Coconut oil is often dubbed as an “it” product that has been constantly trending for some time now in the health and wellness industry and that’s no big surprise. After all, this special oil has a wide range of uses and applications from beauty to skincare, beauty, and more.
This healthy oil is available almost anywhere you can buy food. If you’re planning to use this oil, you’ll surely be interested to know the health benefits it offers.
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Safe for High-Heat Cooking
Coconut oil contains high amounts of saturated fat, making it among the best fats perfect for cooking in high heat, such as frying. Saturated fats can maintain their structure even when heated at high temperatures. These fats are different from the polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in vegetable oils.
Other oils like safflower and corner even tend to be converted to toxic compounds once heated, thus posing risky health effects.
You don’t have to be afraid of the saturated fat content in coconut oil as this is not connected to the possibility of heart disease.
Fight Off Infections
VCO is known for strong antibacterial properties that could help cure infections. It’s been discovered that the oil can thwart the growth of Clostridium difficile or “C. diff,” an intestinal bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea. The oil also fights off several other yeasts and bacteria, an effect that is often linked with lauric acid, which is the primary fatty acid found in coconut oil.
Improves Brain Function
The liver breaks down the medium-chain triglycerides or MCT content of this oil and turns it into ketones that can offer the brain an alternative source of energy.
It is also said that MCTs have excellent benefits for some brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy. The oil is also recommended by experts as an MCT source to increase ketone production.
Supports Dental Health
The oil from coconut trees can also serve as a potent weapon against bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. It is the bacteria found in the mouth that is responsible for gum disease, tooth decay, and dental plaque.