Coconut Oil Explained

Coconut oil is a great product for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. Its moisturising properties can penetrate the skin deeply allowing the antioxidants and essential vitamins to be thoroughly absorbed. Using coconut oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is completely safe for both the mother and the baby. The unique properties of coconut oil will help heal, soothe the itchiness, clarify and moisturise the skin during pregnancy.

Did you know that new-born babies in tropical regions are not washed with water until they are one-month-old? Instead, they are massaged daily with coconut oil. Baby massages strengthen the bond between parents and babies whilst also assisting in the growth of baby joints and bones. Coconut oil is considered to be the finest oil for massaging your baby. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which help to prevent skin infections prone to baby’s skin. A little goes a long way and it quickly melts in the fingertips to be smoothly massaged onto babies. It also acts as a moisturiser by eliminating any dry patches on the skin of babies.

Coconut oil is a great way to naturally treat nappy rashes and unlike store bought creams that are chemically derived, it does not possess the risk of making the rash worse. The thick oily texture will act as a barrier and prevent any further irritation by nourishing and treating the infected skin. As coconut oil is antifungal, it can also be used to treat yeast infections.

Coconut oil is completely safe and harmless for use on babies. Massage the coconut oil onto the scalp and the coconut oil will act as a moisturiser and will loosen the cradle cap flakes while nourishing the scalp. The antifungal and antibacterial agents in coconut oil will effectively treat the area if the cradle cap is fungal.

Lauric acid is highly present in coconut oil and contains a powerful antimicrobial fatty acid that protects the immune system of foetuses and newborns. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat and contains approximately 50% Lauric acid. Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant that aids in maintaining healthy cell structure and function. Studies have shown that lactating mothers who consume coconut oil have significantly increased levels of Lauric acid and Capric acid in their breast milk, resulting in rich and health promoting nutrients. Coconut oil is easily absorbed and utilised in an infant’s digestive system. It also provides energy in the form of medium chain fatty acids to help babies grow and develop properly. Pregnant and nursing mothers should have a daily intake of coconut oil to improve the quality of the womb environment and breast milk.

Ow how they hurt! The antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties in coconut oil allow it to be used as a natural healing agent. Applying some coconut oil to the affected area can help to soothe the irritation and reduce the scarring of the nipples. As a bonus, it does not need to be rinsed off like other creams, as it is safe for babies to consume. As a result, no further irritation is caused.

Problems with dry cracked skin on your feet, foot odour and toenail fungi are common enough and annoying! Coconut oil, being a super skin moisturiser with antibacterial and antifungal properties, is a great way of treating your feet. These are some easy to prepare and highly effective treatments. • Massage coconut oil into your feet – then pull on some old socks and go to bed. Repeat regularly and your feet will soften as you sleep. Add peppermint oil and your feet get a double treat, soft feet and smelling sweet. • Use warm water, coconut oil and your favourite essential oil – like peppermint – for an amazing foot soak. • Combine coconut oil and salt for a foot scrub; then follow with an oil massage and wear socks overnight to help penetrate the tough layer of skin. At the same time, the coconut oil in these treatments will deal with foot odour and toenail fungi. It also softens cuticles and therefore can be a great pre-pedicure treatment.

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and surrounding & connective tissues. There are over 100 forms of arthritis. The most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Pain is a constant feature of the disease and caused by inflammation to and around the joint. With its numerous MCTs, coconut oil has significant healing properties. Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever and a muscle & joint lubricant and relaxant. Preventing and healing arthritis What causes arthritis? It seems there are many causes. There’s a growing body of evidence that suggest a microbial cause for arthritis, and conditions like fibromyalgia. However it may be caused, there’s now evidence it can be treated by strengthening the immune system through dietary modification. A better diet creates better health which in turn allows the body’s immune system to better deal with a chronic infection. The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity of coconut oil can help rid the body of chronic infections which often contribute to arthritis. One of these contributing factors is often oral infections. Most people suffer from some source of tooth decay, even with modern oral hygiene. Oil pulling (swishing oil around the mouth), particularly coconut oil, has been used for centuries to detoxify the mouth and body. (See Dental section for more details on oil pulling) Dr Bruce Fife has written a book “The New Arthritis Cure” which focuses on natural remedies, like coconut oil for improving joint mobility, reducing pain and decreasing infections which lead to arthritis. More https://www.niulife.com/health/arthritis More http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/558247/20140707/arthritis-coconut-oil-benefits-virgin-cure.htm#.VEnZ9fmUeCk Movement remedies To alleviate arthritis and stiff joints, use coconut oil mixed with cayenne pepper for a massage. Add the cayenne pepper in small amounts; every skin type will have a different tolerance. Arthritis Ginger Tea - The more ginger the better because it helps reduce inflammation. Boil a half cup of water, add ginger and let it simmer for five minutes. Discard the ginger and stir in ¼ teaspoon of powdered Turmeric and 1 tablespoon of unflavoured gelatin. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Add ½ cup of calcium-enriched orange juice and drink once or twice a day.   Dental Did you know that the health of your mouth is a better indicator of heart disease than smoking? If you have gum (periodontal) disease, there’s a 200% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, the risk only increases 60%. These surprising results were the findings of a Finnish Government sponsored medical study that were later confirmed in Europe and America. Why is this? Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection in your mouth. If the immune system doesn’t cut in and wipe it out, it will spread into the bloodstream and affect the arteries. People with gum disease have high levels of C-reactive protein – the indicator of arterial inflammation. New evidence suggests cardiovascular disease is caused by inflammation of the artery walls that in turn causes atherosclerosis – disease of the arteries characterised by the deposition of fatty material on their inner walls. So gum disease is a great indicator of low immunity and possible heart disease. After those initial studies linked gum disease to heart disease, the scientists took a look at other diseases and found a similar correlation between other infectious conditions, like sinusitis, bronchitis, stomach ulcers, herpes and urinary tract infections. Most of us have these infections in our blood stream and they don’t bother us; our immune system happily does its job, remembers them and suppresses them. But if our immune system is compromised by things like stress (modern living) and poor nutrition (modern food) then these germs (bacteria and viruses) find their way into our bloodstream and embed in our artery walls causing chronic low grade infection and a domino effect starts towards heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Antibiotics have been suggested as a solution for these infections, but they only treat bacteria, not viruses, so it’s only half a solution. Bacteria are adaptive and become resistant, so you end up using more and more and they end up being less and less effective. Further to this, using antibiotics is like watering a rose bush with a high-pressure fire hose; they’re not selective, so they kill the GOOD bacteria too. The great thing about coconut oil is that it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. It doesn’t create resistance and it has zero side effects or toxicity. Not only does it fight the germs that cause inflammation, but evidence suggests it also boosts the immune system. So using coconut oil not only is great for your dental hygiene but can also be good for your heart and immune system.

