May/June • 2021 • GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 25
The studies, both now and then, have
shown that coconut oil stands out in terms
of its structural makeup in medium-chain
fatty acids. This is something similar to what
is found in breast milk. For this very reason
coconut oil goes into baby formula, energy
bars and sports drinks, where it’s commonly
known as MCT (medium chain triglycerides).
MCT fatty acids exhibit greater digestive
properties than the fat types found in
other varieties of oils. This is due to the
fact that the liver can process them directly
and immediately by converting them
into energy. MCTs are readily and easily
digestible, enhancing the process of the
absorption of other nutrients in the body.
Studies show MCTs can increase
the number of calories that
you burn, and have also
shown that they can
signifi cantly boost
your metabolic
rate. Several
“low-saturated
fats” are partially
hydrogenated.
The more
common “healthy”
polyunsaturated
oils are known to
build up toxic- free
radicals when heated.
This happens during
the heating process, which
converts all fats into harmful transfatty
This versatile oil
offers a multitude
of uses
that you may be
completely
unaware of
acids, thus making them carcinogenic.
Virgin coconut oil is non-hydrogenated
and is proven to be stable. It is extremely
resistant to free-radical generation when it is
heated at high temperatures, and is safe for
everyday use inside and outside the body.
This versatile oil offers a multitude of
uses that you may be completely unaware
of. When applied to your skin, coconut oil
protects it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays at
an approximate rate of SPF4. These are the
harmful kind of sun rays known to promote
skin cancer, wrinkling and brown spots.
It does not provide the protection that
conventional sunscreen does, which blocks
out about 90 percent of UV rays, but it is all
natural and has been used throughout the
world for skin protection.
Coconut oil can be used as a preventive
weapon against bacteria, including
Streptococcus mutants that cause dental
plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum
disease. Oil pulling with coconut oil, a
practice involving the swishing of coconut
oil in the mouth for 10 minutes or more per
day, reduces infl ammation and swelling
of the gums and offers the equivalent of
the antiseptic properties of mouthwash.
Flossing becomes much easier as the oil
acts as a lubricant, leaving a slight fi lm on
the teeth.
Antioxidants called polyphenols that
are found in coconut oil play a
vital role in the treatment
of infl ammation. By
applying coconut oil
directly to affected
areas, swelling is
greatly reduced in a
variety of ailments
including eczema,
insect bites,
arthritis, rashes,
wounds and
gingivitis.
Coconut oil
increases the
production of
collagen, which is a major
component of the skin. When
applied directly to the skin, coconut
oil helps to heal and repair damaged hair,
fi ngernails, cuticles, elbow, knees and
cracked heels.
The main fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric
acid; it provides coconut oil with the ability
to penetrate the skin and hair shaft in ways
that other fats cannot. Coconut oil is a gentle
and effective eye makeup remover, deep
conditioner for the hair, skin moisturizer,
natural lip balm and deodorant. The strong
antibacterial properties in coconut oil make
it an ideal alternative to using chemicalbased
products.
You can fi nd many recipes online using
coconut oil and other natural ingredients to
make your own home beauty remedies.