Diabetes is a condition wherein the person’s blood sugar levels are too high. Due to this metabolic disease, the body’s ability to produce, use, and respond to insulin is impaired. This leads to increased levels of blood glucose.
In order to manage this illness, there are recommended activities that we should follow such as blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, regular exercise and of course, proper diet. When it comes to proper diet, there are numerous foods that can actually help us treat the effects of diabetes in our body. Among the top list is virgin coconut oil (VCO).
VCO is rich in lauric acid, which is converted it the body into monolaurin, an important compound that fights and destroys a variety of organisms that cause diseases. Some of the other nutrients present in the oil are as follows:
- Vitamin C
- Thiamin (vitamin B1)
- Folate
- Iron
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Copper
- Selenium
- Potassium
Here are the things we should know about virgin coconut oil and diabetes:
Helps Boost Insulin Level
Taking coconut oil daily can help promote insulin levels in the body. It works by boosting our metabolism which leads to the stimulation of pancreas to promote insulin. Coconut oil can help to treat type 2 diabetes as the insulin level in the body increases.
Can Instantly Stop Cravings
Stopping episodes of cravings can be helpful for those suffering from diabetes. These cravings cause a person to eat way too much, thus, causing his blood sugar to easily spike. According to studies, the consumption of virgin coconut oil can instantly stop cravings, making it an effective remedy for sugar addiction.
Helps Balance Blood Sugar Level
According to studies, people who took 2-3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil had regulated their body’s levels of blood sugar within 30 minutes. This means that VCO can help those individuals cure their type 2 diabetes.
Contains A High Level Of Lauric Acid
Virgin coconut oil has significant levels of lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects. This fatty acid plays a major role in boosting the body’s immune system and managing diabetes.
According to studies, coconut oil is the second-largest source of lauric acid (50% composition)., second to human breast milk. Reports showed that unhealthy levels of cholesterol are found in people suffering from diabetes and lauric acid can greatly help in lowering this unhealthy level of cholesterol in the body.
Helps The Pancreas Do Its Job
Virgin coconut oil helps the pancreas to sufficiently produce insulin in order to help balance the levels of blood sugar in the body. This means that regular consumption of virgin coconut oil will not only reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes but will also help reverse its symptoms. For best results, coconut oil should be consumed daily.
Lowers Glycemic Index Of Other Foods
Coconut oil has a low glycemic index (GI) of 35 and this will lead to the lowering GI for other foods.
This has been linked in a study conducted in 2003, wherein results revealed that people who consumed foods containing flour content have experienced no spike in blood glucose levels.
A Healthy Substitute For Butter
Results of various studies have found that simply eating two slices of toast with butter increases one’s chance of developing diabetes and other illnesses.
Virgin coconut oil is a healthy substitute for butter and margarine.
Other Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut oils are as follows:
- Help you lose weight
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi
- Hair Care
- Improves Heart Health
- Promotes Dental Care
- Seizure Control
- Have Antioxidant Properties
- Boosts Energy
- Boosts Circulation
- Promotes Skin Health
Tips for Consuming
- There are several ways to add virgin coconut oil to our diet.
- Use virgin coconut oil as a substitute for butter in baking recipes.
- Add the oil to smoothies or vegetable salads.
- Use is to coat the pan when cooking fries like eggs or fishes as well.
- Use the oil when sautéing veggies.
