Top 10 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Top 10 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been a dietary and beauty staple for ages in tropical regions, especially Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its use and popularity is growing across the globe and for good reason. Coconut oil is an excellent source of nutrition and has many health benefits.
Because the oil contains more than 90 percent saturated fat, it was long believed to be unhealthy. But opinions are shifting as more is learned about the profound positive effects that coconut oil can have on health.
For example, it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It also helps in the absorption of other minerals.
Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut oil.
1. Boosts Immune System
Coconut oil is made up of healthy fats – lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid –that contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, all of which help strengthen the body’s immune system.
A strong immune system means the body is more capable of fighting a variety of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, candida and even HIV.
By adding coconut oil to your diet plan, you’ll keep your immune system strong year round and especially during the winter months.
2. Lowers Cholesterol
Several studies suggest that dietary use of coconut oil can increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) and reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) in your blood.
This in turn reduces the risk of injury and damage to arteries and helps prevent atherosclerosis. This improvement in cardiovascular risk factors will help lower your blood pressure level and reduce your risk of heart disease over the long term.
Those who have a family history of heart disease can benefit from adding coconut oil to their diet on a daily basis to reduce their risk.
3. Controls Blood Sugar
Coconut oil also is known to help control blood sugar by improving the secretion of insulin. A recent study conducted at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that the medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
These fats are absorbed into the cells easily and converted to energy quickly. This process improves insulin sensitivity. Coconut oil also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, which plays a key role in preventing as well as treating diabetes.
Coconut oil is one fat that diabetics can eat without fear and can benefit from opting for this oil over others when cooking.
4. Treats Candida
Coconut oil has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties that help protect the body from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Plus, the moisturizing and gentle nature of coconut oil makes it a great choice for treating different types of yeast infections. This oil is particularly helpful in preventing and treating the yeast infection known as candida.
Topical application of pure coconut oil on the affected skin provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida. Also, the high moisture-retaining capacity of the oil will keep the skin from cracking or peeling off. Those suffering from candida should also increase their intake of coconut oil to speed up the healing process.
5. Removes Stretch Marks
Coconut oil can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. The healthy saturated fats in coconut oil will help strengthen the skin’s cell walls and its antioxidant properties help fight free radicals and nourish damaged skin.
This oil is absorbed deep into the skin very quickly when massaged into the affected area. Along with stretch marks, coconut oil also helps treat various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
To prevent or reduce stretch marks, you can use coconut oil both internally and externally.
6. Nourishes Hair
Coconut oil can effectively help maintain beautiful, healthy and shiny hair. It is considered one of the best natural nutrients for your hair. Being rich in medium-chain triglycerides, this oil easily penetrates deep into hair shafts, allowing essential nutrients required for hair growth to reach inside the shaft of each hair.
This in turn helps speed the rate of hair growth while also improving the condition of damaged hair. Plus, the unique chemical structure of coconut oil has the power to keep your hair and scalp free from dandruff and lice.
For nourishing and healing damaged hair, simply massage your scalp with warm coconut oil two or three times a week.
7. Aids Digestion
Studies show that coconut oil is extremely good for the digestive system. It aids the digestion process and also prevents various stomach and gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, hemorrhoids and constipation.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil require less energy and fewer enzymes to break down. This allows the oil to be easily digested and absorbed, which is very important for people suffering from digestive problems.
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Plus, coconut oil aids absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which help in the digestion process.
If you suffer from poor digestion or any kind of digestive problems, try adding coconut oil to your diet. Within a few days, you may notice a huge improvement in your condition.
8. Increases Bone Strength
Coconut oil aids the body’s absorption of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and other important minerals. Calcium and magnesium are critical for maintaining strong bones.
It has been found that middle-aged women who are prone to osteoporosis can significantly reduce their risk with regular intake of coconut oil.
Health experts even recommend giving extra virgin coconut oil to small children to improve their bone strength.
9. Combats Alzheimer’s Disease
There is a strong connection between regular consumption of coconut oil and prevention of Alzheimer’s and other brain problems.
A pediatrician, Dr. Mary Newport’s case study also suggests that coconut oil can be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
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It is believed that the medium-chain triglycerides found in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketone bodies, which work as an alternative brain fuel. Further research in this regard is now underway.
