How to Improve Your Vitality and Well-Being Using Coconut Oil
Diane Groppe
There has been so much buzz about coconut oil lately that I had to look into this. How is it great for our hair and skin, and are there internal health benefits from it? I set out to get some answers.
First let’s see what is in coconut oil:
The Good Fat
Coconut oil has always been used in tropical countries as a health,beauty, and cooking method, but was discounted by the U.S. during the 1970’s because of the high saturated fat content. Research has changed the minds of many who say that coconut oil, is in fact good for us.
According to the NYU Medical Center, “Coconut oil is made up of more than 90% saturated fats. Most of the saturated fats are of the medium-chain variety which tend to be quickly used by the body to produce energy, rather than accumulating in fat tissue. Some researchers feel that because of its structure, the saturated fat found in coconut oil is not as damaging as other saturated fats, like those found in animal products.”
Lauric Acid
Pure coconut oil contains 50% lauric acid-a medium chain fatty acid that has more of a neutral effect on heart health, as opposed to a longer chain saturated fats. So what is lauric acid? “When lauric acid is present in the body, it is converted into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound which exhibits antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties. It acts by disrupting the lipid membranes in organisms like fungus, bacteria and viruses, thus destroying them.”
Coconut Oil Benefits for Your Hair and Skin
I have found that coconut oil works great to keep frizzy hair under control during our hot, humid summers. Put just a dime size amount in your hair while it is still damp after washing it and brush it through. You will definitely see a noticeable improvement in the health of your hair. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer for your skin as well. It helps reduce dry, itchy, skin that can look crepey as we age. The best thing about pure coconut oil is that it is a natural moisturizer and has no additives or chemicals. I was also surprised to find out that coconut oil also has anti-fungal properties, so apply it to your feet to keep athletes foot at bay.In an article from Very Well Health, “There is evidence that you can use coconut oil to help manage a dry, itchy scalp and accompanying dandruff. A 2021 study of 140 people in India—70 with dandruff and 70 without—found that topical applications of coconut oil to the scalp had anti-fungal benefits. It also promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduced scalp flaking.”