The oil of the coconut has many medicinal purposes.
The coconut or Cocos nucifera is common to the Pacific Islands. The nut of the coconut tree provides nutritious meat and milk. But beyond the nuts nutritional value the oil of the nut has many medicinal purposes. The use of of coconut oil is prevalent in both Pacific and Asian traditional medicine. Modern medicine also recognizes the benefits of this natural oil.
Saturated Fats
Coconut oil contains saturated fats such as Palmitoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Caproic Acid, Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Lauric Acid. These are primarily medium chain fatty acids that are useful in combating energy malnutrition and fatigue. These fatty acids also have anti-oxidizing properties that help counter the affects of aging like macular degeneration and sagging skin.
Saturated Fatty Acids
When acted on by particular enzymes, the saturated fatty acids already mentioned convert to monocaprin and monolaurin. Monocaprin and monolaurin are anti-microbial and anti-fungal agents useful in combating diaper rash, thrush, candidiasis, ringworm, and athlete's foot.
Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, Anti-Cancer
The saturated fats found in coconut are the same as those found in mother's milk. These saturated fats have proven to work as anti-bacterial agents, anti-viral agents, and even anti-cancer agents. These fats help kill the viruses that cause influenza, SARS, AIDS and others. They fight against the bacteria that cause pneumonia, throat infections, ulcers, and urinary infections. These fatty acids also help protect against cancers such as colon and breast cancers.
Vitamin E
Coconut oil contains vitamin E. Vitamin E helps promote healthy skin and hair. When combined with the fatty acids also found in coconuts, Vitamin E helps to combat the signs of aging by improving the health and youthful appearance of hair and skin.
Heart Health
Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides which help clear blockages of the arteries. These triglycerides also help lower bad cholesterol. Despite it's saturated fat content coconut oil is hearth healthy and lowers the risk of heart attacks.
Fights Obesity
Materials found in coconut oil help to boost the speed of ones metabolism. With the boost in metabolism bodies burn fats faster, and are able to lose weight efficiently. Lowering the bodies weight often improves the bodies over all health.
Other Nutritive and Medicinal Properties
Coconut oil helps improve the bodies ability to absorb glucose and vitamins that are soluble in fat. It promotes the absorption of both magnesium and calcium which improves tooth, and bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. It boosts energy and endurance, improves circulation and insulin secretion, reduces inflammation and improves digestion.
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