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Dr. Josh Axe

To date, there are over 1,500 studies proving

coconut oil to be one of the healthiest foods on the
planet. Coconut oil benefits and uses go beyond
what most people realize, as coconut oil - made
copra or dried coconut flesh - is a true superfood.
Research has finally uncovered the secrets to
this amazing superfood: namely healthy fats called

~
medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These unique fats Proven Coconut Oil Benefits
inciude:Caprylic acid, lauric acid and Capric acid According to medical research and the USDA
Around 62 percent of the oils in coconut are nutrient database, coconut oil benefits the body in
made up of these three healthy fatty acids and 91 the following ways:
percent of the fat in coconut oil is healthy saturated
:ets in ~ Proven Alzheimer's Disease Natural Treat­
fat. This fat composition makes it one of the most
Icts of ment
beneficial fats on the planet, as the USDA nutrient
Irkets. The digestion of MCFAs by the liver creates
database shows.
Ire of
Most of the fats we consume take longer time to ketones that are readily accessible by the brain for
rough energy. Ketones supply energy to the brain without
I help
digest, but MCFAs found in coconut oil provide the
perfect source of energy because they only have to the need of insulin to process glucose into energy.
d will
go through a three-step process to be turned into Recent research has shown that the brain actually
rvered
fuel vs. other fats that have to go through a 26-step creates its own insulin to process glucose and power
JPS in
process! brain cells. As the brain of an Alzheimer's patient
conut
Unlike long-chain fatty acids found in plant-based loses the ability to create its own insulin, the ketones
mand
oils, MCFAs are easier to digest, not readily stored from coconut oil could create an alternate source of
tional
as fat, antimicrobial and antifungal, smaller in size, energy to help repair brain function .
:nefit
xport allowing easier cell permeability for immediate ~ Prevents Heart Disease and High Blood
of all energy and processed by the liver, which means that Pressure
earch they're immediately converted to energy instead of
Coconut oil is high -in natural saturated fats .
neurs being stored as fat. All ofthis shows why this oil made
Saturated fats not only increase the healthy
vities from coconut copra makes for a true superfood, and
cholesterol (known as HDl cholesterol) in human
ier in it's why coconut oil benefits are so plentiful and
body, but also help convert the LDl"bad" cholesterol
re o • amazing.
 Health

into good cholesterols. By increasing the HDL in the ~ Immune System Boost (Antibacterial, Anti­
healt
body, it helps promote heart health and lower the ulcer
fungal and Antiviral)
risk of heart disease. Coconut oil benefits the heart ~ Rj
Coconut oil contains lauric acid (monolaurin),
by lowering high triglycerides. and
which is known to reduce candida, fight bacteria
~ Treats UTI and Kidney Infection and Pro­
and create a hostile environment for viruses. Many n
tects the Liver
diseases today are caused by the overgrowth of bad panc
Coconut oil has been known to clear up and heal bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites in the body. COCOI

urinary tract infection (UTI) and kidney infections. You can replace grains and sugar in your diet with Addi1
The MCFAs in the oil work as a natural antibiotic by coconut oil as your natural fuel source when you're it ha
disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and killing sick. Sugar feeds the growth of bad bacteria. Instead, gallb
them. Research also shows that coconut oil directly take one tablespoon of coconut oil three times daily fats ~
protects the liver from damage. Coconut water also when sick, and consume plenty of vegetables and body
helps hydrate and support the healing process. bone broth as well. ~ I,
Doctors have even injected coconut water to clear ~ Improves Memary and Brain Function drul
up kidney stones. Coconut is a powerful superfood,
In a 2004 study published in the Journal of C
which is evident given all these tremendous coconut
Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that mois
oil benefits.
the MCFAs in coconut oil improved the memory man'
~ Reduces Inflammation and Arthritis problems in their older subjects. lauri
In a study in India, the high levels of antioxidants Across all the patients there was a marked and
present in virgin coconut oil (VCO) reduced improvement in their recall ability after taking this solu1
inflammation and treated arthritis more effectively fatty acid. As the MCFAs are absorbed easily in the the ~
than leading medications. In another recent study, body and can be accessed in the brain without the for f
coconut oil that was harvested with only medium use of insulin. Thus, they are able to fuel brain cells prop
heat was found to suppress inflammatory cells. It more efficiently. that
worked as both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. unrE
~ Improves Energy and Endurance
~ Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Coconut oil is easy to digest and also produces a
longer sustained energy and increases metabolism.
When taking a quality unrefined coconut oil, you can
get the most coconut oil benefits as its MCFAs are
sent directly to the liver to be converted into energy.
Today, many triathletes use coconut oil as their
source of fuel during training and races for long­
distance events. You can make a homemade energy
fuel by mixing coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds
together. Simply put together one tablespoon of
each and consume 30 minutes prior to exercise.
~ Improves Digestion and Reduces Stomach
Ulcers and Ulcerative Colitis
Coconut oil has two qualities that help it fight
cancer: one, because of the ketones produced in Coconut also improves digestion as it helps
its digestion. Tumor cells are not able to access the the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, calcium and cen '
energy in ketones and are glucose-dependent. It's magnesium. If coconut oil is taken at the same time and
believed that a ketogenic diet could be a possible as omega-3 fatty acids, it can make them twice as one
component of helping cancer patients recover. Two, effective, as they are readily available to be digested its
as the MCFAs digest the lipid walls of bacteria, they and used by the body. swi:
also can kill the helicobacter pylori bacteria that has Coconut oil can help improve bacteria and gut the
been known to increase the risk of stomach cancer. health by destroying bad bacteria and candida. gre ,
Even in studies where cancer is chemically induced, Candida imbalance especially can decrease stomach YOL

