The Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut oil that is extracted from coconut through a complicated process without the application of heat is called virgin coconut oil or VCNO. It is different from regular coconut oil in many ways, starting with the method of extraction.
It has a unique fragrance and taste and is rich in antioxidants, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), vitamins, minerals, lauric acid, and capric acid, among other things. Among the different methods of extraction, virgin coconut oil extracted by the cold pressed, or cold compression method gives the most excellent quality and does not go rancid.
What are the health benefits of virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil or VCNO is a treasure trove of goodness and health benefits. Virgin coconut oil acts as a panacea for a broad spectrum of diseases and symptoms and is now considered more than ever to be a wonder drug.
Virgin coconut oil is known to be great for the skin for its moisturizing and healing properties. It gives smooth and supple skin and controls skin problems like xerosis, psoriasis, eczema, etc. It is even used as a salve for burns, wounds and skin infections in some countries.
Virgin coconut oil has been favorite even from ancient days to get healthy, strong, and lustrous hair and a clean scalp.
Virgin coconut oil is known to be an immunity booster in that it promotes antibody production and has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
Despite some misunderstanding, it is now widely accepted that Virgin coconut oil is good for the heart, in moderation. Its unique type of saturated fats protects the heart from many diseases and stroke.
Virgin coconut oil increases the metabolic rate and is useful for weight loss. It has pro-thyroid properties and helps to stabilize hypothyroidism. There are even claims that it can prevent and stabilize Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Virgin coconut oil is now considered to be one of the best things to happen for men's wellness!
Virgin coconut oil has some unique properties that can stave off a host of problems associated with men's wellness, including sexual wellness.
It can increase metabolism and boost HDL or good cholesterol. It can improve body odor and oral health.
For men, around the age of 30, the testosterone level or T level begins to decrease. This gives rise to a number of sexual problems like decreased sex drive, reduced semen volume, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, etc.
Low T level also causes symptoms like moodiness, fatigue, weight gain, bone thinning (osteoporosis) and hair loss. Here, virgin coconut oil could very well be the most natural method to combat a low testosterone level.
The benefits of taking coconut oil for your Testosterone levels
Studies have proven that virgin coconut oil, more specifically, organic virgin coconut oil is one of the best natural means of stimulating testosterone production.
Virgin coconut oil increases the enzymes 3-beta-HSD and 17-beta-HSD (which are the catalysts converting other hormones into testosterone. So it makes sense to increase virgin coconut oil in our diet.
Virgin coconut oil has proven antioxidative property and can defend against alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the testes and thus protect T level.
Virgin coconut oil is believed to increase the metabolic rate and has a pro-thyroid effect, which is a combination which preserves the testosterone level.
Virgin coconut oil also acts as a DHT-blocker to prevent male pattern baldness. DHT or dihydrotestosterone, a sex hormone produced from testosterone, is responsible for the development of the typical male characteristics like body hair, deep voice, and muscles, to name a few.
However, DHT is a double-edged sword, and one of its many side-effects is male pattern baldness. In this scenario, men need both testosterone and DHT but need to keep a check on DHT to prevent baldness. Here, coconut oil displays its versatility in that it can increase testosterone and can also act as a DHT-blocker and mitigate the adverse effects of DHT.
Virgin coconut oil is a rich source of lauric acid which inhibits DHT when applied topically. When coconut oil is massaged on to the scalp, not only does it act as a DHT blocker, it nourishes, strengthens, moisturizes, and adds luster to your hair.
In addition, Virgin coconut oil has beta-sitosterol which too inhibits DHT when taken orally.
How to take coconut oil
There are numerous ways in which you can incorporate coconut oil into your diet and reap its health benefits. Using coconut oil as a cooking medium is a failsafe method for ensuring a diet that packs in the benefits of the oil.
It can be added to your smoothies, soups, yogurt, popcorn, etc. Or you can just take a spoon to it and eat it straight, no frills!
Can virgin coconut oil have side effects?
Surprisingly, Virgin coconut oil can have side effects like diarrhea, acne, intestinal problems, and allergies. It may also cause heart diseases if used for extended periods.
Dosage
As the jury is still out regarding the effect of virgin coconut oil on cholesterol, studies have found that 2 tablespoons (30 ml) seem to be an effective dose. To be on the safer side, one can stick to just 1 tablespoon also. This has been shown to increase metabolic rate, reduce belly fat, and improve other health markers.
Our Recommendation
Renew Actives Organic Coconut oil
Among many other products, Actives Organic stands out for combining purity with convenience. Virgin coconut oil is in the form of capsules for easy administration, especially suitable for people on the go! No hassle of measuring out the sticky stuff with a spoon. Moreover, each bottle is designed to last 2 months, offering 120 capsules, 1 each day for 2 months. It is non-GMO, cold pressed, and USDA approved.
Spring of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Its satisfied customers are proof enough for its purity and effectiveness for a wide variety of uses. It is non-GMO, cold pressed, and USDA approved.
365 Everyday Value Organic Virgin Coconut oil
Users vouch for its efficacy in cooking, health care, and just about anything. It is USDA approved . Nevertheless, there is no indication regarding its method of extraction.