Your mouth is warm and moist, the perfect environment for bacteria. There are thousands of different bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria build up, the gas they expel causes bad breath (Halitosis). Get rid of the bacteria and you reduce bad breath. Oil pulling is the best way to reduce bacteria in the mouth, with the added benefit of being a powerful detoxifying procedure. In a study in 2011, oil pulling was found to be as equally effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Oil Pulling Oil pulling is incredibly simple and effective. Here’s how to do it: • Put about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth. • Swish the oil around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. • Spit out the oil and then brush your teeth. If you use coconut oil then you may have to chew on the oil for a minute or so to let it melt, because it is solid at room temperature. It is best to do this on an empty stomach before you brush your teeth. Some people prefer to do it while showering in the morning.

Coconut cleans the mouth, keeping it healthy. Adding a small amount of baking soda to your coconut oil and using it as toothpaste can help neutralise acids that eat away tooth enamel. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil. The antibacterial power of coconut oil kills the germs and freshens your breath.

We can’t avoid man-made harmful toxins in the air, food and water adversely affecting our wellbeing. But our bodies, with a little help from coconut oil, can neutralise and eliminate many of these toxins to help in maintaining good health. But if exposure is too high, problems can occur as toxins accumulate faster than the body’s ability to eliminate them. Cancer and its rising incidence is a perfect example of the consequences of toxic build up. There are many other afflictions (such as asthma and yeast infections) whereby toxins suppress the immune system. This is why a good detox can improve health and may reverse certain health problems. Coconut oil has been used for centuries to detox and is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic (life-knowledge) medicine. When using coconut oil as part of a detox, it is a good idea to start slowly, as it can cleanse too much and be uncomfortable, causing loose bowel movements. In the book “Coconut Cures”, Bruce Fife reports multiple studies in animals reporting the detoxification effects of coconut oil. He gives four reasons for coconut oil’s cleaning effect: 1) The MFCA’s in coconut oil kill disease-causing bacteria, viruses and fungi and parasites. 2) Coconut oil is very stable, so it functions as an antioxidant protecting against free radical damage caused by toxins. 3) Coconut oil increases metabolism, which increases the body’s natural mechanism of detoxification, healing, repair and growth. 4) Coconut oil neutralises the harmful effects of toxins Studies show that when given to animals, coconut oil reduced the rate of cancer in those exposed to carcinogenic chemicals. The effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a neurotoxin that affects brain function and is a common and problematic food additive is tempered by the monoglycerides from coconut oil. In clinical studies, rats with colon cancer increased their cancer when fed on corn and safflower oils whereas coconut oil appeared to assist in preventing it. Additionally, it was posited that the fertility of rats was protected from the effects of six potent muta carcinogens by coconut oil.

Low functioning thyroid is estimated to affect up to 40% of people, slowing metabolism, reducing immunity, digestion, healing, repair, hormone & enzyme production and even body temperature. There’s a long list of health complaints linked with low thyroid function. If thyroid problems are not genetic, then lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, can influence and correct them. In days gone by, when famine was more regular, the body’s thyroid reaction to slow the metabolism down meant survival in hard times. Now, when much of our food is nutrient-poor and life is stressful, many of us are well fed but malnourished and our thyroid reacts appropriately by shutting down our metabolism. Our bodies are in SURVIVAL mode. And it feels terrible. Often the stress of being in survival mode creates more stress and a vicious cycle ensues. In the meantime, our thyroid is locked into low function mode. Most of the oils that we use to cook food and those used in commercially prepared foods also have a negative effect on the thyroid. Some of these include polyunsaturated oils such as vegetable oils. They may, in fact, be the worst villains in the spread of thyroid disease. The thyroid, though small, is one of the largest glands in the endocrine system. Diseases of the endocrine system are mostly caused by production disorders that lead to inadequacy or excess of hormones or inappropriate response to hormones by body tissues. If a modern-day malnourished woman is pregnant, the baby will steal essential nutrients from the mother’s body. Add nine months of pregnancy capped by hours of arduous labour and we find, unsurprisingly, 80% of people with low thyroid function are women. Diet can dramatically improve thyroid function. As such, coconut oil is like a kick-starter to the thyroid gland since the MCT in coconut oil boosts metabolism. Is coconut oil a cure for a malfunctioning thyroid gland? Not by itself. Can it help people with low thyroid function? Yes, because it stimulates metabolism and boosts energy. For this reason, coconut oil has been a blessing to many people who have been able to abandon their medications with the right combination of exercise, removal of processed foods, and a balanced diet. However, coconut oil would not help an over-active thyroid. Reference http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/get-off-your-thyroid-medication-and-start-consuming-coconut-oil/

