For thousands of years, the potent oil of the coconut has been used to heal. Finally, science is catching up with what native peoples around the world have known for centuries: coconut oil has the power to heal and to enhance well-being. Today, there is an abundance of choices when it comes to cooking and flavoring oils. Many of them are downright brutal on your body. Switching to coconut oil could well be the smartest move you make in the kitchen this year. Here are eight compelling reason why you need to get on the coconut band wagon: Reason #1: It Helps You Lose Weight Unlike long-chain fatty acids, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil do not circulate in the blood stream. Instead, they are directed to the liver, where they are converted into energy. So, rather than storing the fats from coconut oil as fat, your body uses them to produce energy. Studies have shown that substituting oils containing long-chain fatty acids (olive oil) with oils comprised of medium-chain fatty acids (coconut oil) results in more fat loss. Coconut oil is especially beneficial for losing fat around the abdominal area, where visceral fat accumulates. Visceral fat is the most dangerous fat there is, as it is associated with many diseases. In a recent study, women with high levels of abdominal fat supplemented their diets with one ounce of coconut oil per day. After 12 weeks, they had a significant reduction in both their BMI and their waist circumference. This was done in the absence of exercise or dieting. It was all down to the coconut oil. Reason #2: It Is Extremely Nourishing to the Body Coconut oil contains some unique compounds that are not found in other oils. It is high in fatty acids that boost the immune system, acting as a natural antibiotic to protect the body against viruses and harmful bacteria. Discover six beauty uses for coconut oil. Reason #3: It Helps Prevent Cancer During the process of digesting coconut oil, ketones are produced. Because cancer cells are unable to access the energy in ketones, a diet that promotes a ketogenic state helps in cancer recovery. Additionally, the medium-chain fatty acids that make up coconut oil destroy the helicobacter pylori bacteria that is known to increase the risk of stomach cancer. Reason #4: It Enhances Energy Coconut oil is laced with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Most oils that people cook with are long-chain triglycerides. However, it is much easier for the body to access and use MCTs for energy. The medium-chain fatty acids within coconut oil are responsible for stimulating the thyroid, making the body more energetic. You’ll feel more active, and you’ll burn more calories, which will aid in weight loss. Reason #5: It Is Good for Heart Health The fact that coconut oil contains saturated fat led scientists to label it as bad for heart health for 40 years. They have finally realized that the opposite is true. The saturated fats in coconut oil raise HDL levels. This the good type of cholesterol that your heart needs in order to thrive. At the same time, it reduces total cholesterol and lowers dangerous LDL levels. Coconut oil contains around 50% lauric acid, which is a miracle compound that reverses high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It also helps to strengthen the arteries, preventing atherosclerosis. Reason #6: It Improves Digestion Coconut oil contains saturated fats that have antimicrobial properties which eliminate the bacterial, fungal, and parasitic causes of indigestion. It will also help to prevent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Reason #7: It Helps Fight Pneumonia In a recent study, children suffering from pneumonia who were given coconut oil in addition to antibiotics recovered more rapidly than those who were given antibiotics only. The coconut oil was able to reduce fevers, improve breathing, and aid in the oxygenation of blood. Reason #8: It Has Powerful Antimicrobial Properties Coconut oil contains capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has very potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Among other applications, capric acid is a very effective treatment for Candida. When ingested, capric acid reacts with other enzymes to form monocaprin, which is a potent antimicrobial agent. Coconut oil has been shown to kill fungus within the body that has become resistant to synthetic drugs. It can even destroy the bacteria that leads to tooth decay! Check out some of our coconut oils.