In the lives of South Sea Islanders coconut has the vital role of the coconut in their societies. The fact that the coconut is a mainstay of their traditional lifestyles continues to testify to its high nutritional value. It provides a nourishing food in the form of its fat, and its oil brings many benefits. Its multiple uses range includes medical and cosmetic applications, and some suggest it could even help you prevent aging. These are some of the most known benefits of coconut and its products: Helps fight bacteria The idea that the coconut could have a role fighting off bacteria is one that many will find very surprising. Most consider it a tasty food and drink but lack any awareness of possible medical qualities. Almost half of the fat of the coconut is composed of a substance known as lauric acid. This plays a key role destroying bacteria that active in the stomach and mouth areas. Interestingly enough this acid is also found in a mother’s breast milk. Researchers have proved that breast milk helps immunize babies against a variety of infection and in a similar way the lauric acid in coconuts can protect adults. Helps build up muscles The association between eating coconut products and strengthening muscles seems to be far stretched, but recent research suggests otherwise. It seems that coconut oil affects the pancreas in a way that causes it to produce more insulin. This compound is best known for its role controlling blood sugar levels but is also delivers nutrients to muscles. Thus an increased intake of coconut oil can be translated into a strengthening of muscle mass. Helps weight reduction The statistics show that obesity has become a major issue that now also affects not only adults but many children as well. Coconut oil helps in weight reduction because the fat it contains converts into energy much more easily than other types of fatty acids. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition supports showed that consumers of coconut oil have more success in reducing weight that those who eat products with “long-chain” fatty acids. A nourishing and diet-friendly food One common complaint of people on a diet is that they feel a lack of sufficient nourishment and so they complain about being hungry all the time. One of the many benefits of coconut oil is that it leaves people feeling satisfied. Once the hunger’s gone, they are no longer tempted to break their diets with quick filler convenience foods. Therefore, besides the nourishment it provides, coconut oil makes it easier to stick to dietary plans. A hair care product Hair care is yet another area where few would expect that coconut oil deserves mention, but the more you learn about this substance, the greater your appreciation of its versatility. Apparently, the protein-rich properties of coconut oil may help to keep hair strong and healthy as well as reducing the damage that naturally occurs when it is combed. Given that it is a cheap and completely safe product to use you should why not give it a try and see for yourself the benefits it brings. Useful for scalp care Just as coconut oil can improve hair health, many discover that it also serves as an effective anti-dandruff remedy. Applications of this oil hydrate the scalp and thus reduce the dryness that lies behind skin flaking or dandruff. This treatment is certainly going to appeal to the many people who are suspicious of using the anti-dandruff shampoos made the pharmaceutical companies; coconut oil provides them with an excellent natural alternative. GO TO PART 2 ......... (original source: Health Team Hayley) |
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