50 percent of the fat content in coconut oil is a fat rarely found in nature called Lauric acid. Your body converts Lauric acid into monolaurin, which has antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth! Lauric acid is a major component of mother’s milk, which is a pretty good recommendation! Lauric acid helps the baby develop immunity and resistance to germs and sickness. For this reason, coconut oil and MCT is routinely added to baby milk formula. People report coconut oil healing chronic skin fungi, bladder and flu infections. When coconut oil is digested the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are transformed into monoglycerides. Both possess powerful antimicrobial properties capable of destroying disease-causing bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Coconut oil also contains monolaurin, the monoglyceride of Lauric acid, which has the greatest overall antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effect. All the monoglycerides work together synergistically to kill germs, thus supporting the immune system. So consider coconut oil as a good option to boost immune health. Jon Kabara PhD, Professor emeritus of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Michigan State University, has been studying the effects of MCFA on human health for 50 years and says, “It is rare in the history of medicine to find substances that have such useful properties and are still without toxicity or even harmful side effects.” So safe are they that even the newborn baby can consume them. This is good news because, unlike antibiotics which kill both good and bad germs and create resistance, the properties of coconut oil mean that the good bacteria in your gut remain.

We are so used to “Eat Fat = Be fat” that it often comes as a surprise to learn that fats are not all created equal. Some fats will help you stay or become slim and energetic and vital. There are good fats and bad fats. One of the good fats is Virgin Coconut Oil. So how does it provide weight loss benefits? Before looking at the specific properties of coconut oil, it is helpful to understand that modern nutrition counsel has made a huge mistake in teaching that low-fat diets are healthy and lead to weight loss. For decades now we have been told to cut back on fat in our diet if we want to lose weight. Marketers of low-fat foods have championed this concept. Yet we know obesity is increasing. American Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson stated ten years ago: “We’ve seen virtually a doubling in the number of obese persons over the past two decades and this has profound health implications. Obesity increases a person’s risk for a number of serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.”1 Ten years later things are no better. In fact they are worse. Now we are learning about the dangers of low-fat diets. We know that certain fats are necessary and even healthy, but which ones? Fats have always been part of the human diet. Before World War 2 our diets were full of saturated high-fat foods like butter, eggs, nuts and animal fats like lard and tallow. Margarine started as a butter substitute and was made from lard, tallow, coconut and palm oil! Diets high in these fats, back then, were seen as healthy and were often prescribed by doctors. Four vitamins – A, D, E & K – are soluble in fat so when fat is removed, our ability to absorb these fat-soluble compounds is also removed. But these vitamins are needed for good health. Furthermore, eating fat makes you FEEL full and satisfied and this is a major part of NOT overeating! That’s part of the magic of good fats. Coconut oil also stimulates the metabolism. That means the body burns more calories, which also helps you lose weight. Combined with a sensible diet, plenty of fresh food, fresh air and exercise, coconut oil can be an effective weight loss aid. Researchers now know that weight loss associated with coconut oil is related to the length of the fatty acid chains contained in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains what are called medium chain fatty acids, or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs for short). These medium chain fatty acids are different from the common longer chain fatty acids found in animal fats. The long chain fatty acids or triglycerides (LCTs) are typically stored in the body as fat while MCTs are burned quickly for energy. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of MCTs which increase metabolic rates and lead to weight loss. MCTs promote what is called thermogenesis. Thermogenesis increases the body’s metabolism, producing energy. Researchers in Japan have found that when you consume a food rich in MCTs such as coconut oil, the MCTs are absorbed and transported directly into the liver via the portal vein. They are metabolized rapidly by beta-oxidation, and they increase diet-induced thermogenesis.8 People in the animal feed business have known this truth for quite some time. If you feed animals vegetable oils, they put on weight and produce more fatty meat. If you feed them coconut oil, they will be very lean. - See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2012/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss-facts-vs-fiction-what-you-need-to-know-about-coconut-oil-and-losing-weight/#sthash.0jhy6eXn.dpuf

Elite athletes and the fitness industry were one of the first to reject the incorrect and over-simplified assertion that ‘eating fat = getting fat’. For a long time sports people, especially runners, athletes, bodybuilders, weightlifters, and endurance sportspeople have been adding and raving about virgin coconut oil. Because the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) increase metabolism, athletes find that by increasing fat and decreasing carbohydrate consumption, they can maintain or reduce weight without reducing muscle mass or feeling tired and hungry, as they would on a more restrictive diet. Coconut oil is a very special type of saturated fat, containing the most MCTs of any natural food. MCTs are metabolised by the liver and converted into ketones which are an alternative source of energy for cells. The ketogenic effect enables the body to use ketones for energy and prevents muscle loss. The body accesses ketones when fasting (or starving) from stored fats. Coconut oil, being the richest source of MCT in a natural food, has therefore become a favourite of athletes who seek out natural ways to enhance their performance. Athletes report increased endurance and energy, weight loss without muscle loss, better recovery and increased joint mobility. Scientific studies in Japan support the anecdotal evidence.

