Pros & Cons of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been enjoyed in the tropical regions such as Central America, South America and Africa for a very long time. In the United States, however, the heart disease rate caused some to take another look at coconut oil as a possible cause in the 1950's. Since then, coconut oil has lost much of its popularity. Although this oil does still have its drawbacks, it may also have a lot to offer our diet today as well.

Helping Digestion

One of the benefits of coconut oil is that it may help the digestive system and lessen the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. Anti-microbial properties that are contained in coconut oil allow it to aid the body in the digestive process. The oil also may help the body absorb the amino acids and other minerals that are found in various foods.

Immunity

Coconut oil can be very beneficial in not only helping to maintain an already healthy immune system, but it can also help to aid in faster healing times. The oil has several antiviral and antibacterial properties that can also help make an immune system stronger.

Skin Protector

Massage oils often have coconut oil as an ingredient. Coconut oil can be useful in moisturizing dry skin as well as being of benefit to such conditions as eczema and psoriasis. This can be due in part to coconut oil's ability to prevent sagging by maintaining the connective tissues strength within the cell. This can also prevent wrinkles from forming on skin.

Weight Loss

The fatty acids found in coconut oil may assist in losing weight. The oil can enhance the metabolism of the body. That helps calories to burn off instead of staying behind as fat in the body. In this regard, coconut oil may be better for losing weight than non-saturated oils due to the fact that coconut oil has fewer calories.

Long Shelf Life

Coconut oil has a long shelf life due to its low saturated fat content. The mono and poly saturated fats can cause the oil to spoil in storage. Also the contents of antioxidants in coconut oil can help to prevent spoilage. In combination with coconut oils' ingredient makeup, if the oil can be kept below the temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, it may last as long as two years.

Helping the Liver

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that are quickly changed by the body into energy rather than stored as fat. These types of acids can go directly to the liver to be made into energy. This can mean less work for the liver to do--as well as having no fat for the body to store.

Cholesterol Problems

Consuming foods with saturated fat can be unhealthy for the body. Eating large amounts of coconut oil may raise the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL in some people. These high levels of LDL may lead to heart disease. For those people who may already have high cholesterol, coconut oil may not be the best choice for health.