10 Evidence based coconut oil benefits

Coconut oil has been part of numerous cultures since time immemorial, with many incredible coconut oil benefits on health and overall well-being. Not only do history and tradition dictate coconut oil benefits for health, but scientific studies corroborate these findings too.

Here are the top ten evidence-based coconut oil benefits on health:

1. Improve cardiac health
   One of the most well-known coconut oil benefits is that it helps to improve the overall health of the heart and the circulatory system. According to a study by Harvard Health, it increases HDL cholesterol, which has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It is also known to contain Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) such as lauric acid which does not directly participate in cholesterol production.

2. Antimicrobial properties
   Lauric acid, which is a key component of coconut oil, forms a component called monolaurin in the body. Both lauric acid and monolaurin have been widely documented in studies for their ability to kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus and fungi such as Candida albicans, of the many other coconut oil benefits

3. Improve hair health
   Several studies published over the years have confirmed that coconut oil, when applied locally, coconut oil benefits hair growth. This not only repairs damage caused to the hair due to the application of heat and other grooming processes but also encourages growth.

4. Beneficial effects in dementia
   Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative dementia have also seen cognitive improvement during multiple trials and studies. This has proved that coconut oil benefits in progressively stopping the neuronal loss that occurs in patients with dementia.

5. Dental care
   Studies have also found a scientific basis for the traditional coconut oil benefits of oil pulling or oil swishing therapy, where oil is swished in the mouth. It has been seen that coconut oil, when used in this way, can help in decreasing the formation of plaque and swelling of gums.

6. Control of seizures
   Due to the presence of MCTs in coconut oil, they are often used as a ketogenic diet for epilepsy. Numerous studies from across the world have shown that the MCT ketogenic diet is useful in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, especially in children, of the other coconut oil benefits.

7. Weight loss
   Consumption of coconut oil benefits in relieving hunger pangs and causes a feeling of satiety. It also increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion. Studies have shown that subjects who consume food cooked in coconut oil lose more weight over some time.

8. Beneficial effect on the skin
   Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, coconut oil can help in relieving the symptoms of a plethora of skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It is also evidenced that it can fasten the healing of wounds and lighten scars.

9. Boost immunity
   Coconut oil is also known to strengthen the immune system. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil benefits prevention of infections at bay.

10. Relieve stress
    coconut oil benefits aromatherapy. It not only has antioxidant properties but also gives relief from stress and fatigue.