Nature’s Solutions: The multiple beauty benefits of coconut oil

You’ve probably come across health and beauty products with coconut oil a main ingredient, and perhaps you’ve experienced the wonders of this natural oil for yourself. But, have you ever wondered what exactly this work of nature does for our bodies? It goes beyond just giving your hair a smooth shine, or acting as a hydrating moisturiser for our skin. It contains natural chemicals and acids that can prevent the most overlooked diseases which pose a huge danger to our health.

We’ve come up with a list of benefits that consuming or using coconut oil can do for your appearance and your body. Read on to be amazed by how wonderful this fragrant solution really is.

1. Moisturises

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturiser that does an amazing job for all skin types, including dry and flaky skin. It reduces water loss from the skin and leaves the skin feeling baby smooth after application. This means that coconut oil works as a wonderful substitute to massage oils, and even nourishes your skin while you’re enjoying a good rub-down.

2. Cleanses

If you’re looking for a natural facial cleanser, coconut oil should be one of your top considerations. It is antibacterial and antifungal, which is why many women see outstanding results after having used coconut oil in their daily facial routine for a while. Instead of layering on the artificial chemicals, why not try this soothing formula for a change?

3. Protects hair

Besides adding a seriously luscious shine to gorgeous locks (make sure you use only a little amount of coconut oil for this, if you don’t want your hair to look greasy), this magical oil helps to strengthen hair and prevent protein loss, so you might just want to switch up your conditioner for a coconut alternative!

4. Heals

If you have acne or skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, coconut oil can be used topically to fight these infections due to its well-known antioxidant properties. The fatty acids in coconut oil also help to reduce inflammation, which is perhaps why it is so popular an ingredient in skincare products.

5. Whitens teeth

Ever heard of the term oil pulling? You may have read our article that introduced this beauty trick to cleaner and whiter teeth. Basically, you swish oil in your mouth to allow bacteria to stick to the oil, ultimately relieving your mouth of all those foul microorganisms for better overall dental hygiene. Coconut oil is one of the most effective oils to use in this cleaning method, and one of the cheapest options too.

6. Reduces seizures

Coconut oil has been defamed in the past for containing an exceptionally high amount of saturated fats, which have been rumoured to cause atherosclerosis and other heart problems. However, recent research has shown that saturated fats are not as harmful as we previously thought them to be. In addition, the fatty acids that make up coconut oil are in fact medium chain triglycerides that break down differently from your usual saturated fatty acids found in animal meat. The fatty acids turn into ketones, which can greatly reduce the rate of epilepsy.

7. Prevents heart disease

Besides not posing a risk towards heart problems, coconut oil contains lauric acid which is a natural chemical that actively works against high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Saturated fats raise HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) levels while muting the effects of LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), which ultimately leads to improved heart health.

8. Promotes weight loss

Ladies, you have found your one-stop solution to that slender body you’ve always dreamed of. Firstly, the medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil help to increase energy expenditure, and has also been found to reduce one’s appetite, which is extremely helpful in the long run. Research has shown that coconut oil is especially effective when it comes to shaving off abdominal fats, the biggest problem of all!

9. Strengthens immunity

Due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, coconut oil is extremely effective in helping to fight harmful bacteria that enters the body. It contains lauric acid which turns into monolaurin, a substance that deals with dangerous diseases such as herpes, influenza and even HIV. It is important, therefore, especially when you’re ill, to include coconut oil in your diet if you know you have a poor immune system.

10. Improves brain function

If you thought there wasn’t anything else coconut oil could possibly do, perhaps it might come as a delight to know that it boosts brain function in Alzheimer’s patients, and helps to improve one’s memory as well. Ketones supply energy to the brain and aid in relieving Alzheimer’s symptoms. In the long run, the brain is kept healthy and younger than it should be.

Are you now convinced that coconut oil is indeed a superfood that you should be adding into your daily routine? Go ahead, try it for yourself and see how great this natural product really is!

Dione Chen

Photo: Getty Images

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