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Ah coconuts! That delightful, exotic and fragrant fruit, reminiscent of endless sandy beaches and idyllic tropical islands. The coconut has recently be thrust back into the spotlight, for reasons other than its alluring scent and delicious taste. The health scene is abuzz about the fantastic natural healing properties of coconut oil, and with good reason too! Here are some of the most promising benefits of coconut oil, giving you ample reason to include this golden elixir into your diet.
1. Managing Type II Diabetes
A recent study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that coconut oil protects against insulin resistance, thereby reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, since the fats present in the oil are small enough to be absorbed into the cells and where they are quickly converted to energy. This process reduces the amount of fat packed into storage, while also improving insulin sensitivity.Coconut oil helps controlblood sugar, improves insulin secretion and promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
2. Boosting Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients
Studies have found that the fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketone bodies, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and occurs primarily in the elderly. The disease reduces the body’s ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. The MCTs found in coconut oil can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning cells, thereby reducing symptoms of the milder forms of the disease.