Coconut oil is an effective ingredient used to treat hair and skin problems. The best of coconut oil is an unrefined and less processed variety, gaining popularity. extra virgin coconut oilis. This virgin coconutoil also called. This oil is extracted from the fresh meat of coconut beans. It preserves micronutrients and has a long list of benefits.
What Is Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
Extra virgin coconut oil It is obtained from fresh meat and mature coconut kernels. This oil is extracted by mechanical or natural processes.
Since coconut meat is unprocessed and raw, the oil thus obtained is virgin, pure or extra virgin coconut oil is called.
Pure coconut oil The heating method can also be applied during the extraction process, but no chemical treatment is applied. A machine presses fresh coconut meat to produce milk and oil, and this process is called cold pressing.
Coconut milkis separated from the oil by various biophysical techniques. The remaining oil has a high smoke point (about 175 ° C). It virgin coconut oil It can be used for cooking oil or baking, but is not suitable for frying or high-temperature cooking.
Extra virgin coconut oil Since it is processed minimally, it preserves the nutritional components in the best way. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
First of all, it preserves its antioxidant properties. Recent studies indicate that it is more effective than refined coconut oil at lowering LDL and cholesterol levels.
Pure coconut oilIts cholesterol-lowering properties protect the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and other vital organs.
What Are the Benefits of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?
Virgin (virgin) coconut oil It has excellent moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It can be used to treat skin problems and boost immunity.
Repairs the skin
Coconut oilhas almost all the properties of a perfect skin care solution. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effects. This oil, eczema and chronic skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.
Applying the oil topically can improve the skin's barrier function and provide UV protection.
Extra virgin coconut oilinhibits the production of pro-inflammatory compounds and helps wounds and scars heal.
Helps to lose weight
Most oils have long-chain fatty acids that increase blood cholesterol levels. These fatty acids are difficult to break down and cannot be easily assimilated into the bloodstream.
Using oils containing short-chain or medium-chain fatty acids can prevent hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels).
Extra virgin coconut oil Contains medium chain and long chain fatty acids. Medium-chain fatty acids do not raise blood cholesterol as much as long-chain fatty acids. In addition, they are not stored in the body's fatty tissue.
Research also proves that people who eat a diet rich in medium-chain fatty acids lose more weight than those who eat a diet of short-chain fatty acids.
Therefore, while cooking using extra virgin coconut oilhas positive effects on weight loss.
Helps hair grow healthily
It is stated that applying coconut oil to hair reduces protein loss. Compared to sunflower oil, coconut oil penetrates the hair strands better.
Thanks to its lauric acid content, it interacts better with hair proteins. Therefore, on damaged or undamaged hair, using coconut oil after pre-wash or washing works best.
Such oils reduce the occurrence of split ends. It can fill the space between hair cells and protect them from severe chemical damage.
Protects from tooth decay
Pure coconut oil It has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Most of the bacteria that cause tooth decay are sensitive to this oil. So widely in drawing fat used.
In the mouth extra virgin coconut mouthwash with dental plaque and gingivitisIt can help to get rid of it. Escherichia vulneris, Enterobacter spp., Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus ve Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. stellatoidea ve C. cruse It can eliminate fungal species including
Lauric acid is the main active ingredient in coconut oil. Research shows that lauric acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
These properties of the active ingredients, extra virgin coconut oilIt makes it an inexpensive and safe option for dental care.
Manages fungal infections
Women are more prone to yeast infection or candidiasis. Men can develop balanitis, a yeast infection that weakens the immune system.
Traditional Chinese medicine for managing fungal infections virgin coconut oil prescribe a diet rich in nutrients.
several types of mushrooms virgin coconut oilIt is sensitive to. This oil has been found to be 100% active against Candida fungi in laboratory experiments.
Lauric acid and derivative monolaurin changes microbial cell walls. Monolaurin can penetrate into cells and disrupt their membranes. The anti-inflammatory activity of this oil reduces the severity of fungal infections.
Reduces cancer risk
Medium-chain fatty acids are essential for people with low immunity (suppressed). Extra virgin coconut oilis one of the best dietary sources of these fats.
It has been found to have better protective activity against breast and colon cancers compared to other oils or butter.
Usually, people receiving chemotherapy have low immunity or a lack of appetite. Eating this oil can increase their nutritional status, energy and metabolism thanks to lauric acid.
Coconut oil administration has shown anti-proliferative effects on colon and mammary tumors in rat studies. But it can increase serum cholesterol levels.
Researchers claim that higher cholesterol levels may have protective effects against tumor development in animals.
Strengthens bones
Extra virgin coconut oilIt contains important vitamins such as magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for strengthening bones. It is especially useful for curing osteoporosis in adults.
Balances blood sugar levels
Extra virgin coconut oilIt can help prevent insulin resistance, one of the risk factors for type two diabetes. When cells become resistant to insulin, they cannot use insulin to convert glucose into energy.
Over time, glucose levels increase in the bloodstream and the body continues to produce more insulin, creating an unnecessary surplus.
The medium-chain fatty acids in fat can provide a glucose-free energy source for cells so they don't need the body to meet their energy needs and create more insulin.
Sauces such as mayonnaise and salad dressings taste great when made with this oil. Smoothie, ice creams, unbaked cakes, etc. When made with this oil, it is more delicious and satisfying.
Vegetable dishes, including potatoes, will have higher nutritional value if prepared with this oil.
The Harm of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Is the oil that is said to be so beneficial, harmful? Yes, it is healthy. But the truth is that coconut oil is a reservoir of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). SFA-rich diets have been associated with severe metabolic disorders.
However, there is limited research and data to support this view. Extra virgin coconut oil Although it increases total cholesterol levels, there is insufficient evidence to link this to cardiovascular risk.
Extra virgin coconut oil It is recommended to limit its consumption to about 10% of the total energy intake.
Considering a 2.000-calorie diet a day, the calories from saturated fat should not exceed 120 calories. This is about 13 g of saturated fat per day. This is the amount found in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Storage Conditions
- Extra virgin coconut oilcan stay for about 2-3 years if stored away from heat and light.
- If the oil smells or has changed color, discard it.
- Stale / spoiled oil becomes lumpy in hand. Discard any oils that are in this way.
- Mushrooms may grow on the oil bottle or can. You can usually scrape these stains off and use the rest.
As a result;
Extra virgin coconut oilis an unrefined form of coconut oil that is the least processed. Traditional medicine uses this oil to treat various ailments of the skin, hair, mouth, and immune system.