MCTs stands for medium chain triglycerides. Another term for “triglycerides” is fatty acids. So another way of referring to MCTs is MCFA (medium chain fatty acids). “Medium” references the chain length of the fatty acids. Oils can contain short chain, medium chain, or long chain fatty acids. Most oils are a combination of all three types. Medium chain fatty acids contain between 6 and 12 carbon chains. They are: • C6 – Caproic Acid • C8 – Caprylic Acid • C10 – Capric Acid • C12 – Lauric Acid These medium chain fatty acids are known to have tremendous health benefits. C6 through C10, although found in coconut oil, are more predominant in other places in nature, such as goat’s milk. This is reflected in their names, taken from “capra,” which means “goat.” The most predominant MCT found in coconut oil, however, is Lauric acid. Coconut oil is about 50% Lauric acid, making it nature’s richest source of Lauric acid. While all the MCTs have known health benefits, lauric acid is the most well-known of the four. Lauric acid is prized around the world as a powerful antimicrobial agent, used in both food preservation as well as in drugs and nutraceuticals. Coconut oil in nature contains all four MCTs. In addition, it contains a small percentage of longer chain fatty acids. MCT oil, on the other hand, is not an oil found in nature but is manufactured by machine to separate out the medium chain fatty acids from the rest of the oil. The fatty acids are extracted through an industrial process of “fractionation”. The logic is that since MCTs are healthy, the more the better. Therefore, it is a popular belief that MCT oil is healthier than coconut oil. But is this true? Where the logic fails in comparing MCT oil to coconut oil, is in the assumption that all four MCTs are present in MCT oil, and only the longer chain fatty acids from coconut oil are removed. This assumption is false. MCT oils generally contain only the capra fatty acids. Lauric acid is either missing or present in minuscule amounts. Therefore, to assume that MCT oil is a fractionation of coconut oil, where the longer chain fatty acids have been removed, leaving all of the MCTs from coconut oil is false. Lauric acid is the star component in coconut oil, but missing in MCT oil. If MCT oil was the fractionation of all of the MCTs in coconut oil, it would be about 80% Lauric acid. But it is not. It is zero percent Lauric acid. This is not surprising if you think about it. Lauric acid is the most valuable component of coconut oil and the most actively traded MCT fatty acid in the world market. So what does one do with the remaining capra MCTs after removing the valuable Lauric acid? Market it as MCT oil of course! But can a product that has the most famous and most dominant fatty acid removed from the original product be considered “better”? Coconut is nature’s richest source of Lauric acid. The next highest source is human breast milk, at about 6 to 10%. So if you want Lauric acid, coconut oil is the place to get it. If, however, you want the capra medium chain fatty acids, you have many more alternatives, including goat’s milk and other animals’ milk. The capra medium chain fatty acids have their own unique characteristics and benefits. But to refer to them as “better” than coconut oil is short-sighted. They are not better – just different. Due to the recent rise in popularity of coconut oil, MCT oil has even been marketed as “liquid coconut oil” now. When lauric acid has been removed, the remaining MCTs stay liquid at much lower temperatures. MCT oil is not true coconut oil, however, since it contains little or no lauric acid. One should not expect the same benefits from cooking with MCT oil (which traditionally has been a supplement or skin care ingredient, and only recently has been marketed as a cooking oil) as with coconut oil. So, while we are not saying that MCT oil is “bad,” the hype saying it is “better” than coconut oil just does not reflect the facts. It suggests that people making such statements are falling for marketing claims, without really investigating the true nature of MCT oil. References 1. Know Your Fats, by Mary Enig, Ph.D., Bethesda Press. p. 259 by Brian Shilhavy of Health Impact News 19 June 2015 See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/mct-oil-vs-coconut-oil-the-truth-exposed/#sthash.bzxgf9sB.dpuf More https://www.niulife.com/health/coconut-oil-and-your-metabolism   Brain

It’s estimated about 30 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease where people slowly lose their memory and ability to function. It’s a sad, slow fading of a person’s character into oblivion and their physical need for full-time care. Since Dr Mary Newport published her book in 2008 “Alzheimer’s Disease – What if there was a Cure?” the “buzz” around the healing properties of coconut oil has become a controversial “roar.” The scientific community has cautioned us saying “no proof!” But no proof doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, it means no one has done a scientific, peer-reviewed study. The converted, like Dr Newport who saw her husband’s recovery, have pointed to the “anecdotal” evidence. Since Dr Newport’s book, scientific studies have been conducted that support the “anecdotal”. In the 2015 Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease a study by the Research Center on Aging and Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology at the University of Sherbrooke in Canada suggests a potential for compensating brain energy with Ketones in people whose brains have “impaired Glucose uptake”, dubbed by some as, “Diabetes of the brain” or “Diabetes 3.” Dr Newport realised that it was the ability of the body to turn the MCT in coconut oil into ketone that assisted her husband’s recovery. The problem is that if a natural food can alleviate or slow Alzheimer’s Disease, then who will fund research? Clearly there’s no money for pharmaceutical companies in a “natural” food cure that is readily available! Many people, not content to wait for the results of long-term peer-reviewed studies, desperately driven by the need to help their loved ones, and having read the anecdotal evidence have started using coconut oil. Their stories cram the internet and provide hope. The best part is that coconut oil has no nasty, toxic side effects (except you may experience some diarrhoea when you start, so start slowly!) If we look at Alzheimer’s disease as a “type 3″ diabetes and as an insulin resistance problem, coconut oil makes a lot of sense, as does a ketogenic high-fat diet. Coconut oil is known as a rich source of ketone energy, supplying an alternate form of energy to the brain. In fact, pharmaceutical companies are currently trying to develop drugs that mimic the same “ketonic” effect that can be achieved via a high-fat diet in order to treat Alzheimer’s. For example, Time Magazine recently ran as their cover story: “Eat Butter. Scientists labelled fat the enemy. Why they were wrong.” This reversed over 50 years of telling people that cholesterol and saturated fat were the cause of heart disease and supposed to be avoided. Today, the ketogenic diet principles of a high-fat low-carb diet are becoming popular once again. The ketogenic principles can be seen in recent diet fads, such as the Atkins Diet and the Paleo Diet. Since the original name was the ketogenic diet, and because some of the fad diets do differ on some points, the nutritionists and doctors prefer to use the term ketogenic. With the rise of diabetes, and recognizing that many modern diseases can be linked to an overconsumption of refined carbohydrates, particularly in the form of refined sugars, the ketogenic diet is being used and studied with diseases linked to insulin resistance, and this includes Alzheimer’s. This led Kokonut Pacific to develop a product specifically formulated for brain function, and ketones called Coconut Clarity.

