What are the health benefits of coconut oil?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:One cooking oil is especially flavorful and good for your health. In this video, Dr. Oz reveals the benefits of coconut oil.
One cooking oil is especially flavorful and good for your health. In this video, Dr. Oz reveals the benefits of coconut oil. More -
Dr. Audrey Kunin answered:Coconut oil is composed of an unusual medium chain fatty acid. These fats don't wreak the havoc on the cardiovascular system that its saturated-fat cousins cause.
Virgin coconut oil has an amazing ability to fight free-radical damage, presumably because it is rich in ferulic and p-coumaric acid. Consumed, this means these powerful antioxidants can fight free-radical damage and is now yet another tool in my wrinkle-busting arsenal. Applied topically, it has been shown to be useful in wound healing.
A recent journal article put omega-3-rich fish oils head to head with omega-6-rich coconut oil. Guess what they found? A diet rich in omega-3 fish oil alone led to a significant decrease in the body's ability to fight free-radical damage, presumably due to a noticeable drop in blood levels of vitamins E and A.
End result, while fish oils decreased plasma blood fats, they created a challenge to the antioxidant defense system. Not good news for banishing wrinkles. The best way to handle this for maximum skin health is to incorporate both omega-3 and omega-6 fats into your diet, both in moderation, of course.
Another plus, coconut oil contains lauric acid which boosts immunity and fights infection. The only other major source is mother's milk. Presumably for one prone to skin concerns that leave broken skin exposed to possible bacterial infection (such as eczema), having adequate levels of lauric acid could prove useful in reducing the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.
And finally, it has been suggested that individuals consuming virgin coconut oil instead of soybean, olive or corn oils may see a boost in metabolism and an edge in their attempts to lose weight. Now isn't that worth cooking for?Helpful? 8 people found this helpfulCoconut oil is composed of an unusual medium chain fatty acid. These fats don't wreak the havoc on the cardiovascular system that its saturated-fat cousins cause.Virgin coconut oil has an amazing ability to fight free-radical damage, presumably... More -
Ashley Koff answered:Want soft skin? Organic virgin coconut oil when you finish showering traps in the moisture for super soft smooth skin (run the glass bottle under your hot water to get liquid).
And as it softens your skin, it also protects you -- did you know coconut oil is a potent anti-bacterial/fungal. In fact, New Moms -- did you know that rubbing the oil on your nipples just prior to breastfeeding helps provide the baby additional protection vs. unwanted bugs (the added benefit is it keeps the skin soft and helps protect you too).
Lauric acid is the fatty acid found in coconut oil that provides these benefits. And the benefits continue on the insides too helping to fight off infection and lubricate the digestive tract.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulWant soft skin? Organic virgin coconut oil when you finish showering traps in the moisture for super soft smooth skin (run the glass bottle under your hot water to get liquid). And as it softens your skin, it also protects you -- did you know... More -
Dr. Joe Mercola answered:Family Physician and Integrative Health Specialist Dr. Joe Mercola discusses the health benefits of coconut oil. Watch Dr. Mercola's video for tips on overall health and wellness.
Family Physician and Integrative Health Specialist Dr. Joe Mercola discusses the health benefits of coconut oil. Watch Dr. Mercola's video for tips on overall health and wellness. More -
Lori Maggioni answered:Supporters of coconut oil say that despite its high calorie and fat content, coconut oil:
- Gives you energy
- Makes you feel more full
- Boosts your metabolism
- Improves thyroid function
Despite all the attention coconut oil has been getting in the media, scientific studies have shown mixed results for weight loss. It is important to remember that one tablespoon of coconut oil has 117 calories and 13 grams of fat.
If you are going to add coconut oil to your diet, it should replace other sources of fat. You may consider substituting coconut oil for other types of fats in your cooking.
Eating coconut oil in moderation for a short-term diet probably won't harm your health; it may or may not help you lose weight or lower cholesterol. More research is still needed in this area. For successful, long term weight loss, stick to the basics: an overall healthy eating diet with plenty of exercise!
Supporters of coconut oil say that despite its high calorie and fat content, coconut oil: Gives you energy Makes you feel more full Boosts your metabolism Improves thyroid function Despite all the attention coconut oil has been getting in... More
