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By now, you’ve probably heard a lot of health and nutrition experts talk about the benefits of adding coconut oil to your diet.
But, have you ever actually taken a look at these health benefits? There are so many different reasons to buy a bottle of coconut oil that it’s hard to keep track!
As one of the few foods considered to be a real “superfood,” coconut oil’s powerful blend of fatty acids and antioxidants, makes it ideal for just about any health problem—from weight gain and skin issues to brain function and energy levels.
If you haven’t tried coconut oil yet, here are just a few reasons to pick up a bottle today:
Coconut Oil Can Increase Energy Expenditure to Help You Burn More Fat
According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats. In other words, when coconut oil forces your body to expend more energy, you burn more calories, which in turn leads to significant weight loss.
Coconut Oil Can Curb Your Appetite, Making You Eat Less Throughout the Day
One of the most amazing side effects of adding coconut oil to your diet is that it can actually make you feel less hungry. According to research in the Obesity Journal, this may have something to do with the way the fatty acids in it are metabolized, since ketone bodies have been shown to reduce appetite. So, by starting your day with a little coconut oil, you can actually reduce your appetite throughout the day and lose more weight.
Coconut Oil Can Protect Hair & Skin Against Damage
If you’ve been experiencing dry skin or brittle hair, coconut oil can be used as an extremely effective moisturizer. A study in the journal Dermatitis found that coconut oil can actually improve the moisture and lipid content of the skin. Another study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that coconut oil can protect hair from sun and heat damage, while one in Pharmacognosy Reviews shows that it can be used as an effective sunscreen that blocks about 20% of UV rays.
Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function, Especially in Alzheimer’s Patients
A study in the journal BMC Neuroscience found that the ketone bodies in coconut oil can increase the energy supply in the brain. This is especially helpful for Alzheimer’s patients, who suffer from a reduced ability to use glucose as energy in certain parts of the brain. In this way, regular use of coconut oil may be able to help decrease the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Do you have any health benefits to add? If so, let us know in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2012 Meal Makeover Moms/Flickr