As little as one daily serving of coconut oil will improve cognitive functioning and memory for people of all age groups, including seniors.
10. Promotes Weight Loss
Coconut oil is very useful for weight loss. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are shorter and more water-soluble compared to other oils like olive or canola oil. These medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed directly into the cells, which means the fat can be immediately burned as energy rather than being stored in the body.
It has been found that this oil is very effective in reducing the most dangerous accumulation of fat in the abdominal cavity and around the organs in the abdomen.
Further, this edible oil is easy to digest and helps increase the body’s metabolic rate. For all these reasons, several health experts recommend coconut oil to those who are trying to lose weight.
With all these health benefits, coconut oil is a good item to include in your diet. For maximum benefits, use extra virgin coconut oil.
How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster
How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster
There are no shortcuts to growing luscious, long locks. On average, hair grows about a half an inch per month. Your general health, well-being, and genetic factors affect your rate of hair growth.
You can encourage hair growth by maintaining healthy hair through a good diet and proper hair care. Certain herbs can help make your hair grow faster, too.
Here are the top 10 ways to help your hair grow faster.
1. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a diet rich in protein and vital vitamins and minerals is an essential prerequisite to healthy hair growth. Opt for foods high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Vitamin B-complex, in particular, is extremely important for making your hair grow faster.
So, include a variety of foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, chicken, eggs, whole grains, salmon, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage, parsley, grapefruit, avocado, brown bread, oats, and alfalfa in your diet to nourish your hair and scalp. Plus, drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, such as orange, grapefruit, carrot, beet, and lettuce juice.
Fish, flax seeds, walnuts, beans, winter squash, olive oil, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also good for hair growth as about 3% of a hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoid nutritional deficiencies because they tend to affect your hair adversely. For example, vitamin E and zinc deficiencies lead to hair thinning and loss.
2. Use castor oil
Being rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, especially omega-9 fatty acids, castor oil promotes hair growth naturally.
- As this oil is quite viscous, mix the castor oil with an equal amount of coconut, olive, or almond oil. Massage your scalp with it and leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes. Then shampoo your hair.
- You can also add essential oils, especially rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or thyme oil, to the castor oil and then put it in your hair.
3. Massage your scalp
Massaging promotes blood flow to the scalp, which in turn stimulates the hair follicles. In addition, deep condition your hair once a week with a hot oil treatment or deep conditioning hair mask.
- Apply the oil (preferably warm) or conditioner to your hair.
- Gently rub your fingers on your scalp in a circular motion for three to five minutes.
- Rinse the oil or conditioner out of your hair.
4. Flip your hair upside down
This is one of the most popular tricks to promote faster hair growth. Just flip your hair upside down by flipping your head over for two to four minutes daily. It is believed to work by improving circulation.
5. Stay stress-free
Stress is one of the most important factors that contribute to hair loss. It is believed that stress can disrupt the normal hair cycle and trigger hairs to enter the telogen or fall-out phase. Thus, when striving for faster hair growth, minimize the stress in your life.
To manage stress, you can use meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. Plus, be sure to get your beauty sleep as the growth hormone is released during sleep.
6. Whip up an egg mask
Eggs are highly beneficial for faster hair growth because they are packed with protein and also contain iron, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. You can use an egg hair mask at least once a month.
- Whisk an egg. Mix in four tablespoons of grapeseed oil and a few drops of lavender oil. Apply it on your hair and scalp and leave it on for half an hour. Finally, rinse it out and shampoo your hair as usual.
- Apply a mixture of two egg yolks and two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil on your scalp. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it out with cold water and then shampoo your hair.
- Alternatively, whisk an egg and add one cup of milk, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, and the juice from half a lemon to it. Apply it on your scalp and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it out and shampooing your hair.
How to Get Thicker Hair Naturally
How to Get Thicker Hair Naturally
Hair loss is a common problem nowadays. As hair is regarded as an asset that enhances one’s physical appearance, balding or thinning hair is a problem that many want to correct as soon as possible.
Some of the common factors contributing to thinning hair are excessive physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, pollution, allergies, use of wrong hair care products, poor hair care routine, and heredity.
If you have thinning hair, there is no need to spend money on expensive treatments and products. There are many natural remedies to help you get thicker and voluminous hair.
Here are the top 10 ways to get thicker hair naturally.
