If you don’t know about the amazing benefits of coconut oil then you have been living under a rock, but here is one benefit that will be new to you.
As it turns out, coconut oil can help fix problems associated with an under-active thyroid. An under-active thyroid results in what is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormones to keep the body running properly, causing the body’s functions to slow down, including the metabolism.
Symptoms Include:
- Cold hands and feet
- Low body temperature
- Sensitivity to cold
- Insomnia
- Dry skin
- Puffy eyes
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
- Joint aches
- Constipation
- Mental dullness
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
Approximately 65% of the U.S. population is overweight; 27% are clinically obese. Research is pointing towards an underactive thyroid, especially among women.
Coconut Oil and Hypothyroidism
So, the question is, where does the coconut oil come in? The benefits of coconut oil for thyroid problems come from its unique medium-chain fatty acids. Lauric acid, a type of medium-chain triglyceride found in coconut oil, has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Capric acid has potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and caprylic acid boasts a number of health benefits.
How to Use Coconut oil for Hypothyroidism
For hypothyroid related problems, use extra virgin coconut oil. About 1 tbsp can be consumed each day. Try adding extra virgin coconut oil to hot tea or coffee, in cooking, or as an addition to smoothies or salads.
Coconut oil can help treat these problems associated with an under-active thyroid:
- Weight Loss
The medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have been proven to support weight loss and help your body burn fat for energy. By regulating appetite and improving digestion, coconut oil can make it much easier to reduce your daily caloric intake and lose weight at a healthy rate of around one to two pounds per week.
- Hormones
The healthy fats in coconut oil support the thyroid and adrenal glands which can lower cortisol to naturally balance hormones.
- Boosts Metabolism
An underactive thyroid can cause constant fatigue, leaving the body with no energy. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are able to enter the mitochondria to help fats convert to energy and boost the metabolism. Once ingested the lauric acid in coconut oil converts to monolaurin, which improves the metabolism as well as the immune system.
- Prevent Hair Loss
A thyroid disorder can affect many parts of the body, including the hair follicles. The lauric acid in coconut oil is able to provide hair with the proteins it needs to stay healthy and strong.