The Magic Uses of Coconut Oil

If I can have one oil to keep and ONLY one oil it would be coconut oil. It's THE oil of wonder oils. From the "tree of life", coconut oil or as it is commercially prepared, virgin coconut oil, has many health benefits way beyond its nutritional value. Its universal use even earned it the moniker the "universal healer" being able to heal and /or alleviate symptoms of many diseases and conditions. Coconut oil , as it turns out, is the highest containing Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) in any plant product. MCT's are unlike long chain triglycerides in that they are easily digested, absorbed, and easily metabolized for our body's needs.Long chain triglycerides involve more work and energy just to digest them and whatever our body doesn't use gets to be stored as FAT. Virgin coconut oil offers the following magical uses, allowing you to feel better today, tomorrow, and everyday with continual use:

1.Promote normal platelet function. Platelets aggregate or gather around new thrombi being formed and it is this thrombus formation that is solely responsible for arterial occlusion and plaque formation. It is this narrowing of our blood vessels which produce signs and symptoms of heart disease. Although the rate and amount of thrombus formation is also a function of the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fats we consume in our diets, it is the inherent role of the platelets which still govern.

2.Heart disease. Virgin coconut oil, being a Medium Chain Fatty Acid ( sometimes also called Medium Chain Triglyceride) is readily metabolized and absorbed in our body. Almost all is utilized as energy and unlike Long Chain Fatty Acids, whose excess are stored in our fat cells (adipose cells), Fatty Acids from virgin coconut oil are least likely to occlude our blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Other important roles afforded by this magic oil is it's anti-oxidant properties as well as it's role in maintaining normal platelet function.

3.Pregnant mothers. Pregnant mothers can avail of all the benefits given by virgin coconut oil in this long list as well as being an effective remedy for "morning sickness" all pregnant mothers experience during their first trimester of pregnancy.

4.Elderly. This oil should always be kept in the homes of our elderly. It offers so much health and therapeutic benefits that most people wonder how did they ever get by without it. As far as its benefits on digestion, on the immune system, and as an effective measure for the prevention of diseases such as heart disease and others are concerned, they can be found in this long list. The one benefit which I think is most useful for our elderly population is that virgin coconut oil can alleviate pain from arthritis. When heated and massaged over joints and limbs it provides an anti-inflammatory role against these diseases of the elderly.

5.Renal stones. Virgin coconut oil and coconut milk are effective deterrents against renal stones especially in individuals who are loosely labeled "stone-formers". A decreased incidence of Urinary Tract Infections also comes with this benefit.

6.Acne. Coconut milk when applied to the face helps clear acne as well as blackheads.

7.Tuberculosis. Virgin coconut oil is helpful for tuberculosis patients because it allows optimal absorption of the multivitamins co-prescribed with their TB drugs.

8.Typhoid. Typhoid as well as malaria have vomiting as an associated symptom with these diseases. Virgin coconut oil can alleviate vomiting in these diseases.

9.Ulcers. Virgin coconut oils are effective anti-emetics. They prevent vomiting associated with some diseases such as malaria and typhoid, as well as nauseated states. An added benefit to this is the less chance for the stomach to empty its contents and a lesser likelihood of ulcer formation.

10.Skin Moisturizer. If you read the labels found at the back of your favorite skin care products you'll find that most of them use virgin coconut oil as one of their major base oils. My preference and advise is to use the real thing instead, because there is rarely or ever a better substitute for coconut oil as a natural moisturizer for your skin. After taking a shower, apply it to your skin and you'll see that it's absorbed quite rapidly as you step out of your hot shower. Don't apply it to dry skin though unless you're into that greasy oily look.

11.Rashes and other skin conditions. Coconut oil is effective for Pregnant as well as nursing mothers who get eczema. Heat up a tablespoonful of coconut oil and apply over skin. This oil is also helpful in treating diaper rash on babies.

12.Immune Booster. Virgin coconut oil contains Lauric Acid which has been shown to give our immune system a much needed boost especially during times when it is suppressed or depressed. Our body's ability to mount an immune response can decrease significantly during some diseases as well as when taking medications. Again 3-4 tablespoonfuls daily is the ideal dosing of virgin coconut oil.

13.Detoxifier. It has been know for quite some time that virgin coconut oil is an effective laxative. Go beyond the recommended 3-4 tablespoons daily and you have the most natural detoxifying agent, cleansing out your digestive system for better absorption of food nutrients.

14.Dietary supplement. Virgin coconut oil has permissive effects in the absorption of multivitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and the fat soluble vitamins D, A, E, and K. In a sense, it enhances the absorption of these vitamins. Tuberculosis patients, patients suffering from anemia, children with Rickets and any disease which causes vitamin deficient states can greatly benefit from this oil.

15.Malnutrition. Virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed and utilized for energy. It's an effective first line health supplement for malnourished individuals.

16. Thyroid. The Medium chain triglycerides found in virgin coconut oil enhance thyroid function. Thyroid hormones have many roles in our body and some of their most relevant roles are having to do with our metabolism, our immune system, and growth.

17.Diabetes. virgin coconut oil balances our serum glucose levels and has is especially effective with pregnant mothers suffering with gestational diabetes. It also improves insulin secretion from the pancreas.

18.Alzheimer's Disease. Our neural tissues are made of complex fats some of which are prone to oxidation. It is this oxidation of these lipids which is the most common early cause of this disease. Virgin coconut oil is not easily oxidized because it's highly saturated. Reports have been conducted in the medical community where drastic improvements were observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking virgin coconut oil as supplement to their diet.

19.Colon Cancer. Virgin coconut oil by way of it's anti-oxidant properties is an effective prevention of Cancer.

20.Memory enhancer. Our brain has a preference for Medium Chain Fatty Acids such as those found in virgin coconut oil hence this oil helps alleviate memory loss.

21.Fertility. Coconut milk or even virgin coconut oil is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and other "alkalizing" minerals. Alkalizing the body is conducive for conception.

22.Rheumatism. Virgin coconut oil has very good anti-inflammatory properties. Heat a tablespoonful over a candle and wait for it to cool only for a bit. Apply and massage deeply over joints. heating the oil allows for faster absorption.

So, that's our Top 22 magical uses of this oil from the Tree of Life. Everyday, as households all over America are discovering, new uses, both medicinally and therapeutically, arise. Until our next post...take care of yourselves and one another. Thanks again for your time.