As coconut oil has been famous for its ability to nourish your skin and hair, this oil’s goodness isn’t limited to caring for your health from the outside. All thanks to multiple studies, it has been found that coconut oil has essential fatty acids that may help in maintaining your overall wellness. As the liver is one of our body’s most vital organs, let’s look at how coconut oil can help fight various problems that affect the liver.
Coconut Oil and Liver Health
To maximize your effort of harnessing the goodness of coconut oil for any health reason, make sure that you get your coconut oil from a diet shop or natural foods store where you can be absolute that it was organically produced. As it has been widely known that coconut out doesn’t threaten heart health, you may continue using this oil as long as you consume it in moderation.
Before we go on, you need to know that:
1. Coconut oil has saturated fats, one of the key factors you owe all the healthy goodness of this natural gift. They’re ‘fats,’ but not the kind that should alarm you.
2. Your body needs essential fatty acids, and coconut oil has these in store for you. Coconut oil has fatty acids called Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT). These MCTs are responsible for various health benefits coconut oil may bring. One of these benefits may include your liver health.
3. Coconut oil contains lauric acid. This compound helps balance your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol levels.
4. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants may help your liver from experiencing the adverse effects of free radicals. They also help in promoting the removal of toxins.
Coconut Oil may Help Lessen Liver Problems
The large and meaty organ on your belly’s right side is your liver. It’s responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs. As it does its job, it secretes bile that ends up in your intestines. The liver also makes proteins. These proteins are essential for various bodily functions.
It sounds like a lot of work for an organ, right? When it can’t handle the job anymore, it encounters serious ailments. Hence, one of the most common liver-related problems is fatty liver disease.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty Liver Disease is a medical condition where fats build up in the liver. There are typically two common types of this disease: Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can result in people who drink alcohol excessively. The liver is responsible for clearing harmful substances taken into the body. Too many of these toxic substances can cause damage to the liver tissues. Alcohol in excess amounts can cause problems in breaking down fats. Fats build up in the liver cells and later cause inflammation and liver damage.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, as the name suggests, isn’t a consequence of excessive alcohol intake. Other causes (known or unknown) affect the liver’s normal function. A person can experience inflammation in the liver after fats accumulate in the liver cells. If this condition isn’t cured, it may escalate to scarring and irreversible damage. In most severe cases, untreated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, cancer, or liver failure.
Coconut Oil for Treating Fatty Liver Disease
Coconut oil may help in reducing the inflammation and swelling that are related to fatty liver disease. Remember that coconut oil may help reduce the workload of your liver. As it does so, coconut oil may also help fight fats buildup.
Your liver problem may be solved thanks to coconut oil’s antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Moreover, speeding up your metabolic function is also at hand with coconut oil.
Some studies have shown that regular intake of coconut oil (one tablespoon a day) may help prevent liver problems caused by alcohol. Coconut oil may also aid in the healing and nurture your liver, therefore, giving you more energy.
Coconut Oil as an Energy Booster
Feeling sluggish typically happens when you have liver problems or suffer from fatigue. So, give yourself an energy boost by getting a dose of coconut oil. Start consuming a tablespoon of coconut oil daily. Coconut oil can help break down the stored fat and convert them to carbohydrates. Through this conversion, added energy is on you. Some athletes usually add coconut oil to their diets. Coconut oil functions as a natural supplement in smoothies and sports drinks.
You may also lose weight if you pair coconut oil with a healthy and balanced diet.
Coconut Oil for Good Digestion
The function of your digestive system may boost through the help of coconut oil. This essential oil helps in promoting better absorption of soluble fats and vitamins. The amino acids and minerals in coconut oils help combat digestive problems like irritable bowel movements and ulcers.
Additionally, coconut oil’s saturated fats have antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it helps eliminate potential bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can cause indigestion and other disorders.
See? Coconut oil isn’t just made to nourish you from the outside. Now get your dose of this natural oil and see for yourself.
Recommended Daily Intake of Coconut Oil
1. Take one tablespoon of coconut oil on an empty stomach. 15 grams is the recommended intake per day. You may add it to your regular smoothies or juices.
2. Not everyone may have the same reaction to coconut oil intake. A common side effect may be an upset stomach or nausea.
3. You may divide the tablespoon into three servings of a teaspoon or approximately 5 grams daily. It all depends on how you tolerate the dosage. The primary factor is not to consume too much and to be consistent.
Consequently, coconut oil is a friend when it comes to various health concerns. So, don’t wait for the worst scenario. Get that tablespoon and chug some grams of the coconut oil goodness.