the introduction of coconut oil prevents cancer from acid, which causes inflammation and poor digestion. I re
developing. All this together means coconut oil benefits digestive for

~
e. In.;an Coconut Joumal
March 2019
 ,

Health

health and helps treat or prevent stomach ulcers and ~ Prevents Osteoporosis
" Anti­ ulcerative colitis.
Oxidative stress and free radicals are the two
~ Reduces Symptoms of Gal/bladder Disease biggest culprits of osteoporosis. Since coconut oil
1Olaurin),
bacteria and Pancreatitis has such high levels of antioxidants, which help
es. Many The MCFAs of coconut oil do not need the fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment
th of bad pancreatic enzymes to be broken down, so taking for osteoporosis . Another of the amazing coconut
he body. coconut oil eases the strain on the pancreas. oil benefits is that it increases calcium absorption
diet with Additionally, this superfood is so easy to digest that in the gut. Research on osteoporosis has found that
~n you're it has been known to improve the symptoms of coconut oil not only increases bone volume and
. Instead, gallbladder disease as well. Replace other long-chain structure in su bjects, but aIso decreased bone loss
nes daily fats with coconut oil to improve gallbladder and total due to osteoporosis.
bles and body health. ~ Improves Type II Diabetes
~ Improves Skin Issues (Burns, Eczema, Dan­ When cells refuse to respond to insulin and
>n druff, Dermatitis and Psoriasis) no longer take in glucose for energy, then they' re
,urnal of considered insulin-resistant. The pancreas then
Coconut oil is wonderful as a face cleanser,
Ind that pumps out more insulin to compensate and creates
moisturizer and sun screen, but also it can treat
memory an overproduction cycle. Insulin resistance is the
many skin disorders. The fatty acids (caprylic and
precursor to type II diabetes. The MCFAs in coconut
lauric) in coconut oil reduce inflammation internally
oil help balance the insulin reactions in the cells and
marked and externally and moisturize, making them a great
promote healthy digestive process. They take off the
king this solution for all types of skin conditions. It protects
strain on the pancreas and give the body a consistent
Iy in the the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal
energy source that is not dependent on glucose
hout the for healing the skin. In addition, the antimicrobial
reactions, which can prevent insulin resistance and
"ain cells properties balance out the candida or fungal sources
type II diabetes.
that can cause many skin conditions. There's so much
unrefined coconut oil can do for skin. ~ Coconut Oil for Weight loss
Because of the energy-creating abilities of coconut
)duces a
oil and the fact it's a no-carb oil, it is no wonder that
abolism.
it is beneficial in losing weight. It helps burn fat and
you can
calories, decrease appetite, and in studies it was
: FAs are especially helpful in losing belly fat. Coconut's ability
I energy.
to help you shed fat has been well-established. A
as their 1985 study published in the Journal ofToxicology and
or long­
Environmental Health proved that a single injection
~ energy
-of capric acid resulted in {{initially rapid, then gradual
ia seeds
decrease in food consumption and a parallel loss of
:JOon of body weight" in male rats .
ise .
It might seem counterintuitive to assume that
nach eating coconut oil (a fat) will contribute to fat loss, but
~ Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay it is actually quite logical. The key to understanding
t helps Oil pulling with coconut oil has been used for thi s phenomenon lays in the multidimensional ability
um and centuries as a way to cleanse the mouth of bacteria of the MCFAs to control a variety of physiological
netime and help heal periodontal disease. Coconut oil is processes.
wice as one of the most effective oils for oil pulling due to For example, in the 1985 study mentioned above,
Jigested its high concentration of antibacterial MCFAs. By it was discovered that capric acid shows significant
swishing the oil in your mouth, the oil denatures improvements in thyroid function, helps lower
3nd gut the bacteria and sticks to it. Removing oral bacteria resting heart rate and assists your body in burning
andida . greatly reduces your risk of periodontal disease. If fat for energy. More recently, the Obesity Research
tomach you want to heal your gums and repair your teeth, Journal published a study from Boston University
sestion. I recommend coconut oil pulling three times a week Medical School that gives us a clue why MCFAs have
igestive for 20 minutes a day. fat-burning ability.

