9 Facts about Coconut Oil that will Blow your Mind

It reduces methane production in livestock

(Machmüller & Kreuzer, 1998) http://pubs.aic.ca/doi/pdf/10.4141/A98-079

Many studies have shown the potential of coconut oil to reduce methane production in livestock such as sheep and cattle.  Methane release is facilitated by the bacteria and protozoa that live in the intestine of these animals. These protozoa produce methane as a by-product of their metabolic processes in low oxygen environments (just like the intestine). However, when sheep and cattle are fed a diet that contains coconut oil, these protozoa are significantly reduced, and thus there are less of them to produce methane. This is due to the direct effect of lauric acid contained in coconut oil which inhibits protozoa growth. Why is this important? Because methane production by livestock around the world is negativity contributing to ozone destruction and greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

It helps reduce acne

(Nakatsuji et al, 2009) http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v129/n10/abs/jid200993a.html

A major cause of acne in most people is the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, a natural skin bacteria that can cause inflammation, leading to pimples and redness. Many studies have found that lauric acid is an effective natural anti-bacterial. Lauric acid is able to inhibit the inflammatory action of P. acnes, as well as other natural skin flora. Application of products with coconut oil, such as beard oil and beard balm will help prevent the formation acne.

It prevents hair damage

(Rele & Mohile, 2003) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094

Again, lauric acid contained in coconut oil is the major player here. As lauric acid is a principal fatty acid, it has a natural affinity for hair proteins (fat-loving or lipophilic). The medium chain fatty acid is small in size and therefore can easily penetrate the tiny hair shaft. Compared to mineral and sunflower oil, it is the only oil able to penetrate the hair, support hair structure and prevent protein loss. The prevention of protein loss stops hair damage from occurring during the day. After using products like beard oil and beard balm, your hair will look and feel stronger and be much lusher!

It prevents aluminium phosphate poisoning

(Shadnia et al, 2005) http://het.sagepub.com/content/24/4/215.short

Aluminium phosphide is used to control rodents in grain storage facilities. It does this by producing phosphine gas to kill cells. It is toxic to all things living. This study described a case of a man who ingested the poison and survived after a hospital administered coconut oil in addition to other specific treatments. The study concluded that coconut oil did in fact contribute to the man’s survival because the fatty oil was able to stop the release of phosphine gas in the body!

It’s an excellent natural skin moisturizer

(Agero & Verallo-Rowell, 2004) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15724344

Coconut oil’s chemical composition of medium chain fatty acids allow it to be used as an effective moisturiser. When applied, the oil will form a thin film on the surface of the skin and prevent water loss, leaving the skin feeling hydrated. This is because the fatty acids will repel the water underneath the skin (because oil and water don’t mix) and therefore will stop that precious H2O from leaving the skin.

It helps reduce obesity

(Assunção et al, 2009) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11745-009-3306-6

Eating a balanced diet that contains coconut oil, and by walking for 50 minutes every day has been shown to help people lose weight. Compared to those who don’t, having coconut oil in your diet is advantageous because it burns quicker than most other fats and oils. Medium chain fatty acids contained in coconut oil expend more energy in a shorter amount of time, are not stored as easily and therefore it is easier to lose weight.

It's a possible biofuel

(Shaheed & Swain, 1999) http://pia.sagepub.com/content/213/5/417.short

In a time when crude is becoming limited, and where society is environmentally conscious, renewable resources are a sort after commodity. New research has shown that coconut oil can be used as a possible biofuel, especially as a diesel substitute. Coconut oil is able to perform in aspirated single-cylinder diesel engines and poses a lot of promise for the future of biofuels.

It helps you absorb vitamin E

(Trevithick & Mitton, 1999) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10204088?dopt=Abstract

Vitamin E has many health benefits because it is an antioxidant, helps with blood circulation and helps the skin during its healing process. Coconut oil does contain some vitamin E, but the best results come when using coconut oil with additional vitamin E. Coconut oil drastically increases the absorption of vitamin E which will increase its beneficial effects.

Many celebrities love it

This fact may not blow your mind, but it is true that many celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Apolo Ohno, Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr all use coconut oil in their diet or part of their cosmetic regime. They are known to use it due to all the health benefits as described above and many can’t go a day without it.