Last month I talked to you guys about tracking your calories. I also mentioned that is was a good idea to eat more fat in your diet. That is why I am writing a quick blog about coconut oil. This may be the best “fat” that you could have. I will highlight some of the benefits below.
Good Source of Healthy Fat
Coconut oil is one of the best sources of medium chained fatty acids. Medium chained fatty acids are quickly digested making the fat ready for energy instead of fat storage.
Helps Brain Cells Function Better
Brain cells function better when given fat for fuel versus sugar (glucose). Adding coconut oil to your diet helps your body use fat for fuel in the form of ketones. Coconut oil has also been proven to increase neurogenesis, which is the production of new neurons.
Decreases Inflammation
Although coconut oil does not drastically reduce your systemic inflammation, it can help keep your body slightly neutral, if not decrease the inflammation. Most of the food we eat are highly inflammatory, so consuming coconut oil helps balance fatty acid levels, thus decreasing the systemic inflammation.
Fights Off Infection
Coconut Oil has been used as a health tonic for thousands of years. Coconut oil is comprised of mostly lauric acid which the body converts to monolaurin. This is used as an anti-viral agent against diseases in the body. Coconut oil has also been proven to have anti-bacterial properties.
High Heat Tolerance
Coconut oil has a high heat tolerance, which means it will not form free radicals at high temperatures. Since coconut oil is comprised mainly of saturated fat it will take longer to melt in high temperatures, making it perfect for its use in cooking.
Coconut oil is such an amazing food source, I highly recommend adding it to your diet in some form or fashion. I have heard of people adding coconut oil to their coffee, smoothies, or using it for cooking. Personally, I take 2-3 tablespoons a day by the spoonful. It is not the most pleasant thing to do every day, but the health benefits make it all the worthwhile. Good luck.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Mooresville Chiropractor
704-663-7625