Ketogenesis is the release of ketones into the body when fat is broken down for energy. A ketogenic diet is one in which good quality sources of fat are ingested to account for the high-calorie intake, whilst low amounts of carbohydrates and moderate amounts of protein are consumed. This activates a process in the body known as ketosis; where fat becomes the primary energy source as opposed to carbohydrates. This diet is especially beneficial for people who have trouble losing weight or must restrict carbohydrates to support specific conditions. It has also been found to help people who are experiencing brain degeneration from conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, Epilepsy and there are some suggestions that it may assist with cancer. What is clear from anecdotal evidence is that the brain can access ketones, even when it has become glucose resistant – and with energy the brain can function better. This led Niulife to develop a product specifically formulated for brain function, and ketones called Coconut Clarity.   Skin Many people only think of Coconut Oil as a food, but people often don’t realise the amazing benefits it has to keep skin looking and feeling healthy.

Coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides which deeply penetrate the skin, which allows it to be used as an everyday facial and body moisturiser without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. Additionally, coconut oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can naturally protect your skin from harm. It is completely safe and gentle enough to be used on children and babies, without the need to worry of accidental ingestion.

Coconut oil can give the skin significant amounts of protection from the external factors that can contribute to premature aging. Coconut oil contains a lot of antioxidants and essential vitamins and provides natural sun protection by screening 20% of ultraviolet exposure, which makes it a great anti-agent that can make the skin more supple and healthy. Collagen is the fibrous protein that connects tissue; and coconut oil aids in minimising wrinkles by promoting collagen production and replacement.

The skin is the first layer of the immune system's protection; and coconut oil mimics sebum, which the skin produces naturally to protect itself. Use coconut oil with a small amount of vitamin E to aid in the recovery of skin damage such as burns, cuts and scars. Applying coconut oil to scrapes and cuts will help create a shield over the wound and protect it from dust, bacteria and infections. Coconut oil helps speed up the healing process on bruises by repairing damaged tissue.

The antimicrobial and antibacterial agents in coconut oil help eliminate harmful microbes and bacteria from insect bites that allow it to soothe the affected area and heal quicker. Coconut oil can also be applied to mosquito bites to help soothe the irritation and reduce itching.

Coconut oil is a great alternative to chemically derived shaving creams. Its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties are kind to sensitive skin and do not cause irritation to those who are prone to razor burns and infections. Coconut oil provides dual action when used as a shaving cream, as it deeply moisturises the skin simultaneously, eliminating the need to follow up with a moisturiser after.

The antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties in coconut oil aid to soothe the itching of the skin and reduce the inflammation caused by eczema and psoriasis. Coconut oil also contains a number of healthy vitamins and nutrients like caprylic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, vitamin E and vitamin K that help to nourish the skin in order to decrease itching and flaking.

Part of what causes acne is that dead skin blocks pores and the natural oils in your skin become trapped and get infected. Properly hydrated skin that has the necessary amount of fat to form healthy cell membranes and maintain proper hydration of surface skin cells does not dry out fast. Dead cells don’t get stuck on the skin but slough off naturally when the body is healthy and performs as it was designed to do. Coconut oil is a natural aid to skin hydration when used both externally and when digested. It prevents pores from becoming plugged and prevents dirt and other impurities from becoming trapped where infection can occur.

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic condition where blood glucose levels become too high because the body produces little or no insulin (diabetes type 1), or cannot use the insulin produced (diabetes type 2). Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps direct glucose from the food we eat into cells to be used as energy. A study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that coconut oil protects against insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are small enough to be absorbed into the cells where they are quickly converted into energy. This process not only reduces the amount of fat we store but improves insulin sensitivity. Coconut oil’s unique properties help lower blood sugar levels, and in some case, have reversed the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. More https://www.niulife.com/health/coconut-oil-and-diabetes More http://www.garvan.org.au/research/diabetes-metabolism   Beauty

Sweating is your body’s mechanism to cool down. Sweat itself has no odour; the familiar unpleasant odour is caused by bacteria that live on our skin. These bacteria metabolize the proteins and fatty acids from our sweat, causing body odour. Deodorants deal with the smell by neutralizing it and by killing the bacteria that metabolize the proteins and fatty acids. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, using aluminium, try to prevent sweating by blocking the pores. Without sweat, the bacteria cannot metabolize proteins and fatty acids that cause body odour. Aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate, and aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrex gly are the most widely used in antiperspirants. Most of these materials are supplied as powders, and they are typically used at levels of 8-25% based on the weight of the finished product. We are continually exposed to aluminium due to its many uses. It is often used in cooking utensils, containers, appliances, and building materials. It is also used in paints and fireworks; to produce glass, rubber and ceramics; and in consumer products such as antacids, astringents, buffered aspirin, food additives, and antiperspirants. Another use for aluminium is in water purification, and it can, therefore, occur in your drinking water. Humans absorb aluminium through the skin: a 2001 study showed that aluminium was still present in blood samples 15 days after one application of aluminium to the armpit. Consequently, applying aluminium to the skin is a very effective way to get aluminium in your system, and in your brain. Aluminium was first recognized as a human neurotoxin in 1886, before being used as an antiperspirant. A neurotoxin is a substance that causes damage to nerves or nerve tissue. Post-mortem analysis of Alzheimer’s infected brains has shown increased levels of aluminium compared to people that did not die from Alzheimer’s. It has been well established that the accumulation of aluminium in the brain can cause neurological disorders. To prevent aluminium accumulation, reduced use of aluminium is crucial. Awareness of aluminium is the primary factor in preventing aluminium-induced toxicity. The short-term symptoms of aluminium toxicity include memory loss, learning difficulty, loss of coordination, disorientation, mental confusion, colic, heartburn, flatulence, and headaches. Alzheimer’s is one of the possible long-term effects of chronic aluminium exposure. Studies have found that aluminium absorbs better through the skin than orally. When using antiperspirants, one only applies very little aluminium to the skin. However, daily use results in chronic exposure to aluminium. One study has asserted that the use of aluminium-based antiperspirants increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 60%. For these reasons people have started looking for alternatives to traditional deodorants. Coconut oil is so simple. Wipe a small amount into your armpits. Although it’s very greasy, it is absorbed into the skin very quickly. Now you can get fancy and add baking soda and arrowroot powder and essential oils, or tee tree oil. Some people add shea butter. The great thing about coconut oil is that it is a fantastic skin moisturiser and great for sensitive skin as well - and cheap as chips compared to commercial concoctions. The moisturising works well too for shaving your armpits.

