6 Potential Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Coconut is a tropical fruit, believed to have been first cultivated thousands of years back, at the Malabar Coast of India. The term ‘coconut’ originated much later in 1600s. Later on, the cultivation spread out to Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Slowly, its cultivation was spread out to other countries and now it is cultivated in almost all of the tropical countries, including those in the Caribbean, South America and Africa. This spread has essentially been due to its many health benefits, wide usage and suitable agro-climatic conditions.

In India, coconut oil consumption is largest in the southern part of India, comprising states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and to a lesser extent in Goa, Telengana, Orissa, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. These southern states have coastal land areas with right agro-climatic conditions to grow coconut. In fact, the name ‘Kerala’ is derived from ‘alam’ meaning ‘the land of’, and ‘kera’ meaning ‘coconut’.

Kerala is the largest producer of coconuts in India. India produces about 17% of world production of coconuts and Kerala contributes about 45% of these.

# Is Coconut Oil Good for Heart?

When it comes to the discussing the benefits of coconut oil for heart, the jury is often divided. The fact that the oil contains saturated fatty acids to the extent of 82% makes most of the people to believe that this is not so good for heart.

However, contrary to this standpoint, is the view that since most of this saturated fat component is medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), this shall not be a problem for the heart. These people point out to the fact that the people who live their whole lives using coconut and its oils as a major daily ingredient are not known to have cardiovascular diseases.

This is confronted by those who oppose its consumption saying that other factors, such as level of physical activity, genetics and other dietary habits, might be responsible for not having heart issues.

# Protects skin from UV radiation and Dryness

The presence of Lauric acid is known to prevent UV radiations on skin to the extent of 20%. Therefore, coconut oil can work to an extent.

However, it improves the moisture content of the skin and does not let it crack or go dry.

# Encourages fat burning and weight loss

The presence medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) ensures that these are burnt to give out more calories and are not converted to body fat as is the case with LCTs. In studies conducted on both males and females, it was found to reduce the fat around the waist, if consumed in moderation.

# Anti-microbial properties

As can be seen from the table above, the Lauric acid makes up about 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. On digestion, it forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

# Mental health improvement

While there is little research conducted on examining a direct link between consumption of coconut oil and mental health, there are some indirect indications based on study of ketones and MCTs which suggest that coconut oil could be of help in mental health issues.

The keto-based diet, which is low in carbs and high in fats, is known to provide alternative source of energy to malfunctioning brain cells by burning down the MCTs. This helps people with mental disorders, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and others.

Coconut oil is rich in MCTs. Once these MCTs are broken down into ketones in liver, these are circulated through blood to different parts of the body, including brain. Therefore, it is expected to play a significant role in improving brain health.

# Improvement in dental health

When used in place of antiseptic mouthwash, coconut oil can be very effective against bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is responsible for developing dental plaque, gum diseases and tooth decay. It also reduced inflammation of gums when used regularly.