1. Eggs
Regular protein treatment is essential to enjoy stronger and thicker hair. For a protein hair treatment, the best ingredient is eggs.
- Take one or two eggs, depending on the length of your hair, and beat it properly. Apply the egg on wet hair and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and shampoo. You can use this protein treatment once or twice a week.
- Another option is to mix together one egg yolk, one tablespoon of a hair oil of your choice and two tablespoons of water. Use this mixture to massage your scalp thoroughly. Follow this remedy once a week to enjoy thicker hair.
2. Olive Oil
- Massage your hair and scalp with warm olive oil and leave it on for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse it out thoroughly and wash your hair using a mild shampoo. You can also leave the oil on your hair overnight and then shampoo your hair the next morning.
- Another option is to mix olive oil with some honey and apply the mixture on your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then wash your hair.
Use either or these remedies once or twice a week.
3. Avocado
Avocado can also be used to get thicker hair as it moisturizes and adds body to your hair. Plus, the vitamin E in this fruit contributes to the overall health of the hair shaft.
- Make a mixture of one mashed avocado, one mashed banana and one tablespoon of olive oil. Massage it on your scalp and leave the mixture on your hair for about 30 minutes so that the nutrients are absorbed by the scalp. Finally, rinse it out and shampoo your hair.
- You can also make a hydrating hair mask by mixing two tablespoons of wheatgerm oil with half of a ripe mashed avocado. Apply this hair mask on freshly shampooed hair and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly and then shampoo your hair.
Use either of these avocado hair masks once a week.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
- Soak two to three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water for eight to 10 hours. Grind the soaked seeds to make a fine paste. You can also mix two teaspoons of coconut milk in it. Apply the paste on your hair and scalp and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before washing your hair with lukewarm water. When done weekly on a regular basis, this remedy will prevent dry scalp and help you enjoy thicker hair.
- Another option is to use the water that the fenugreek seeds soaked in overnight as a hair rinse. This will encourage hair growth and help you to get rid of dandruff. Use it once or twice a week.
5. Indian Gooseberry
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and exfoliating properties present in Indian gooseberry can help a lot in maintaining a healthy scalp and better hair growth rate.
- Mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry or amla powder in two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat until boiling. Strain the oil and massage it onto your scalp before going to bed. The next morning, shampoo your hair as usual. Do this on a weekly basis.
- Another option is to mix one-quarter cup of warm water in one-half cup of Indian gooseberry powder and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Apply the paste on your hair and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Do not shampoo your hair for a few hours. Follow this remedy every few weeks.
- You can also take the Indian gooseberry fruit and its extract as a dietary supplement for healthy hair.
6. Castor Oil
Massaging your scalp regularly with cold-pressed castor oil is one of the easiest ways to get thicker hair naturally. Due to its high viscosity, it coats the hair thoroughly and
protects against hair fall. Plus, being high in vitamin E and fatty acids, it promote hair growth.
- Heat a mixture of equal parts of castor oil and coconut oil. Simply using castor oil will also work but it tends to be too thick.
- Apply it on your head and scalp and massage in circular motions.
- Comb your hair to distribute the oil throughout your hair and remove tangles.
- Cover your hair with a towel moistened with warm water.
- Leave it on for at least one hour and then shampoo your hair as usual.
- Follow this remedy once a week to enjoy lustrous and thick hair.
Windows 7 Recent Documents Location, It is here
If you are looking to browse Recent documents in Windows 7 explorer, then it will not be available where you found in Windows XP. It’s in different location like Vista. Find out the Windows 7 recent documents location with this small guide.
This is helpful to access Windows 7 drives over the network to find out recently opened documents and visited places in explorer.
Recent documents for Windows 7 is located under here,
Look at above location when you browse other users’ data over network or as separate disk.
Delete all files ( It is just shortcuts) from this location to clear your recent documents in Windows 7.
Studies show that coconut oil is extremely good for the digestive system. It aids the digestion process and also prevents various stomach and gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, hemorrhoids and constipation.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil require less energy and fewer enzymes to break down. This allows the oil to be easily digested and absorbed, which is very important for people suffering from digestive problems.
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Plus, coconut oil aids absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which help in the digestion process.
If you suffer from poor digestion or any kind of digestive problems, try adding coconut oil to your diet. Within a few days, you may notice a huge improvement in your condition.
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