The Power of Coconut!

Whether it’s the creamy coconut chutney with your dosa, the rich coconut milk in Goan fish curry, Kerala’s avial, Mangalorean neer dosa, or even those coconut laddoos during Diwali and Dussera, Coconut isn’t just an ingredient; it's part of our culture. In Indian kitchens, it appears in sambar, rice dishes, desserts, and temple offerings. And you know what? Our elders used coconuts every day.

Today, science finally confirms what grandmothers have known all along: coconuts nourish the body from head to toe. From your skin to your hormones, bones to your gut, adding coconut in small amounts to your daily meals can bring long-term health.

 Let’s Start With Your Skin- Want Natural Glow?

As a Nutritionist, I say, "your skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside your body". Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, is one of the best natural moisturisers. It’s made from fresh coconut without using high heat or chemicals, so all the good stuff stays in. It is rich in lauric acid and vitamin E, which help lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier.

I had a client with really dry, flaky skin. We asked her to include 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil in her balanced diet. In just three weeks, her skin looked healthier, and the dryness on her cheeks was almost gone. Understand that it is completely bioindividual; one size does not fit all.

Virgin coconut oil can increase skin moisture by 32%. Plus, it fights against germs, and it’s helpful for things like small cuts, acne, or even minor skin irritation.

Stronger, Shinier Hair

Have you ever thought about why your grandmother insisted on oiling your hair with coconut oil?

Coconut oil is great for your hair because it goes deep into the hair strands, unlike most other oils that just sit on top. This helps your hair hold on to its natural protein, which keeps it strong and healthy. People who used coconut oil before washing their hair had up to 39% less protein loss, which means less breakage, less frizz, and stronger hair over time. So if your hair feels weak or gets damaged easily, using coconut oil as a pre-wash can really help.

Your Hormones Need

Women who have PCOS, PMS, or feel tired all the time, I always remind them, your body needs healthy fats to make hormones. But not all fats are good for you. The special fats in coconut (called Medium Chain Triglycerides) are easy to digest and help support hormone balance. 

Coconut oil is a better choice because it gives you quick energy and is easy for your body to digest. It doesn’t put pressure on your liver or spike your blood sugar, which helps keep your hormones more balanced. Coconut oil can support progesterone (a key female hormone) and reduce swelling in the ovaries.

Even though we need more human research, I've seen many women feel better, have more regular periods, fewer mood swings, and fewer PMS issues when they switch from refined oils to virgin coconut oil.

Check out my video where I have spoken about what women over 40 should know to live longer!

Bone Strength & Mineral Support

While coconut oil doesn't contain calcium, it makes your body better at using the calcium you get from your food. When you eat foods with calcium and magnesium (like leafy greens, sesame seeds, or ragi), your body doesn’t always absorb all of it. That’s where coconut oil can help. The fats in coconut oil, especially MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), make it easier for your body to absorb these minerals in the gut. Better absorption means more of those minerals reach your bones, helping to keep them strong.

Also, coconut oil has antioxidants, which protect your bones from the kind of damage that can lead to weakness or bone loss, especially as you age or during menopause. 8% virgin coconut oil in their diet for six weeks had significantly less bone loss, with stronger bone structure

So yes, that bowl of coconut curry might be helping your bones too! But remember these portion sizes and calorie intake.

Energy for Your Brain

Coconut oil can help boost a brain chemical called BDNF. BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. I know, it sounds super scientific, but here’s what it means:

Think of BDNF like a fertiliser for your brain cells. It helps your brain:

• Grow new brain cells

• Strengthen the connections between brain cells (which improves memory and learning)

• Protect existing brain cells from damage (especially important as you age)

When your BDNF levels are good, you usually feel more focused, sharper, and mentally clear. But if BDNF is low, it can lead to brain fog, poor memory, mood swings, or even increase the risk of brain-related issues like depression or Alzheimer’s.

Protect Against Dental Infections

Coconut oil can help keep your mouth clean through a practice called oil pulling. It is an old natural method to clean your mouth. It’s very simple, what I usually do,  take 1 spoonful of coconut oil, put it in my mouth, and swish it around like mouthwash for 5 to 10 minutes. Then I spit it out (don’t swallow it!).

This helps pull out germs and bacteria from your teeth, gums, and tongue. Coconut oil is especially good because it has something called lauric acid, which fights the bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath. Also, to know how to sanitise your toothbrush for better dental health, check out this video.

Santise Your Brush

Doing this daily can help 20–30% break down the outer layer of harmful bacteria, the main cause of cavities and plaque, keep your mouth cleaner, fresher, and healthier, and yes, reduce plaque and improve gum health too.

So next time you eat coconut chutney or cook with a bit of coconut oil, just remember, it’s a little start to life long. