Coconut oil benefits: Five ways that ‘superfood’ coconut oil could improve your health

Doctors reveal coconut oil is VERY high in saturated fat

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Coconut oil is believed to be one of the healthiest foods you can find, and has been named a so-called ‘superfood’. Regularly adding coconut oil to your diet could have a number of positive impacts on your health.

Coconut oil is made by pressing dried or fresh coconut meat – the white fleshy part of the coconut.

There are several different types of product available, but the most important two are virgin coconut oil, and refined coconut oil.

At room temperature, your coconut oil will feel relatively firm and waxy.

But after it’s warmed up, it’ll transform into the type of oil we’re all familiar with.

Coconut oil could help to improve the overall health of your heart, according to nutritionist Kris Gunnars.

People that eat the most coconut oil have a lower rate of heart disease, he said.

Its dietary fats could also you to lose weight, if you’re obese.

The coconut oil contains certain fats, known as medium-chain triglycerides, which helps the body to burn calories faster than other types of dietary fats.

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“Coconut oil has many uses that have nothing to do with eating it,” Gunnars wrote for medical website Healthline.

“Many people use it for cosmetic purposes to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair.

“Studies show that coconut oil can improve the moisture content of dry skin and reduce the symptoms of eczema.

“Coconut oil can also protect against hair damage. One study shows that it may work as a weak sunscreen, blocking about 20 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.”

Alzheimer’s disease patients might also benefit from adding more coconut oil to their diet, he added.

Coconut oil’s fats have been claimed to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s by providing an alternative energy source for the brain.

The oil has even been claimed to protect against high cholesterol, despite its fat content.

In actual fact, coconut oil contains natural saturated fats, which increases the amount of HDL ‘good’ cholesterol in the body, while getting rid of LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol.

When looking to buy coconut oil, you should opt for an extra virgin variety.

If you’d like to use it on your skin, simply apply it directly onto the skin.

Rubbing it into the skin as a moisturiser immediately after a shower provides the largest benefits.

Coconut oil could also be used as a natural hair conditioner, or for detangling hair.

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