Coconut oil is for more than just the beach, which is probably what comes to mind for many when you catch the succulent scent of coconut. Many don’t realize the health benefits of coconut oil for pregnant women.
The benefits cover a wide range of areas in the body such as skin, stress, cholesterol, weight issues, immunity, digestions, kidney relief, blood pressure and more. These benefits can all be linked to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid in the oil.
While the highest source of lauric acid is breast milk, coconut oil is actually the second highest source of this healthy acid. It’s cited in helping combat bacteria and viruses that cause diseases such as influenza, herpes and even HIV. Lauric acid also combats those harmful bacteria like listeria and heliobacter pylori.
Let’s look at some of the benefits in detail:
Cholesterol / Blood Pressure
Lauric acid helps to prevent high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) and high cholesterol
Insulin control
Coconut oil reduces stress on the pancreas as it helps smooth out insulin levels in the body. Similar stress reduction is offered to the thyroid and enzyme production systems.
Digestion
The (healthy) saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial properties that help keep gut flora in check. Excess bacteria that cause gas, cramping, and other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome are better controlled with coconut oil, and it’s easily processed by people with gallbladder issues because bile isn’t needed in order to digest virgin cold pressed coconut oil.
Immunity
Packed with antimicrobial lipids as well, coconut oil can help reinforce the immune system. Lauric acid is converted into monolaurin in the body, which aids in the fight against viral infections and harmful protozoa. Coconut oil is the 2nd highest source of lauric acid; the highest is mother’s milk. The natural antibiotic / anti-viral properties of the oil will help boost pregnant women’s immune system.
Infections
Coconut oil has been proven to be helpful in dealing with bacteria such as those that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), bacterial pneumonia, etc. For those struggling with fungal and yeast infections such as thrush, diaper rash, candidiasis or even ring worm, coconut oil can be a source of relief.
Thyroid
Coconut oil, in conjunction with a thorough program, stimulates your metabolism and helps to raise body temperature. People with hypothyroidism have lower body temperatures and a “classic” symptom of this condition is weight gain with an inexplicable inability to lose it.
Liver – The medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids aid in preventing liver diseases as the materials within coconut oil are easily metabolized and converted directly into energy. This is great for pregnant women with low energy.
Diabetes
Coconut oil is proven to help control blood sugar by improving the secretion of insulin and also assists with the effective use of blood glucose. This is great for pregnant women who are diabetic, as well as to prevent gestational diabetes in women.
Skin health
Virgin Coconut Oil keeps skin supple, healthy and soft. It relieves the dry, tight skin that pregnant women complain about and can help to prevent stretch marks.
Boost your baby’s immunity
The lauric acid in coconut oil provides immune boosting benefits for your baby. Studies have shown that nursing mothers who consume virgin coconut oil and other coconut products significantly increase levels of lauric acid in their breast milk.
You will receive the most benefit from organic, cold-pressed coconut oil that smells and tastes of fresh coconuts. You can purchase this oil at your local health food store or online.
