‘Wellness means ‘well-being’. Wellness is a fusion of ‘well-being’ and ‘fitness’. The word is used as a collective term for everything that has to do with relaxation, enjoyment, rest and healing. Wellness is about feeling fit, getting revitalised and being happy. The word is also used in a holistic sense. Wellness then encompasses both the physical as well as the social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health of the human being. Generally speaking, wellness is only about physical well-being. This also includes preventive forms of health care, such as fitness and exercise and diet, as well as meditation and relaxation exercises.’ Liesbeth de Vries, Foot Zone Reflexology and Wellness practice
26 fantastic and surprising wellness benefits of organic extra virgin coconut oil:
1. Coconut oil alleviates allergic symptoms
Each season may present its own challenges for people with allergies. Organic coconut oil can provide relief in several ways. Its antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are helpful. The anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties alleviate allergic reactions.
2. Coconut oil sharpens clear thinking
Where caffeine provides you with a short-term boost, the boosting effects of cold-pressed coconut oil are long-lasting. The brain’s dry matter consists of 30% fat. It is only logical that healthy fats nourish your brain and provide the elements for being alert. Add coconut oil to your tea or coffee. Wake up your brain! Your body gets ketones from coconut oil, the ideal fuel for a brain boost.
3. Coconut oil improves blood circulation
Ideally, coconut oil should be used proactively every day and occasionally alternated with a different cold-pressed oil. Coconut oil prevents oxidation of fatty acids in your blood. This reduces the strain on blood vessels and capillaries. Plaque gets less of an opportunity, allowing your blood to circulate freely. Better circulating blood improves the energy level and the supply of all your cells.
4. Coconut oil reduces constipation
While constipation may have become commonplace, it is not normal. Stress, lack of exercise and bad eating habits all contribute to constipation. A visit to the lavatory for a number two should take place at least once a day. Movement every 24 to 48 hours is ideal. Extra virgin coconut oil helps promote bowel movement, together with eating high-fibre food. Coconut oil also restores the intestinal mucosa.
5. Coconut oil helps treat haemorrhoids
According to the Mayo clinic, 50% of people over the age of 50 have some form of haemorrhoids. Sitting on the toilet for a long time and having to push does not do them any good. Healthy fats, sufficient fibre and exercise prevent and cure haemorrhoids. Cold-pressed coconut oil helps with undesirable intestinal flora and reduces the inflammation that occurs with painful haemorrhoids. Both ingesting coconut oil and applying it externally are the way to go.
6. Coconut oil helps with irritable bowel syndrome
A spastic colon or stress-related colitis often leads to serious inflammation of the intestines. This can range from mildly irritating to annoying or even very painful, causing your energy to drain away. Coconut oil can protect the intestines, is antimicrobial and will strengthen our immune system by healing the intestines. Coconut oil also strengthens the liver so that it can better neutralise harmful substances. It also improves the intestinal flora and heals inflammation in both the small and large intestines.
7. Coconut oil soothes colitis and Crohn’s disease
The approach to both diseases is slightly different. For the most part, they are similar. They originate in the intestine and can cause discomfort in the stomach. With inflammations that hurt, and white blood cells that attack the lining of the intestine. Diarrhoea, fever, headache, liver pain and joint pain are just a few symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effect of coconut oil, as well as the improved digestion and protective effect in the intestines, does wonders.
8. Coconut oil reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections
Colds, flu, runny noses, respiratory problems or rattling lungs are less likely to occur with organic coconut oil. Coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the sinuses and other areas. Coconut oil can also neutralise bacteria and viruses with a protective fatty layer.
9. Coconut oil reduces the duration of a cold
Dr Kabara has scientifically demonstrated that extra virgin coconut oil can neutralise many viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has also been scientifically proven that coconut oil strengthens our immune system. The result: a cold does not last as long. Medicines can kill bacteria (not viruses), but the recovery process is generally extended to 10 days. Vaccines sometimes prevent colds or flu, but they always have side effects.
15. Coconut oil soothes a sore throat
A sore throat is painful and can make it more difficult to sleep, swallow and speak. Virgin coconut oil has anti-disease properties. Many types of bacteria and viruses have no chance of survival thanks to coconut oil. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. As soon as coconut oil reaches and coats the throat, the pain begins to subside.
11. Coconut oil alleviates depression
Approximately 10.1% of the western population suffers from some form of depression. Financial worries, family problems, work-related stress and environmental factors play an important role. Identifying the problem is the start of the solution. Coconut oil facilitates this process thanks to its immune-enhancing, purifying and health-promoting properties.
12. Coconut oil helps prevent and reduce anxiety attacks
More than 15% of the population suffers from anxiety and anxiety attacks. This is caused by a wide range of issues. One thing is for certain: the brain reacts. Well-functioning brains diminish and prevent anxiety attacks. Coconut oil provides brain cells with stability and less inflammation. According to psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, inflammations in the brain can lead to anxiety and depression.
13. Coconut oil strenghthens your teeth
On the one hand, cold-pressed coconut oil ensures better absorption of calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for strong teeth, and at the same time, organic coconut oil protects the teeth through its antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal properties. If there is a shortage of minerals, the body can get them from the teeth, e.g. to release them to (the minerals of) the heart. That is why it is important for minerals to be properly absorbed, with the help of coconut oil, for example.
