, and non toxic, coconuts really are a super food!!

Coconuts are a delicious and nutritious  source of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.  The retail world has been quick to market the incredible benefits of the  humble coconut.  Products could only be found in health food or specialist food shops, now health, beauty, and food  products,  containing coconut  are  easy to find.  The antioxidant properties of coconut oil are excellent for slowing the aging process by protecting the body from harmful free radicals, so give  your skin an anti aging boost and slather yourself in coconut oil after a bath – you’ll smell delightfully tropical as well!!

IT’S ALL GOOD FAT

Coconut 01Don’t be put off using coconut oil because of the saturated fat content.  It is not the same as the saturated fats you would find in steak or cheese.  Most of the fatty acids in our diet are long chain fatty acids – coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids which are metabolized differently.  These fatty acids end up in the liver where they are used as a quick energy source.  There are no trans-fats in coconuts.

Many studies have been done on the benefits of medium chain fatty acids which can have therapeutic effects on several brain disorders.

If the saturated fat content of coconuts is still a worry  – just look to those people who thrive on coconuts as a dietary staple. The Tokelauans live in the South Pacific, they eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are the highest consumers of saturated fat in the world.  They have eaten this type of diet for generations are in excellent health with no evidence of heart disease.  There are many examples of populations around the world who are thriving and in excellent health, where coconuts feature highly in their diets.

HEALTH BENEFITS

In a “nutshell” following is a list of some of the health benefits attributed to the humble coconut

  • Lower your risk of heart disease.
  • Lower your levels of bad cholesterol.
  • Promote healthy thyroid function, and increase metabolism.
  • Avoid IBS, Crohn’s disease, and other digestive disorders.
  • With powerful antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, helps prevent other diseases and common illness.
  • Helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Improve conditions in people with chronic fatigue, and diabetes.
  • Helps lose weight.
  • Boosts daily energy.
  • Prevents wrinkles and rejuvenates skin.

Coconut oil has many substantial benefitsGo the coconut – incorporate coconut oil, milk, and water,  into your diet and reap the anti aging benefits. Coconut health benefits are numerous – you can’t afford NOT to have the humble “nut” as part of your anti aging diet.