1. Coconut oil for health
Dr. Mary Enig, editor of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition and author of Eat Fat, Lose Fat: A Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats, believes that coconut oil lowers blood cholesterol. It contains capric, myristic, stearic, caprylic and lauric acids, which kill bacteria and resist the development of viruses. Coconut oil improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, helps cleanse the intestines and reduces the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system. In March 2017, the McGill University Journal reported on the benefits of coconut oil in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's by increasing ketone bodies in the body. By the way, the World Health Organization includes coconut oil in the list of recommended foods for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Besides,coconut oil contains vitamins E, K, as well as choline and phytosterols.
2. For diet
There are about 14 grams of fat in one tablespoon of oil, 12 of which are healthy saturated. Coconut oil differs from most vegetable oils in its high content of fatty acids with a medium chain - such acids are easier to digest, burn faster and are less converted into fat reserves. In the period from 1999 to 2003, specialists at the Canadian McGill University conducted a series of experiments and found that such fatty acids increase the metabolic rate and reduce appetite. However, it should be taken into account that for all the beneficial properties, the calorie content of the oil is almost 850 Kcal, so you should not get carried away with it.
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3. Coconut oil for cooking
Dr. D. Mercola of the Coconut Research Center says that "coconut oil is the healthiest choice possible." Refined coconut oil is good for cooking, but raw coconut oil is best used unrefined. Coconut oil is resistant to high temperatures - the smoke point is almost twice the extinguishing temperature. You can fry on it: this destroys some of the vitamins, but does not form carcinogens. It is important that baking in coconut oil is possible only at low temperatures: over 204 degrees, even refined oil is oxidized, releasing isomeric fatty acids that accumulate in the body. At temperatures below 24 degrees, the oil hardens and thickens, so it is used to prepare desserts that do not require baking. And for a liquid consistency, the oil is heated in a water bath. Coconut oil can be added to coffee, smoothies, and fruit smoothies as a substitute for cream, toast, and to make raw desserts and creams.
4. For body and face
Cosmetics manufacturers make coconut oil creams and lotions. But it can also be used in its pure form. The oil promotes wound healing, softens, moisturizes and eliminates flaking, accelerates cell renewal and acts as an antioxidant. It is used to prevent wrinkles and as masks for dry skin. However, coconut oil clogs the pores and is therefore not suitable for oily skin. In addition, it is absorbed for a long time, unlike a cream.
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5. Coconut oil for teeth
Many toothpastes contain sulfates, triclosan and fluoride, which can disrupt the endocrine system. According to Dr. Damien Brady, a researcher at Athlone Institute of Technology, coconut oil has antibacterial properties, so it can be an alternative to antibiotics. A tablespoon of oil is enough to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth for 5-10 minutes.
6. For nails
Saturated vegetable oils, including coconut oils, are used to moisturize the cuticles. The oil helps to strengthen and restore the nail plate, relieve nails of fungus, heals small cracks and stimulates nail growth. For maximum hydration of the skin of the hands, a mask is made: hands and nails are abundantly lubricated with coconut oil, and then gloves are put on for 10-15 minutes.
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7. Coconut oil for hair
Cosmetic Science has published several articles on the effects of coconut oil on hair. Coconut oil moisturizes hair and seals split ends. It also has comedogenic properties, so you only need to apply coconut oil to the length of your hair, without touching your scalp.
8. For tanning
Unlike sunscreen sprays, there are no additional chemicals in natural oil. It contains hyaluronic acid and promotes the production of melatonin, which gives the skin a beautiful chocolate hue during tanning. You can use coconut oil for tanning if your skin is already used to ultraviolet light, is strongly tanned and has acquired a dark color.
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9. For cleanliness and order in the house
Like any fatty oil, coconut oil easily copes with the removal of wax and gum, it can be used to lubricate the parts of a sewing machine. Coconut oil disinfects surfaces and makes them shiny, so it can be a substitute for polish. It can be used to wipe cutlery and leather products, while the pleasant scent of coconut will remain in the house, and not the fragrances from household chemicals.
Dr. Fife, also known as "Dr. Coconut", claims that about ten thousand scientific papers are now devoted to the study of the nut. At the same time, research results remain ambiguous, and scientists are forced to repeat experiments to find accurate data. In any case, already now we can be convinced of the beneficial properties of coconut oil in practice.
Reviews of doctors about coconut oil
Stanislav Khan, endocrinologist-nutritionist, Medswiss Clinic Zamoskvorechye. Posted by @doctor__khan
Today, there are completely opposite opinions about coconut oil and its health risks. The reason for this controversy is its high fat content. I would like to start my commentary from the basics: all fats are divided according to the degree of saturation into saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Saturated fatty acids are found mainly in animal products such as meat, poultry, dairy products and eggs, as well as coconut and palm oils. High intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty ones do not have such a negative effect.
Coconut oil is composed of approximately 90% saturated fat and 9% unsaturated fat. To date, scientific evidence shows that coconut oil does raise cholesterol levels, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.
The American Heart Association (AHA) in 2017 and updated American dietary guidelines call for limiting the use of this type of oil.
Anna Makhova, MD, PhD, general practitioner, clinical pharmacologist, associate professor of the I. M. Sechenov, author of the health blog @ dr.makhova.anna
Coconut oil is almost entirely composed of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFAs have antimicrobial potential against P. acnes (acne-causing propionobacteria). Due to its high concentration of small chain fatty acids (lauric acid), coconut oil can actually reduce inflammation and improve skin circulation. It has antioxidant and firming properties, reduces dry skin and the formation of age spots, and serves to prevent the appearance of wrinkles by increasing skin elasticity.
People with oily skin should be careful when using coconut oil. It is highly comedogenic - it can clog pores, and this aggravates acne. There is little evidence from scientific research on the benefits of coconut oil for skin care. There is little experimental work to prevent scarring by reducing inflammation and collagen production.
Before applying coconut oil to your skin, do a skin patch test to check for sensitivities and possible allergies. Anaphylactic reactions to coconut oil are rare. But sometimes contact dermatitis occurs. It occurs in some people when using lotions and other cosmetics containing coconut oil; expressed in the appearance of blisters and rashes.
Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, shaving cream, lotion, bath oil, lip balm, make-up remover, body scrub combined with sea salt or coffee.
Fatty acids soften the hair and retain moisture inside. Try to warm a small amount of the product in your palms and then distribute it through your hair. The longer you leave the oil on your hair, the better. Cover them with a towel for at least 15 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo. You can leave the mask overnight by wearing a shower cap.
Coconut oil face mask
Mix 1 tablespoon honey + 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil. Let it brew for 15-20 minutes. Apply the mask to clean, dry skin. Wait 10 minutes and remove it with a warm washcloth.
A change in the taste of the oil - rancidity - means that it has deteriorated and should not be used even for cosmetic purposes. The beneficial ingredients have oxidized and no longer have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The manufacturer usually indicates the shelf life on the packaging. It is important not to break them, so do not buy oil for future use.>