Indian Coconut Journal

March 2019
 Health

Testing the effects that MFCAs have on fat remove processed sugar and refined grains from
breakdown, adipose (fatty) cells in rats were your diet and consume plenty of healthy fats. Take
pretreated with caprylic acid. They observed that one tablespoon of coconut oil three times daily as a
fat breakdown occurred at such a significant level supplement.
that it literally mimicked the characteristics of ~ Coconut Oil for Anti-Aging
fasting. Fasting, in this sense, is not to be regarded
as negative, but positive in that the body uses its According
energy reserves most effectively and speeds up the to research
breakdown of needless fat reserves. In the words published in
of the researchers who conducted this study, "Such the medical
changes could contribute, in part, to weight loss journal Food and
in animals and humans associated with dietary Function, coconut
medium-chain fatty acids." oil improves
antioxidant levels
~ Building Muscle and Losing Body Fat and can slow
MCFAs aren't just good for burning fat; they are aging. Coconut oil
also great for building muscle. The MCFAs found in works by reducing
coconut are also used in popular muscle-bUilding stress on the liver and lowering oxidative stress.
products like Muscle MilkTM. The vast majority Also, researchers found that coconut oil may
of heaVily produced supplements, however, use support detoxification because of how it works with
processed forms of MCFAs. By eating actual coconuts the liver. To naturally slow aging, take one tablespoon
instead, you get the "real deal." I recommend adding of coconut oil with antioxidant-rich berries for
three tablespoons of coconut oil to a muscle-building breakfast. You can also apply it directly to skin for
shake daily. additional benefits and smoothing.

I I ~ Coconut Oil for Hormone Balance

Using coconut oil benefits your hormones as well! o
Coconut oil may help naturally balance hormones
because it's a great source of saturated fat, including
lauric acid. Studies have found that coconut oil may
be an excellent fat to consume during menopause
and also may have positives effects on estrogen
levels.
744
In order to naturally balance hormones, reduce Pr
~ Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair Care sugar and grain consumption and load up on healthy
If you have dandruff or dry hair, coconut oil has the fats from coconut, avocado, flax seeds and ghee.
perfect fatty acids to help improve these conditions. You can also consume other coconut forms, such as
In fact, there is so much coconut oil can do for hair. coconut butter or coconut water.
You can make homemade coconut lavender shampoo The benefits of coconut oil are immense. Coconut A~ '
to improve your hair and use straight coconut oil as oil helps the body in so many ways. Remember The i
an all-natural hair conditioner. To get rid of dandruff to use coconut oil in place of other cooking oils of ec
and thicken hair, massage one tablespoon of coconut whenever you can since it has an extremely healthy COCOI
oil mixed with 10 drops of rosemary essential oil fat composition, and always opt for the pure coconut occUI
into your scalp for three minutes. Then shower 30 oil to get the best coconut oil benefits. the i
minutes later. Source: Dr.Axe.com: of 4E
~ Candida and Yeast Infections *Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor of chiropractic, certi­ and
fied doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist with a alonE
A study published in the journal Antimicrobial passion to help people eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.
Coco
Agents and Chemotherapy found the capric acid and In 2008, he started a functional medicine center in Nashville,
which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in Nicol
lauric acid in coconut oil made for an effective natural
the world.Dr. Axe founded the natural health website DrAxe. the r
treatment for candida albicans and yeast infections.
com, which at over 17 million monthly visitors is considered whilE
To effectively kill candida and treat yeast infections, the No.1 natural health website in the world today . • islan

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e Indian Coconul Journal
March2019
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