14. Coconut oil repels insect infections
Insect bites can be unpleasant and lead to infections. The DEET in mosquito milk is harmful. Cold-pressed organic coconut oil counteracts inflammation, soothes itching and rashes and has an antiviral and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil offers the solution. You can enhance the effect by adding another 2% – 10% of clove and cinnamon essential oil to the coconut oil.
15. Coconut oil counteracts fungal infection like nail fungus
According to an article in the 2013 Science Daily, 1.3 million people die each year from fungal infection. Fungal infection can affect the brain, lungs, heart and other organs. The 2007 Journal of Medical Food strongly recommends coconut oil to prevent and cure fungal infections. As you may know by now, coconut oil contains MCTs (medium-chain fatty acids) that can kill fungi. For example, a fungal nail infection can be cured within a month by eating coconut oil and rubbing it on and around the nail twice a day.
16. Coconut oil regulates candida, such as vaginal yeast infection
Candida is an infection caused by a yeast. Women often suffer from it, especially after a course of antibiotics. But Candida can strike anywhere, from under the armpit to the digestive, respiratory and urinary tract. Various scientific studies have extensively proven the positive effect of coconut oil on fungus or yeast. A Nigerian University and hospital stated that pure coconut oil is a better remedy for candida infection than medicines with their side effects.
17. Coconut oil to treat oral thrush
Oral thrush is a less dangerous but nasty infection in the oral cavity. Babies and small children suffer from it most. The white sores in the mouth can affect the digestive tract and the oesophagus. A cortisone treatment can cause thrush, whereas coconut oil can cure it. In addition to consuming coconut oil, it is strongly recommended to apply organic coconut oil to the oral cavity several times a day.
18. Coconut oil fights yeast infections
The stabbing pain of yeast (fungal) infections is usually resolved through heavy-duty drugs full of chemicals that destroy the inflammation. Organic coconut oil has the same effect without any of the chemical rubbish. The fatty acids in coconut oil have an antifungal effect; they also work as an antihistamine to reduce allergic reactions and as a probiotic for improved intestinal flora. All contributing to a stronger immune system. Ingest coconut oil and apply to the skin where the infection occurs.
19. Coconut oil remedies urinary tract infection or cystitis
Urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection and can make urinating quite painful. The urine is cloudy and smelly, and the symptoms can sometimes be accompanied by vomiting, fever and nausea. It is easy to treat with antibiotics. The result is a fungal infection and intestines that do not function properly. Coconut oil with cranberry juice is a much easier remedy. Equally effective and much healthier.
20. Coconut oil prevents nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are nothing serious. Bleeding stops in 99.9% of cases. People who take blood thinners tend to bleed much longer, however. To prevent dryness in the nose, use a tissue or cotton swab soaked in coconut oil.
21. Coconut oil eliminates lice
A 2002 study, published in the Medical Association Journal, showed a 92% success rate using coconut oil as well as anise and ylang-ylang essential oil to treat 119 schoolchildren. Strengthen the treatments by first treating the hair with apple cider vinegar. Then comb the eggs out. Rub your head completely with a cup of coconut oil containing 20 drops of anise and ylang-ylang essential oil. Leave it in for 12 hours. Then wash your hair and comb it again thoroughly. All done—without the need for chemicals from the pharmacy.
22. Coconut oil improves sleep
The American Cancer Society found that people who sleep 7 hours live longer than those who sleep significantly less or significantly more. A preoccupied mind? A massage with coconut oil before bedtime does wonders. Give it a try.
23. Coconut oil as carrier oil for massage oils
Many cheap massage oils are made with petroleum and chemical fragrances. These are toxic. Coconut oil as a base oil is healthier and quite beneficial, enriched with your favourite natural essential oil aroma. Organic coconut oil nourishes the skin and ensures that the skin retains sufficient moisture. Lovely! Nothing but benefits.
24. Coconut oil cures and prevents ear infections
Ear infections usually disappear on their own 90% of the time. Even in babies and children, who are prone to ear infections. Doctors who directly intervene with antibiotics or even suggest surgery are foolish. There is a lot of scaremongering, like with a flu vaccine. Frequent antibiotic treatments cause ear infections to reoccur again and again and affect our immune system. It is far easier to use cotton swabs soaked in coconut oil. You can improve them even more by mixing coconut oil with clove and cinnamon oil. Apply in and around the ears, every 2 hours. Any earache will disappear like snow in the sun after 4 to 8 hours.
25. Coconut oil relieves stress and has you dreaming of a tropical holiday
The scent of coconut takes you to tropical isles, full of serenity, fun and relaxation. It serves the mind well, which is overloaded with about a million things a day. Bear in mind that when it comes to coconut oil, only extra virgin organic coconut oil can have this effect. Fractionated, refined or deodorised oil cannot do this. Moreover, coconut oil also ensures perfect hydration of the skin. Apply coconut oil and enjoy. Also rub in sensitive areas of your body, such as the earlobes, inner wrists, elbows and ankles.
26. Coconut oil alleviates the discomforts of arthritis
More than 20% of the population and more than 50% of people over the age of 65 have some form of arthritis or rheumatism and experience pain and limitations in movement.
How to add coconut oil to your diet and how much of it?
Bake or fry with coconut oil, put coconut oil in your smoothies and coffee. Try to ingest at least 1 tablespoon and up to a maximum of 3 tablespoons a day. For your health, preferably choose extra virgin coconut oil (also called raw or cold-pressed coconut oil) over deodorised coconut oil. Preferably buy organic extra virgin coconut oil. Your body and mind will thank you.