Coconut oil is a great alternative to chemically derived shaving creams. Its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties are kind to sensitive skin and do not cause irritation to those who are prone to razor burns and infections. Coconut oil provides dual action when used as a shaving cream, as it deeply moisturises the skin simultaneously, eliminating the need to follow up with a moisturiser after.

Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to warm bath water and soak yourself in the tub. The coconut oil will moisturise dry skin without the addition of any other lotions. For people with very dry skin, coconut oil is a daily blessing that will keep your skin permanently soft and supple. While you’re in the bath, coconut oil is a perfect shaving lubricant. Towel dry after as normal. If your drains are not generous, let the water go cold. The coconut oil will harden on top when the water temperature drops below 25 degrees Celsius and can be scooped out and used again several times or thrown out.

Flaky, brittle nails, like dry skin, are often caused by a corresponding lack of healthy saturated fat in the diet. Consuming coconut oil will help your nails and your hair growth. Coconut oil can be used to care for and soften cuticles. It is moisturising and softening and does not contain any chemicals or fragrances. Its antifungal properties make it an ideal complementary treatment for nail fungal infections on finger and toe nails.

Coconut oil mixed with other ingredients is a great body exfoliant, because of its intense moisturising ability. Mix coconut oil with salt or sugar (brown, raw or fine) or desiccated coconut or vanilla for effective body exfoliation. Rub on and then wash off to leave skin soft and silky. You can add a zest of citrus or any essential oils to make this a total aromatherapy experience.

Coconut oil is great to remove make-up – even waterproof mascara melts away. Apply gently with fingertips and then wipe off with a tissue or face wipe. Foundation is removed gently and it leaves your skin feeling fresh and soft. Follow with warm water.

Bumpy stores of fat beneath the surface of the skin that you can’t seem to shake off are the dreaded curse known as cellulite. Eating coconut oil daily can help reduce cellulite by giving your body the key it needs to unlock and wash those excess fat stores out of your body. The body needs certain fatty acids in order to allow it to metabolise fat stores. The medium chain fatty acids and the lauric acid in coconut oil act as a key that allows your body to let go of unneeded fat stores by reducing inflammation and boosting your metabolism, burning off the coconut oil you just ate plus additional fat stores as well. Eating coconut oil also makes the skin softer, smoother, and more elastic, so that the appearance of cellulite is naturally reduced over time.  Hair Healthy hair is a result of both internal factors (diet and health) and external factors (climate, applied colour, treatments). Coconut oil can assist with both! People who consume coconut oil find that their hair is healthier, growing strong and shiny. Applied externally it can protect against hair damage, and helps fight dandruff. It can enhance your eyelashes and eyebrows too. It’s great as an anti-frizz treatment being completely natural, and only a very small amount is needed. Some people have reported it assisting with hair growth. Coconut oil has a particular affinity towards hair protein because of its lauric acid profile. Unlike other oils (such as mineral & sunflower oil) that just sit on top of your hair doing nothing, coconut oil penetrates the hair fibres and binds to your hair protein. This helps your hair retain its natural moisture content thus strengthening the fibres and preventing damage & breakage. For the reasons listed above, more porous types of hair (such as African hair, chemically treated hair, or frequently heated hair) may find coconut oil particularly beneficial.

The remarkable properties of coconut oil improve hair growth. Fatty acids bind to the protein in hair and protect both the roots and fibres of hair from breakage. Lauric acid is found in coconut oil and has better results than other mineral or sunflower oils when it comes to improving hair health. Moisture is essential for healthy hair and regular and consistent use of coconut oil is very beneficial. By penetrating the hair shaft, coconut oil protects against environmental impurities and excess heat. Coconut oil is known to mimic Sebum. Sebum is the body’s own natural oil that helps keep the scalp from drying out and also coats hair roots to protect them from damage. A well-oiled scalp with happy follicles can prevent continued hair loss for some people. • Coconut oil massages improve blood circulation in general. A coconut oil scalp massage will effectively improve scalp circulation and boost nutrient and oxygen delivery to your hair. • The natural antioxidants and nutrients found in coconut oil will deliver crucial resources to improve your hair's softness and lustre. • Coconut oil is rich vitamin K and iron and can assist with eliminating dandruff whilst boosting hair growth. • Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. The scalp and hair are high in bacterial content, but coconut oil is an effective remedy to deal with the issue. • Coconut oil eradicates head lice. Rub virgin coconut oil through your hair for a super luxurious conditioning treatment – then wash as normal. This is amazing for hair that is brittle, thin or suffers from split ends. • It is also super to disentangle knots. Use a little before curling as a styling aid, with the added benefit of conditioning and protecting your hair. • Another reported benefit is that curly hair stays curly – with lovely soft, defined, bouncy curls, using a small amount of coconut oil.

No family is exempt from nasty nits, but treatment with coconut oil is natural and effective without harsh chemicals. Not so nice for lice. It suffocates them! How to treat lice with coconut oil and variations… Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. This will dissolve the glue the nits use to attach their eggs to the hair. When the vinegar is dry, apply coconut oil. Cover your hair with a towel or shower cap and go to sleep – or cover your pillow with a towel. In the morning comb out the nits and lice, and shampoo and condition your hair as normal. If you want quicker results mix coconut oil with garlic paste and leave it on your hair for 30 minutes, wash out with hot water and shampoo as normal and repeat as required. Other people mix coconut oil with garlic juice, lemon extract and green tea. Coconut oil and tea tree oil and anise have also been reported to work well. The advantage of this treatment is that coconut oil is a fantastic conditioner for your hair which is left smooth and shiny. A 2010 study conducted in the UK concluded that a combination of coconut oil and anise spray was “significantly more successful” in treating head lice than permethrin lotion (the most commonly prescribed pediculicide for treating head lice). The results show a whopping 82% coconut oil and anise spray cure rate of lice compared to the 42% cure rate of permethrin.

