Historically the Cocos Nucifera otherwise known as ‘coconut’ held an unparalleled importance to humans in history. It was one of the most potent portable nutrition ever available in the form of water. During the establishment of the trade routes to coastal India, Africa, colonisation of the Pacific Rim and South America the coconut tree has played a critical role in sustaining humans. Belonging to the genus of the Arecaceae, the whole tree inclusive of its bark and leaves is known to be extremely useful as sources of food, water and fuel. More recently, bio-diesel is manufactured from the coconut oil in the pacific.
The Cocos Nucifera oil or coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, anti-oxidants and vitamins that actively fight the free radicals that cause damage. It contains 90% saturated triglycerides. Fatty acid content is in its hydrogenated form. The oil also contains essential simple esters, inorganic and sulphated salts and fatty alcohols. The esters and salts have profiles similar to oil in its hydrogenated forms.
The Cocos Nucifera oil has multiple health benefits. It is an analgesic, anti-hypertensive agent, ant-diabetic, anti-viral and much more. The coconut oil is extremely beneficial for both the internal and external systems.
Controls hypothyroidism.
MCFAs in the coconut oil help in the production of insulin and thus help in controlling diabetes; the MCFAs are also more soluble and prevent heart disease.
Lauric acid in coconut oil combats candidiasis and other skin diseases.
The fatty acids can burn calories and prevent weight gain.
Osteoporosis is better managed with the MCFAs due to their absorptive capacity.
Medium chain fatty acids, lauric acid and butyric acid can fight cancer.
Coconut oil improves the overall immune system to benefit HIV and AIDs patients.
Coconut oil is known to reduce protein loss remarkably. Here is how the Cocos Nucifera oil helps in baldness and hair growth:
High in lauric acid, when the oil is applied to the hair, it penetrates the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight
Cools the scalp.
Retains moisture due to its anti-evaporating nature.
Its stability prevents breakage of hair.
Fatty acids act as anti-dandruff agents – regular application rids dandruff forever.
Rough, hardened and bleached hair are smoothened with coconut oil.
Best applicant for a shiny hair.