A quick search on health benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO) will in a second present 1000 search results pages, many of those article/reports are based on personal experiences as well as myths regarding VCO. Very few of those articles or claims are based on scientific researches or validated by scientific evidence.
As a clinical dietitian I meet clients on a daily basis with numerous questions concerning the claims of virgin coconut oil: does it really burn fat? is it a super drug? will it help my skin glow? these and many more interesting questions led me on a journey to review articles and researches on VCO.
Below is a list of 5 incredible benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO):
- Get
Candida in check: Yes indeed! A very interesting benefit. Virgin Coconut oil boasts of astounding anti fungal properties. It is known to clear oral Candida even in
HIV patients within a matter of days. Evidence shows that caprylic acid in VCO targets the Candida
yeast and prevents an overgrowth. So ladies don’t be shy to gently rub in some VCO into your lady parts for protection against bacterial overgrowth
also known as “white”. It should be noted that candida may require medical check and this recommendation should not be a substitute to prescribed candida medication.
- Good
for the skin: VCO is easily absorbed by the body and penetrates the
skin pores with ease, this is good news since VCO is laden with nutrients
and antioxidants which are excellent for skin care. Annually we unconsciously invest in skin care products and regimens artificially enriched with vitamin A, E, C, Zinc and so on in hopes of getting great, smooth baby skin devoid of wrinkles - yes! that's the dream. FUN FACT! - VCO is a natural, potent and inexpensive substitute to most of these pricey skin care brands. Xerosis, a common skin condition characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin was quickly reverted after 2 weeks of VCO use. Many individuals pride themselves with supple, soft and smooth skin as a result of daily moisturizing with VCO.
- Weight
loss aid: VCO boasts of high
levels Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), this type of fat is not easily stored in
the body but rather readily metabolized/ burned. This is good news for weight
watchers who are trying to lose a few inches around the mid section. When
compared with other fats, coconut oil contains 2.6% fewer calories but with this
said, weight watchers should bear in mind that coconut Oil is still calorie dense as
compared to other foods and a quantity abuse will result in weight gain. Always consult a Registered Dietitian (RD) for the right quantity of VCO to consume based on your body requirement.
- Boost Immune system: The immune system is our bodies sole defense against infections and diseases. Common cold,Cholera, Candida, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS are all as a result of a compromised or weak immune system. VCO is rich in phenolic substances which are known to have high
antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are compounds that halt the action of substances known to kill cells and weaken the body's immune system. thus continuous moderate intake of VCO will boost the bodies immunity against many bacteria and infections.
- Improve cardiovascular healthy: heart related conditions are on the rise in recent times, individuals are constantly getting diagnosed of cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, strokes , heart attacks and so on. Most of these diagnosis are due to high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood. It is therefore relieving to know that VCO aids in reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood and protects the heart against such dire heart complications. Again one needs to be careful about the quantity of VCO being consumed, a Registered Dietitian (RD) is the best professional to guide you on that.
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