Hair products are so expensive and laden with chemicals, that it seems too good to be true that a pea sized blob of coconut oil can manage your fly-away frizz and add a gorgeous shine. The secret is to start small and work out how much is needed to control frizz without looking greasy. Rub coconut oil between your palms, and then rub into your hair and brush. Some people avoid the scalp area if their hair is naturally greasy. It leaves you with great shine, no frizz, no fragrance (just a hint of a tropical coconut) and no chemicals. And at a fraction of the cost of other methods. Rub more through your hair for a super luxurious conditioning treatment – then wash as normal. This is amazing for hair that is brittle, thin or suffers from split ends. Also super to disentangle knots. Use a little before curling as a styling aid, with the added benefit of conditioning and protecting your hair. Another reported benefit is that curly hair stays curly – with lovely soft, defined, bouncy curls, using a small amount of coconut oil.

It’s not poor hygiene or stress or diet, so quit the guilt. It’s caused by a yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia, that eats the oil produced by your hair follicles, and once you have it – it’s annoying! There’s a ton of product and chemicals that feed on your fear of wearing black and the results are fairly variable. But coconut oil is reliable, simple, works, and makes your hair feel terrific. Why does coconut oil work so well for curing dandruff? Two really good reasons. 1. Because of its natural antifungal properties. Fungi don’t like coconut oil. And it’s a fungus that’s causing your dandruff. Eliminate the excess fungus, and you eliminate the dandruff. It’s beautifully simple. How? Apply a small amount and rub through your hair at night, place a towel on your pillow and sweet dreams. Wash as normal in the morning. It helps to avoid hot water on your scalp as this can also exacerbate the problem by drying out your skin. 2. The coconut oil will assist with relieving the dryness and again, stop the dandruff. Some people like adding lime or lemon juice, which can blond the hair.

Coconut oil is a super conditioning treatment for hair. It can work in wet or dry hair. Best results are reported after leaving the oil in the hair overnight and doing a treatment once a week. Simply massage the oil through the hair till it is well coated and then leave for a few hours. Wash out as normal. For very long or thick hair, a few washes may be necessary to remove the greasiness. Many people will treat their hair at night and sleep, with a towel on their pillow, then shampoo in the morning and wake up to beautifully conditioned hair, at a fraction of the cost of conventional hair treatment products and no fragrance, no chemicals - and 100% organic.  

