Recently, there is no doubt that the popularity of coconut oil has skyrocketed, and there is a great reason for that. Actually, there are at least 127 good reasons for it!
Coconut (C. Nucifera) is a part of the Arecaceae (Palmae) family and belongs to the subfamily Cocoideae. Its flesh is rich in healthy acids, and its composition of fat may vary depending on its processing process and type.
Namely, medium-chain saturated fatty acids are around 90% of its content, combined with a small portion of polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids.
The human body easily digests, absorbs and uses medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFA’s), as they freely cross the blood-brain barrier in the unbound form, meaning that they may be used to promote neurological health and provide energy.
Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is extremely useful, and at the same time, it is tasty, cheap, readily available, and entirely natural. Moreover, it has powerful health-promoting properties, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant properties (prevents the formation of free radicals and the damage they cause)
- Anti-microbial/ Infection-fighting properties ( it effectively kills viruses, yeast, bacteria, protozoa and parasites)
- It enhances the absorption of nutrients (it is easily digestible; and makes fat-based vitamins, like vitamin K, E, D, A, more available to the body)
- It is nontoxic to both, animals and humans
- Powerful anti-carcinogenic properties (inhibits the spread of cancer cells and boosts the immune system)
Therefore, this oil is absolutely remarkable for use in numerous cases.
Internal Health Problems
If taken internally, coconut oil prevents, alleviates and helps numerous health issues, as follows:
1.Chronic and adrenal Fatigue
2.Diabetes – coconut oil prevents food cravings and stabilizes blood sugar levels
4.Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchial Infections
5.Asthma – in both, adults, and children
6.Acid Reflux/ Indigestion – In this case, consume coconut oil after meals
7.Mild Depression and Cognitive Disease –In this case, take coconut oil in combination with fish oil, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and other treatment methods
8.Bowel function –gut infections, constipation, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
9.Cancer – Studies have demonstrated that coconut oil prevents breast and colon cancer
10.Alzheimer’s/Dementia
11.Candida Albicans
12.Allergies – seasonal hay fever
13.Cholesterol – improves the ratio of HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) to LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) in individuals with high cholesterol levels
14.Gas – The imbalance of bacteria in the gut often leads to foul gas. This oil has mild anti-microbial properties and thus re-establishes healthy gut flora
15.Colds and Flues – Coconut oil has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is extremely useful in case of colds and flu
16.Flaky, dry skin- Insufficient amounts of oil lead to dandruff and dry skin
17. Poor Circulation – If you constantly feel cold or in the case fo edema, particularly in the extremities, apply this oil to the skin in a circular motion towards the heart.
18.Gallbladder Disease – Dietary oils raise the bile flow, which is beneficial in the case of gallbladder problems
19.Kidney Disease and Stones – it is really helpful as it dissolves small stones in the kidneys
20.H. pylori – In this case, take coconut oil orally.
21.Epilepsy – Coconut oil may effectively reduce epileptic seizures
22.Hemorrhoids – You should apply coconut oil externally or internally two times a day
23.Irritable Bowel Syndrome – alternating diarrhea and constipation are key signs of IBS
24.Hot Flashes
25.Menstruation Relief – This oil alleviates pain, heavy blood flow, and cramps
26.Liver Disease
27.Heart Disease – it provides protection for arteries from injury that leads to atherosclerosis
28.Lung Disease
29. Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease
30.Mental Clarity
31.Immune System Builder
32.Jaundice
33.Migraines – In this case, you ought to use it regularly
34.Thrush
35. Bladder Infections and Urinary Tract Infections
36.Thyroid Function – it provides regulation in case of overactive or underactive thyroid gland
37.Prostate Enlargement – BPH- benign prostatic hyperplasia
38.Stomach Ulcers – it soothes the stomach lining and reduces the growth of H. pylori
39.Malnutrition
40.Pancreatitis
Topical Health Problems
The topical use of coconut oil relieves, treats and helps in the case of the following health conditions:
41.Athletes Foot
42.Cellulite
43.Decongestant – If you are congested due to an allergy or a cold, you should rub some coconut oil on the chest and under your nose
44.Pink eye – You should apply coconut oil to the eye and around it
45.Allergies/Hay Fever – For fast relief, you should rub a little coconut oil inside the nostrils, and the pollen will cling to the oil.
46.Head Lice – Apply it topically
47.Herpes – You should take it orally and apply it topically
48.Ear infection – It fights the infection, and in order to reduce the pain, you should pour several drops of coconut and garlic oil inside the ear two times during the day
49.Cysts and boils
50.Hives – Coconut oil lessens the swelling and itching
51.Acne – The skin which is susceptible to acne, is often excessively dry, meaning that your glands produce much oil and clog the pores.
52.Sore Muscles and Back Pain
53.Toenail Fungus
54.Gingivitis, Gum Disease, Canker Sores – You can rub it directly on the gums, or use it as a toothpaste
55.Circumcision healing – Coconut oil are helpful in the healing
56.Genital Warts – In most cases, genital warts vanish on their own after 2 years of the initial infection, but if you use coconut oil topically, you will cure them after 6-month treatment
Personal Hygiene and the Body
57.Body Scrub – You should mix some salt and this oil, or you can add some other essential oil for a better smell as well, and rub your body. Afterward, wash the mixture off and your skin will be incredibly soft!
58.Bruises – It reduces redness and swelling, and thus accelerates the healing process. Apply it directly to the bruise.
59.Bug Bites – It accelerates the healing process, as it reduces the burning sensation, as well as itching. Therefore, apply it directly on the affected area.
60.Dandruff – Oil secretion may be one of the most common causes of dandruff. Coconut oil reduces it, as well as it moisturizes the scalp and alleviates the dandruff symptoms.
61.Burns – It promotes healing and prevents scars. Therefore, apply it immediately on the burn and continue using it until you solve the issue.
62.Swimmers Ear – Mic coconut and garlic oil and pour a few drops in the ear and leave them for 10 minutes. Repeat this method twice or three times a day, and you will solve the problem in a few days.
63.Skin Conditions – It provides relief in the case of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
64.Wrinkle Prevention and reduction – rub some coconut oil on the wrinkles and sagging skin, and you will strengthen the connective tissues and rejuvenate the skin.
65.Chapstick – Rub some coconut oil on your lips and it will soften them and protect them, as it has an SPF of about 4.
66.After Shave – Coconut oil successfully heals the skin after shaving and does not clog the pores.
67.Deodorant – You can use it as a deodorant, but it provides amazing effects when combined with baking soda and cornstarch/arrowroot powder.
68.Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment – Apply a teaspoon of this oil to the ends and through the hair with the fingers, and use it as a leave-in hair conditioner. In order to use it as a deep treatment, rub in a tablespoon of this amazing oil onto the dry scalp and rub a bit in the hair ends and put a shower cap and leave it to act overnight.
69.Diaper Salve – It has no chemicals and it is great on a rashy bum, and completely safe for cloth diapers.
70.Eye cream – At bedtime, apply some coconut oil on the eyelids. Moreover, in order to reduce wrinkles, bags and puffiness, apply it under the eyes.