Some people say coconut oil is the healthiest oil on Earth. Others believe the jury is still out when it comes to awarding any particular oil with the title of “healthiest.” Indeed, those who use essential oils understand that there are many varieties of oils with many different applications that may be used to benefit human health and well-being. But there’s no denying that there’s still something special about coconut oil.
Coconut oil comes from the coconut palm tree. Not surprisingly, coconuts are often referred to as “the tree of life,” because they have multiple uses, spanning from food, drink, fiber, fuel, tools and many other benefits.
A valuable characteristic of coconuts is their composition of healthy fatty acids. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, fatty acids that are mostly saturated, making the oil remarkably resistant to oxidization at high temperatures. In other words, coconut oil doesn’t break down when it’s heated, making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying. Simply put, coconut oil is stable, and by the way, it has a long shelf life!
Notably, the medium-chain triglycerides quickly move from the digestive tract to the liver, where they are changed into ketone bodies, providing a quick source of energy.
The Mayo Clinic reported that there have been studies which investigated the relationship between coconut oil and weight loss, and while it doesn’t necessarily lead to what one might consider “significant weight loss,” the studies suggest that coconut oil may aid in reducing waist size. Every little bit helps, right?
Many coconut oil lovers use it as a kind of mouthwash for oil pulling, which is a centuries-old practice whereby the user swishes oil around inside the mouth, in order to promote good oral hygiene. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is known for its anti-microbial properties, giving it a propensity to stave off viral and bacterial infections, as well as yeasts.
CNN.com reported that Dr. Amala Guha, the assistant professor of immunology and medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center, recommends using coconut oil for daily oral hygiene, stating that it has mildly abrasive properties and more benefits than other oils that are typically used for the same purpose.
Even though the popularity of coconut oil seems to be a recent, trendy phenomenon — with its biggest advocates citing more than 100 uses — it has been a significant part of the diet of millions of people for centuries. Some people have food allergies that prevent them from being able to digest proteins, but the protein in this fruit is found in the meat of the coconut itself, not in its remarkable oil.
We warmly welcome you to speak with one of our Wellness Advocates to learn more about how the oil from “the tree of life” might specifically benefit you.
