Coconut oil is made from pressing coconut flesh. Depending on the temperature of where you live it can either be solid or liquid. There are so many benefits to including it in your diet - have a read below of my top 8 benefits of coconut oil.
 
  • Helps prevent gum disease and cavities - coconut oil pulling where you swish the coconut oil between your teeth has been used for many years as a way of preventing gum disease. It has a high antibacterial concentration so is excellent for removing oral bacteria which can lead to gum disease and cavities.
  • Bone health - coconut oil has been shown to help increase calcium absorption in our gut which can increase the amount of calcium absorbed by our bones preventing osteoporosis.
  • Keeps our digestive system healthy - coconut oil can help improve digestion of food including fat soluble vitamins. It also helps destroy bad bacteria in our gut.
  • Good for brain function - the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have been shown to help improve memory. They are also easily absorbed and accessible for fuelling our brain efficiently.
  • Helps prevent high blood pressure and keep our hearts healthy- studies have shown when taken daily coconut oil can increase our healthy cholesterol and decrease our bad cholesterol.
  • Can help treat UTI’s - coconut oil can help reduce symptoms of UTI’s thanks to its antibacterial properties.
  • Helps with skin issues - when applied topically coconut oil has many benefits. It can help reduce inflammation and keep your skin feeling moisturised. It also contain antibacterial properties which can help with fungal skin conditions.
  • Can help with type II diabetes - some studies have shown that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can help balance insulin, and this can help prevent insulin resistance which is the precursor to type II diabetes. 
 
Coconut oil can be used in many ways - you can add it to meals, use it instead of cooking oil, use it on your skin or hair, you can even add it into your coffee! Always buy organic and unrefined coconut oils.