In the past year there has been a lot of confusion on whether coconut oil is healthy. But we are here to set the record straight and to give you some great tips and tricks for using this incredible natural source.
Coconut oil has been used for years to cook with, bake with, to apply to your face, skin, hair. It has been used on rashes, sunburn, acne, you name it! But recently some information has been put out leaving us all to wonder who is telling the truth. So let’s break some facts down.
1. Cholesterol
The AHA (American Heart Association) claims that coconut oil will raise your LDL “bad” cholesterol. And yes, it can, but they failed to share that is also raises the HDL, the “good” cholesterol too! They state that LDL cholesterol can lead to heart disease, but studies show that low cholesterol leads to heart disease. And the angle of healing the heart isn’t just looking at cholesterol, we need to look at inflammation, which is the main cause of heart disease.
2. Oil Recommendations
And if you really want to know who is looking out for your health, this should give you the answer. The AHA recommends having more corn and soy oil in your diet. Which almost 100% of these crops are genetically modified. Wow, that says it all to me. But if you need proof, a study was done in 2016 where people took saturated fats out of their diet and replaced them with corn oil and butters. The results show that these people increased their risk of heart disease and death!
Those were the 2 major issues we wanted to clarify for you today. Now we do believe that anything in excess is bad, and that is mainly what the AHA is talking about, so we agree with them there. But if you look at the benefits of this oil and realize the power of it. You will see God created this to benefit us. Now we want to tell you about the benefits and the ways you can use coconut oil in the healthiest and safest way.
Benefits
There are over 1,500 studies proving that coconut oil is incredibly healthy and beneficial for your health. It is one of the best superfoods to consume and we are sharing all the benefits of this fruit!
1. Good Fats
Sixty-two percent of the oil found in coconuts is made of the 3 very important and healthy fats that are bodies needs. These fats are quickly turned into energy giving your body a simple break down process of food and a fast boost of energy for you to get you through your day.
2. Good for the liver
You hear me talk a lot about the importance of a healthy liver, and coconut oil is a great supporter of that. Research has shown that it protects the liver from damage. And since the liver is a key organ in the proper function of many other organs in the body, we need it to be healthy and protected.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Coconut oil has very high levels of antioxidants which aid in lowering inflammation throughout the body. It was also found to suppress inflammatory cells. This is so important because many diseases that we see today are caused by inflammation, so if we can get to the root of the disease there will be healing.
4. Boost Immunity
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been shown to create a hostile environment for bacteria to grow. Grains and sugar feed bacteria where coconut oil kills it, so consuming 2-3 teaspoons a day will support your body and help you heal quickly.
5. Improves Digestion
Coconut oil helps the overall health of your gut by allowing your body to absorb vitamins and minerals. Candida is on the major red flags for your gut health. It can cause major imbalance and can allow bacteria to grow which causes inflammation. The good fats in coconut oil destroy the bacteria and candida altogether giving healing and balance back to your gut which is a crucial player in your overall health.
How to Use:
There are many different ways you can use coconut oil and today we are going to talk you through a few of them. From hair care to stretch mark healing there are many uses for this superfood besides in the kitchen.
1. Hair
I know what you’re thinking…oil in my hair. But if you want those long locks you have dreamed then doing a coconut oil mask is the way to go. Simply put coconut oil in your hair from roots to ends. Wrap your hair in a bun and let it sit for at least an hour. (The longer you let it stay, the longer it has to work it’s magic) The reason it is so beneficial for your hair is because of the fats. They are perfect for strengthening your hair and thickening. So have a self-care Sunday and soak your hair in coconut oil for the smoothest results that work better than any drug store hair mask you can find.
2. Anti-aging
Another beauty secret is coconut oil for your skin. It is great way to avoid the toxins that are used in drugstore brands. Coconut oil is so effective because it is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than lotions and moisturizers. If your skin is dry coconut oil is one of the best remedies. It is good to use it especially on your knees and elbows. It is also is great to use on your cuticles to keep germs away and to soften them before a manicure.
3. Detox Bath
Most of us could argue that they don’t have time during their week for a bath, but we have to remember that self-care is incredibly important. Pick one day out of the week and do 3 things for yourself. One of them can be a detox bath. It is a great way to rejuvenate your body while allowing your mind to relax. Mix 1/4 cup Epsom salt with 1/4 cup coconut oil into a warm bath. If you would like to add some essential oils, this is a great time to use them.
4. Cold Sore Treatment
If you are prone to cold sores, putting coconut oil on them can alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process. Because of the chain of fatty acids within coconut oil, it breaks down bacteria quickly and it protects against infections.
5. Stretch Marks
Using coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and bring elasticity back to the skin. It keeps your skin moisturized and heals the skin quickly.
6. Bug Spray
Toxic chemicals are hiding in that store bought brand of bug spray, so why not make your own. Mix 8 ounces of coconut oil with 50 drops of essential oils such as tea tree, citronella, mint or lemongrass. You will need to reapply more, this is a great step to take for your family to keep them safe from bugs and safe from toxins entering their body.
7. Makeup Remover
The skin around our eyes is very sensitive and thin, so using coconut oil is a delicate way to remove makeup and to moisturize your skin. This also has anti-aging properties and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
8. Sunburn
Coconut oil can help inflamed and irritated skin. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it speeds up healing, allowing your body to recover faster. It can help reduce redness and rehydrate skin after it has been over exposed to the sun. You can also mix coconut oil with aloe vera or an essential oil for extra relief.
9. Diaper Rash
Having little ones can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to pick the safest and most effective products for their bodies. You want to avoid toxins at all costs and using coconut oil for diaper rash and for prevention is a great option. It eases itchiness, pain and redness that can come. It is safe for those sensitive areas and you can use without worry of toxicity or reaction.
10. Body Scrub
Exfoliating is a great way to take care of your skin and an easy step to add in the shower. It removes dead skin cells, and it increases blood circulation and heals skin faster. Simply mix coconut oil with coconut sugar, add an essential oil as well for aromatherapy and you will have smoother, more glowing skin.
For more information and tips visit DrSerrano.me