Coconut Oil

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature

coconuts harvested from the coconut palm .It has various applications as food or in cosmetics.

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”

COMPOSITION OF COCONUT OIL AND ITS NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Nutritional value is as  per 100g

Energy =3,607 kJ (862 kcal)

Fat

100

Saturated            = 86.5

Monounsaturated=        5.8

Polyunsaturated=1.8

Vitamins

Vitamin E- (1%) 0.09 mg

Vitamin K- (0%) 0.5 μg

Minerals

Iron        - (0%) 0.04 mg

Proteins

Saturated Fats : Predominantly these saturated fats are medium chain fatty acids or

triglycerides. When applied on the skin, they keep it smooth to the touch. Due to the

presence of these fats, coconut oil also retains the moisture content of the skin, as the fats

eliminate moisture loss through the pores on skin.

Capric /Caprylic/Lauric acid: These are not very different from the medium chain fatty acids,

but it is still important to mention them separately here, since they have their own

contributions. These three fatty acids have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties.

As a result, when applied on the skin, coconut oil protects from microbial infections that can

get into open wounds or even enter the body through the pores. This microbial action can be

experienced even if coconut oil is taken internally, as the fatty acids boost the immunity

when converted to monocaprins and monolaurins.

Vitamin-E: The contributions of vitamin-E towards skin care are well known. It is essential for

healthy skin growth, repair of wear & tear on the skin, keeping skin smooth and protecting

against cracking. Above all, it prevents premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, since it has

good antioxidant properties.

It can be used for dry skin treatment.

Proteins: Like coconuts themselves, coconut oil is rich in many proteins. These proteins keep

skin healthy and rejuvenated, both internally and externally. Proteins also contribute to

cellular health and tissue repair, along with a wide range of other essential activities within

the body.As a result useful to treat dry and damaged hair . 

BIOCHEMISTRY AND ITS DENTAL VIEW

 While coconut oil is one of the few known natural sources of lauric acid, it’s also found in mother’s milk, increasing immune strength of infants.

Coconut oil is easily digested orally by salivary amylase enzyme.Hence it is best used for cooking baby foods.

USES OF COCONUT OIL

Cardiovascular Health: Research has indicated that not all saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease.  Studies show that virgin coconut oil can improve cholesterol levels by decreasing low-density cholesterol and increasing high-density cholesterol in serum and tissues.

• Immune Health: Research shows that lauric acid can increase our body’s production of monolaurin, enhancing anti-bacterial protection.
  • Studies also suggest that virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic and properties.
  • Skin Health :
  •  Studies show that coconut oil can improve atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory itchy skin condition, by acting as an effective moisturizer.
  • Virgin coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer to provide relief for mild to moderate xerosis.
  • Virgin coconut oil when topically applied to wounds, promotes speedy healing.
  • • Hair Health: Coconut oil treats damaged hair by penetrating into hair fibers and acting as a moisturizer.   When coconut oil is used as a pre-wash and post-wash grooming product, it can reduce protein loss for both damaged and healthy hair.  The lauric acid present in coconut oil has an affinity for hair proteins and because of its low molecular weight it can penetrate the hair fibers and prevent hair damage.
    •  Weight Management: A study conducted on women revealed that coconut oil promotes reduction in abdominal obesity.
    • Consuming medium chain triglycerides can increases diet-induced thermogenesis, which can contribute to preventing weight gain or regain, and in some cases may induce weight loss.
    • When compared to most vegetable oils that contain long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil are used for energy production and are not stored as fat.  Partial replacement of LCTs with MCTs can reduce accumulation of fat.
    • Performance Enhancement: Studies show that MCTs are easily digested and rapidly absorbed into the blood stream from the GI tract upon consumption, and are efficiently utilized by the body for energy production, improving performance of athletes.

       Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

·         Coconut Oil Contains a Unique Combination of Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal properties.

·         Coconut Oil Can Increase Your Energy Expenditure, Helping You Burn More Fat.

·         The Lauric Acid in Coconut Oil Can Kill Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi, Helping to Stave Off Infections.

·         Coconut Oil Can Kill Your Hunger, Making You Eat Less Without Even Trying.

·         The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures.

·         Coconut Oil Can Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels and May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease.

·         Protect Hair Against Damage, Moisturize Skin and Function as Sunscreen.

·         The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients.

·         Help You Lose Fat, Especially The Dangerous Fat in Your Abdominal Cavity.

dry skin treatment .

DISADVANTAGES

·         No Effect on Common Cold

 = Excess may be harmful -

Many health organizations advise against regular consumption of coconut oil due to

its high levels of saturated fat having potential to increase risk of cardiovascular

disease

Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to

rancidification, lasting up to six months at 24 °C (75 °F) without spoiling.

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.