Why Coconut Oil can’t clog your arteries The Philippine Journal of Cardiology asked this very question: why can’t coconut oil clog your arteries? Dr. Dayrit, (author of Truth About Coconut Oil) of The Philippine Journal of Cardiology, reviewed 119 articles and original studies and came to one conclusion. All the people who consume coconut oil on a daily basis have low cholesterol levels and low rates of heart disease when compared to those who do not. The Philippines consists of many islands and regions. The Bicol region is famous for its coconut flavoured dishes and has the highest coconut oil consumption in the Philippines. People in that region consume an average of 26 grams daily. That is about 2 tablespoons per person per day. If you compare that to the 16 grams the people in Manila consume and then look at the overall number of deaths caused by heart disease in the two regions, the Bicol region has the lowest death rate. As an interesting side note, they brought in a second group of researchers to look at cholesterol. All the regions had cholesterol levels below 200, but the Bicol region, where deaths due to heart disease were lowest, actually had the highest cholesterol levels. This further illustrates that the cholesterol levels had absolutely nothing to do with heart disease. So what is really important here? The only effect that the rate of coconut oil consumption had on these people was: the lower the rate, the higher the incidence of heart disease. When researchers added up all the facts regarding Filipino mortality from heart disease and compared that to fat consumption, just as Ancel Keys had done in his analysis when he was trying to pin fat consumption to heart disease back in the 1950s, the results were in favour of coconut oil. If plaque in the arteries is caused by eating fat, as Keys postulated, then the Filipinos should have been off the charts. Yet their death rate from heart disease is the lowest in the world, even lower than Japan’s. MCT’s for heart health Almost all of the coconut oil you consume does not even enter into the cholesterol cycle. How is that possible with all that saturated fat? Coconut oil is made up of about two-thirds medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), a rare and very special group of saturated fats also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). These fatty acids behave differently than the saturated long-chain fatty acids (LCFA or LCT) found in animal fats and the unsaturated LCFA found in common Vegetable Oils. Unlike LCFAs, the MCFAs of coconut oil are quickly absorbed by the intestines, very similarly to the speed with which sugars are absorbed. Once in the body, the MCFAs are shuttled right to the liver and directly burned for energy. The LCFAs need pancreatic enzymes in order to be absorbed by the intestines, and then they have to go through a much longer process before they reach your liver to eventually be used for energy, cholesterol, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, cell membrane parts, vitamin D production, and a myriad other useful things. You can think of MCFAs as gasoline used to quickly ignite a fire while LCFAs and more like bigger logs that keep the fire burning. There are 12 heart disease and stroke risk factors. Six are unrelated to diet and six are positively reduced by eating coconut oil. These are blood cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, homocysteine levels and arterial inflammation. So there are good fats and bad fats…. The really good news is that you can beat the bad fats and bring your ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 back into balance. And you guessed it: introducing virgin coconut oil into your pantry does the trick! Coconut oil is free of omega 6 so when you choose to use it in place of other cooking oils you reduce your net omega 6 load - which improves your ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Read More https://www.niulife.com/health/coconut-oil-and-heart-health Heart Disease and Stroke Conventional wisdom is that saturated fat and cholesterol plug the arteries, eventually breaking off and causing heart attacks and strokes. The National Heart Foundation supports this view. Case closed. Well, not so fast. Think about this: • In 1900, heart attacks were nearly non-existent, and people ate a lot of saturated fats. • In the 1930s, heart attacks were causing about 3000 deaths per year in the USA. • By the 1960s, heart attacks were causing 500,000 deaths per year, and the population was eating significantly less saturated fat. When you look at those simple numbers, there should be some alarm bells going off in your head. There has to be more going on than conventional wisdom, and there is. So why the big jump in deaths? Something else was happening, and it had nothing to do with saturated fat consumption. People were actually eating less saturated fat. One of the major factors was a higher consumption of sugar. Before the 1900s, sugar was a luxury item made from sugar cane. New technology allowed for beet and corn sugars to be processed cheaply, and soon the sugar bowl was a regular addition to the dinner table. After World War II, processed grains, convenience foods, and new oils made from vegetable seeds were flooding the store shelves. Watch the video https://youtu.be/v8WA5wcaHp4 Cholesterol The saturated fat in coconut oil is good for your cholesterol. But for years we have been told to avoid saturated fat because it raises your cholesterol and will give you a heart attack. For years, we’ve been eating low-fat but consistently getting fatter. Science gives us the best, evidence-based knowledge available, but it is subject to two things: human manipulation and evolving new science that refines our understanding, or even provides a major course correction. The debate around saturated fat has been subject to both and the centre of attention has been coconut oil, the most saturated (92%) fat of them all. In the 1950’s Dr Ancel Keys created the “lipid theory” after analysing death rates from heart disease and concluding saturated fat was the culprit. He collected data from 22 nations but only used the data from the six countries that supported his theory. For many complicated (political/commercial) reasons, rather than being debunked, the lipid theory gained traction and is still hanging around in the form of saturated fat = artery clogging heart attack. What we now know from the scientific evidence is that not all fats are created equal and neither is cholesterol. Scientific studies now show that consuming sensible amounts of natural coconut oil can reduce bad cholesterol and raises HDL, the good cholesterol. Coconut oil, being a saturated fat, will raise total cholesterol levels. But it does so because it raises the HDL, or the “good” helpful particles in cholesterol to a very high level, while having very little significant changes in the “bad” dense particles in the cholesterol. Studies have shown that pure coconut oil, although it raises total cholesterol, has very little effect on LDL or VLDL (much more harmful) and triglycerides (fat in the blood), while increasing the healthy cholesterol which practically every cell in our body needs to function. This means that pure, organic and unrefined coconut oil, a cholesterol-free oil full of saturated fat, can actually be beneficial for the heart, immune system (by aiding vitamin D synthesis), brain health and many other areas of our lives.   Sex Coconut Oil is one of the best massage oils in the world. And as good as it is as a massage oil, it’s even better as a lubricant. • Nice & natural – no chemicals, 100% organic • Moisturises and heals while it lubricates • Great for foreplay massage • Super slippery • Wildly exotic - It smells like a tropical paradise, even when you’re not in Bali. • It’s inexpensive compared to pharmaceutical products • Anecdotal evidence is that it’s also good for relieving thrush & candida. • Great at reducing odours because of its antibacterial, antifungal fighting properties and the fragrant coconut smell.

Massage oils are part of a luxurious and restorative experience, so careful selection of the right type of oil adds significantly to the joy, relaxation and relief a massage delivers. Organic, cold pressed, virgin coconut oil contains no chemicals and smells lightly of coconuts. It can be mixed with other scented natural oils for an added aromatherapy experience. It has no toxic side-effects and because of its high saturated fat content is very smooth and moisturising. It will not irritate even delicate skin. Another advantage of coconut oil is that a small amount goes a long way, so it’s also very economical.

Coconut oil makes an excellent sensual massage oil because of its high saturated fat content. It is super slippery and contains no chemicals or toxins that may irritate sensitive skin. Natural, organic, virgin coconut oil has a lovely smell and is very moisturising when applied to the skin. It also is edible, so eating it during foreplay is not a problem. Ingested coconut oil also increases metabolism and endurance, a bonus in the bedroom.

Vaginal yeast infections are as revolting as they sound and many women are troubled by them for years. It’s caused by a Candida infection, which can also affect children as thrush in the mouth or throat and as nappy rash. When the immune system is compromised, the bad bacteria thrive in the gut and cause havoc. The overgrowth of Candida albicans in the gut can affect the health of the whole body, as your body fights the bad germs, you are constantly tired (think chronic fatigue) and hit by constant colds and flu. Unchecked Candida can grow and damage the lining of the gut wall, further compromising your ability to absorb nutrients and stay healthy. Toxins can pass from your gut to your bloodstream through the now compromised gut wall and now you are really feeling sick with allergies and food intolerances. All these issues can largely be traced back to diet and good gut health. Coconut oil is very effective at killing Candida while simultaneously aiding the good bacteria.  

We get amazing letters from pet owners who report remarkable results using coconut oil in the food and on the coats of their best friends, especially dogs, cats and horses. Test results on coconut oil’s effect on dogs in clinical trials are not readily available, but anecdotal evidence is impressive. Overweight pets become lean and energetic soon after they begin to eat coconut oil. Bad breath is minimised. Shabby coats take on a new shine. Animals with arthritis or ligament problems grow stronger and livelier. Dogs with flea allergies, contact dermatitis or other allergic reactions typically stop scratching soon after coconut oil is added to their food. Wounds, bites, stings, ear mites, ear infections and cuts all recover faster with the application of coconut oil. It’s also an excellent insect repellent. Professional horse trainers often add coconut oil to their horse feed to increase endurance and speed. Coconut oil is good for overall equine health, adding weight for sick horses and well-being for equine athletes.