If you’ve heard good things about coconut oil in the past couple years, you’ve probably heard all sorts of claims. Is coconut oil really as amazing as people say? Yes, it is. That’s because it has healthy fats in it, including three acids: caprylic, lauric and capric. So many people worry about saturated fat, but there is, indeed, healthy saturated fat– the kind that’s good for you– and it’s found in coconut oil.

Coconut oil for energy

For centuries people have lived on islands, eating coconuts. It turns out that coconuts are a great source of energy. Coconut oil only takes three steps to be turned into energy for our bodies, whereas other fats have a longer, more involved process. Processed by the liver, the acids in coconut oil can be used immediately for energy instead of being stored as fat.

Natural benefits

Coconut oil has been used to treat several problems people face today, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s patients don’t create their own insulin, but ketones from coconut oil are able to create an alternate source of energy for them, helping repair brain function. Because coconut oils are high in natural saturated fats, they increase a person’s good cholesterol and convert “bad” cholesterol into good! This, in turn, can help lower a person’s risk for heart disease. Meanwhile, coconut oil has been used to get rid of urinary and kidney infections. It acts as a natural antibiotic, killing bacteria as needed. As if that weren’t enough, coconut oil can also be used as an analgesic. It’s anti-inflammatory, and many sufferers with arthritis use it to soothe their inflammation. Coconut oil can even aid in preventing/fighting cancer.

Improvements for your body and mind

Remember the mention of lauric acid in coconut oil? This reduces candida, fights bacteria, and basically doesn’t let viruses spread. Therefore, coconut oil gives people an immune system boost. Coconut oil can be used as a memory booster, too. Athletes have found coconut oil enhances their energy levels, providing fuel for races and competitions. Since it increases a person’s metabolism, it may aid in natural weight loss.

Nicer skin

Ever wonder why people from the islands have such rich, beautiful skin? Perhaps it’s thanks to the use of coconut oil. Did you know coconut oil has been used to soothe burns, get rid of dandruff, and deal with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis? It’s nature’s skin miracle. By reducing inflammation, it is a prized facial cleanser, as well as moisturizer. Some people even use it to shampoo and condition their hair.

Whitens teeth

Did you ever try “oil pulling?” This is where you take about a tablespoon of coconut oil, put it in your mouth, leave it there for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then spit it out. This unique and simple process not only cleanses your mouth of bacterial problems, but also whitens your teeth. You can do this three times a week and see great results.

Build muscle and lose fat

Finally, what do most people want today? They want to lose fat! If they can build muscle, too, that’s a bonus. Coconut oil helps people do both.

Most natural food stores stock coconut oil on their shelves. The virgin, unadulterated kind is best. If you live near a Trader Joe’s, they have coconut oil. Seek it out, use it, and see what it does for you. To find out more information about the benefits of coconut oil, do a google search, as much has been written about this “superfood” that’s transforming lives for the better.

Oftentimes people go straight to pills for relief because they’ve been conditioned to do just that by their doctors, the pharmaceutical industry and relentless TV advertisements. However, there are safer, natural alternatives available. Essential oils are definitely worth investigating if health and wellness matter to you.