Aids Weight Loss
Unexplained weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of low thyroid hormones.
According to a 2008 study published in the Saudi Medical Journal, overall thyroid dysfunction is common in overweight people with varying degree of significance.
If you have hypothyroidism, weight loss is not an easy task. This is because thyroid hormones have a direct impact on your metabolism.
Coconut oil can help with weight loss due to the medium-chain fatty acids in it.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests a greater satiating effect of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) compared with long-chain triglycerides (LCT), and MCT facilitates weight loss.
Later, a 2009 study published in Lipids highlighted the positive effect of dietary coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting abdominal obesity.
Thus, regular intake of coconut oil can help promote weight loss.
Boosts Metabolism
Thyroid hormones play a key role in how your cells function and affect your metabolism level. An underactive thyroid can lead to less energy, fatigue and constant tiredness. You can combat these symptoms of low thyroid with coconut oil.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil enter easily into the mitochondria – the cells’ energy-burning powerhouses.
From here, the fats are converted to energy. This is turn gives a boost to your metabolism. It even raises the basal body temperature, which is important for those dealing with low thyroid.
Plus, most of the fat content in coconut oil is in the form of lauric acid. When ingested, the lauric acid gets converted into monolaurin, which has antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoa properties. This improves your metabolism as well as immunity.
By adding extra-virgin coconut oil to your diet, you’ll keep your metabolism as well as immune system strong.
Fights Inflammation
Muscle and joint pain are common in people suffering from hypothyroidism. This is due to an increase in inflammation in the body due to low thyroid hormone levels.
Neuromuscular symptoms were common in most patients with thyroid problems, according to a 2000 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
As coconut oil has a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissues, it is considered highly effective in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
To reduce muscle and joint pain, massage the affected areas with warm coconut oil a few times daily.