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Coconut oil is the chief cooking oil in the coastal tropical regions. Coconut oil is also used to add flavor and aroma to a number of dishes all over the world. And you must have surely heard about the nourishment this oil provides when massaged on skin and hair. No doubt coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care and hair care.
The health benefits of coconut oil include the following:
- Antibiotic properties: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
- Weight loss: It is helpful in reducing weight as it contains short and medium-chain fatty acids and is easy to digest, probably because it supports healthy functioning of the thyroid.
- Cholesterol levels: Coconut oil is saturated in nature; however, it does not lead to increase in HDL and LDL levels.
Further Reading:
Coconut Oil is the Healthiest Oil on Earth
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