10 Surprising Benefits of Coconut Oil

I was driving in the car with my mom this morning and noticed how soft and smooth her skin looked. To touch, her skin was super silky smooth. I asked if she'd been doing anything differently lately.

“Coconut oil!” she declared with a smile.

Coconut oil has a long list of wonderful uses, from cooking to moisturizing to immune boosting. Check out my top 10 benefits of coconut oil:

1. Cooking at high temperatures

Coconut oil is excellent for cooking at higher temperatures because it's a medium-chain saturated fatty acid. Other oils such as olive oil should be used only at low heat or in dressings and marinades, as it will oxidize at high temperatures and create free radicals. 

2. Beautiful skin

Coconut oil is super hydrating for your skin, keeping connective tissues strong and giving your skin a healthy glow. It also contains natural SPF of about 7 so can act as a mild sunscreen.

3. Immune booster

50% of the fat in coconut oil is a type of fat called lauric acid. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Coconut oil also contains caprylic acid and capric acid, which are also anti-fungal.

4. Oral health

Researchers in Ireland found that coconut oil treated with enzymes, in a process similar to digestion, strongly inhibits streptococcus bacteria, which are commonly found in the mouth that can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Try oil pulling - swishing coconut oil around in your mouth - for 5 minutes in the morning before brushing your teeth.

5. Boosts metabolism

Medium-chain saturated fats, like coconut oil promote healthy weight loss by immediately converting into energy rather than being stored as fat.

6. Digestive health

As mentioned above, coconut oil contains anti-microbial properties, which can help to combat bad bacteria, candida, or parasites that may be the root cause of a poor digestive system.

7. Natural lubricant

Many commercial lubricants can be irritating. Coconut oil can be a brilliant alternative for those women who experience vaginal dryness, and/or have chemical sensitivities or vulvar sensitivities.

8. Diabetes prevention

Studies have shown that coconut oil may protect against insulin resistance and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. MCFA fats are smaller and therefore are quickly converted into energy.

9. Beat sugar cravings

Use a tsp of coconut oil to keep sugar cravings at bay! Put it in your coffee, smoothie, or just go ahead and take it straight off a spoon when you feel the urge coming on.

10. Added to your diet, it does all of the above!

Use coconut oil as a popcorn topping, add it to smoothie for health fat, add to your coffee or tea instead of cream in sugar, use it in baking, or spread it on toast instead of butter.

Whichever way you choose to integrate it, adding this incredible oil to your diet or using it topically will seriously benefit your health!