Though many people use coconut oil everyday, most of them are not aware of its numerous health and nutrition health benefits. Read this article to explore the nutritional value of coconut oil.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil

The kernel or meat of a matured coconut, harvested from the coconut palm, is processed to extract coconut oil. It has been used as the primary source of fat throughout the world by many people, since generations. Coconut oil is extremely beneficial to several body parts of a human being, such as hair, skin, kidney, liver and others. Due to its low calorie content, the oil is consumed by body builders and jocks as well. It forms an important ingredient in most body-care products, like soaps, skin creams, hair oils, shampoos and body lotions. Read through the following lines to know more about the health and nutrition benefits of coconut oil and also explore its nutritional value.
 
Nutritional Value of Coconut Oil
 
Amount of Coconut Oil: 1 cup
Total Weight of Coconut Oil: 218 g
 
Nutrients
Amount
Calories
 
Total Calories
1879
Calories From Fat
1879
Phytosterols
187 mg
Fats & Fatty Acids
 
Total Fat
218 g
Saturated Fat
189 g
Monounsaturated Fat
12.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3.9 g
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
3923 mg
Vitamins
 
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
0.2 mg
Vitamin K
1.1 mcg
Choline
0.7 mg
Minerals
 
Iron
0.1 mg
 
Nutrition & Health Benefits Of Eating Coconut Oil
 
  • Coconut oil is considered as the best natural nutrition for hair as it helps in regular growth of hair, along with keeping the scalp free of dandruff, lice and lice eggs.
  • The oil can be applied and massaged into hair to relieve stress ands mental fatigue.
  • It serves as an effective moisturizer for all types of skin, as it prevents dryness and flaking.
  • Coconut oil helps in treating various skin diseases, like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
  • As it contains antioxidant properties, the oil prevents premature aging and degenerative diseases.
  • It is very helpful in preventing heart problems that include high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
  • Coconut oil reduces the occurrence of injuries in arteries, thereby helping prevent atherosclerosis.
  • Since it contains short and medium-chain fatty acids, it helps in removing excessive weight.
  • Very easy to digest, the oil enables healthy functioning of thyroid and enzymes systems.
  • Coconut oil improves digestion and hence, helps in preventing various stomach and digestion related problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
  • It contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid that have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Thus, coconut oil helps in strengthening the immune system.
  • The oil helps in dealing with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV.
  • Coconut oil fights harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
  • External application of the oil on infections protects the infected part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus, and even speeds up the healing process.
  • Due to its antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, it kills viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, etc. and bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and gonorrhea, etc.
  • Coconut oil is very effective against fungi and yeast that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, etc.
  • The oil helps in dissolving kidney stones and prevents other kidney and gall bladder diseases.
  • It controls blood sugar, improves the secretion of insulin and effectively utilizes blood glucose, thus preventing and treating diabetes.

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