Both coconut and its oil have been used as medicinal ingredient for people in countries around the world for ages. But still, many people are unaware of all the health benefits coconut oil has to offer. Here are 7 facts about coconut oil that may come as a surprise to many people.
1. The Saturated Fat In Coconut Oil Is Actually Healthy
Many people see the saturated fat content on the coconut oil label and wonder how it could possibly be healthy.
The fats in coconut oil are primarily comprised of medium chain fatty acids, which are actually health promoting and good for the heart.
Lauric acid, the primary fatty acid in coconut oil “increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17180807)
2. Coconut Oil Makes For Healthy Hair
Coconut oil is used in a variety of hair care products.
According to Dr. Group, this is because “with its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, coconut oil can effectively penetrate the hair shaft to reduce protein loss, leaving it nourished and healthy.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094)