12 unbelievable uses of coconut oil that no one told you
01. Surprising benefits of coconut oil!
Ever wondered about the different ways in which coconut oil can be used? This marvel oil has been used in India for generations for a variety of reasons because of its different health benefits.
Doctor Priyanka Sampat, Ayurveda expert at Birla Ayurveda lists down some benefits.
02. Oral health
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual where you swish oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit it out. Removing oral bacteria helps in prevention of various diseases in and around the gums. Oil pulling with coconut oil should be done thrice a week for healthier gums!
03. Natural Moisturiser
Coconut oil is used to treat dead skin, while also enhancing complexion. Since it has no side effects, it is used to treat an array of skin problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and skin burns. Coconut oil also helps in removing stretch marks and enhancing epidermis to prevent cellulite. Apply a few drops of coconut oils on your lips regularly to prevent chapped lips!
04. Hair care
Coconut oil is extremely beneficial for hair growth and helps in adding shine to the strands. A five-minute scalp massage with coconut oil not only increases the blow circulation in the body, but also helps in the replenishment of lost nutrients. By regularly massaging with coconut oil, you can also ensure that your hair is dandruff free!
05. Joint pain
In Ayurveda, due to Pitta Vruddhi, coconut oil is used to ease the pain in arthritis. It improves the ability to absorb calcium and magnesium in the bones.
06. Weight loss
The oil extracted from fresh coconut meat contains more medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) (70-85%) than other coconut oils. MCFAs are easily oxidized lipids and are not stored in adipose tissue unlike long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Thus, coconut oil containing mainly MCFAs may provide an ideal source for weight reduction.
07. Strengthens immunity
Coconut oil is a rich source of antimicrobial lipids like lauric acid and capric acid which possess antifungal and antibacterial properties. The micro flora in the saliva and gut help to break down the triglycerides in coconut oil into free fatty acids and glycerol, which have these immune strengthening effects.
08. Ideal for cooking
Amongst dietary oils, coconut oil is least vulnerable to oxidation, which makes it the safest for cooking. With a melting point of 76 Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), it is a white solid fat below that temperature and is clear liquid oil above this temperature.
09. Helps manage diabetes
Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar level and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes effective utilization of blood glucose, thus treating and preventing diabetes.
10. Relieves stress
Coconut oil has soothing effect that eliminates fatigue and leaves you fresh and relaxed. According to several researches, virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and is loaded with antioxidant properties.
11. Good for digestion
Coconut oil is great for digestion as it helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems.
12. Great for bone health
Coconut oil has the ability to absorb important minerals in the body such as magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for the development of bones.
13. Improves heart health
Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fat, which converts bad cholesterol into good cholesterol. Including a tsp of coconut oil in your diet helps in changing the ratio of HDL to LDL which automatically lowers the chances of developing heart disease.
