What if we get you familiar with an amazing ingredient that works wonders for your internal as well as external health? Well, this magic solution is an extra virgin coconut oil, a secret gift of nature to mankind.
This superfood maintains flawless skin and strong hair. Moreover, when you include it in your daily diet, it provides multiple health benefits. For its several uses and benefits, extra virgin coconut oil is considered a ‘lifeline of health’.
Let’s discuss its usage and benefits in detail in this article. Keep reading it and thoroughly learn further!
What Is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
Well, the purified version-extra virgin coconut oil is prepared using raw and mature coconut meat and coconut milk. Without undergoing any chemical processing, it maintains its natural nutrients.
The coconut oil is extracted through a cold pressed method which does not need much heating. Neither, it is refined nor bleached, which enhances its nutritional value. Hence, called the “mother of all oils” coconut oil is the treasure of many nutrients-antioxidants, vitamins, and several minerals.
Nutritional Profile Of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
According to the nutrition facts, 1 tablespoon of organic extra virgin coconut oil serves:
- Calories 104
- Fat 11.5 grams
- Saturated fat 9.6 grams
- Protein 0 grams
- Sugar 0 gram
- Carbohydrates 0 gram
- Fiber 0 gram
Use Of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling using organic virgin coconut oil is one of the ancient practices, helping to fight off harmful mouth bacteria. In addition, it is the best method to prevent bad breath, better gum health, and reduce tooth cavities.
Recommended Use: For best results, use 1 to 3 times a day.
Self-Massage
You can give a self-massage yourself using extra virgin coconut oil. The results are very effective as it improves blood circulation, enhances the good quality of sleep, and moisturizes internal organs, bones, and joints. Additionally, the oil is very nourishing as it makes skin soft and plumpy.
Recommended Use: You can use it daily or about 2 to 3 times a week for great results.
Nasal Therapy
Practicing nasal therapy using coconut oil cleanses sinuses, moisturizes nasal passages, cures cracks in nostrils, and improves vision, voice, and attention.
Recommended Usage: Only when needed
Bath Oil
Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil to warm water to have a soothing bath. The aroma of the oil will give a relaxing feeling to your sense organs and its nutrients will provide the moisturizing treatment.
Hair Mask
For deep hair conditioning, apply 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil to your hair roots and then wrap them using a shower cap. Leave it for 45 minutes or for an hour and then wash it off using a mild shampoo.
Health Benefits Of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Maintains Cholesterol Level
Being rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats(healthy fats), extra virgin coconut oil controls LDL bad cholesterol levels. This type of cholesterol builds up fatty acids in blood vessels which causes blockages in arteries, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
However, short chain and medium fatty acids present in virgin coconut oil develop HDL good cholesterol. They help in burning excess fat from the body. Extra virgin coconut oil is recommended to use in cooking as it is good for heart health and maintains the level of unnecessary fat.
Helps With Weight Management
The best benefit of organic virgin coconut oil is that it helps in promoting the growth of enzymes called “lipoprotein lipase”, beneficial for weight loss. This organic superfood plays a significant role in the production of bile, facilitating digestion and eventually removing excess fat.
Moreover, it contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and Vitamin E, which regulate the hormone level of the body. Extra virgin coconut oil is considered the best solution for weight loss in comparison to other oils because it is easy to digest.
Promotes Digestive Health
The essential fatty acids present in virgin coconut oil are monolaurin and lauric acid. Both fatty acids have high antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Besides this, they smoothen the stools and prevent bowel irritation, thus, promoting good digestion.
In addition, virgin coconut oil reduces several fungal infections, bacteria, and parasites, the main cause of gut issues. Furthermore, it prevents the growth of yeast infections which is very harmful to the body.
Improves Dental Health
Well, virgin coconut oil is a potent solution to fight against “Streptococcus mutans”, a bacteria found in mouth, causing tooth decay, plaque, and gum diseases. It is recommended to do an oil pulling once a day to reduce these bacteria which is more useful than rising using an antiseptic mouthwash.
More than this, daily oil pulling significantly prevents plaque and inflammation in young children with gingivitis, a condition with swollen, irritated, or puffy gums.
Summing Up
Well, extra virgin coconut oil provides multiple health benefits and can be used in many forms. This unprocessed oil contains high antioxidant properties and zero cholesterol which are effective for the treatment of several diseases.
From maintaining cholesterol levels and healthy weight to promoting digestive and dental health, the extra virgin coconut oil works wonders. So, start using it in moderate quantity and reap its benefits in a few days.
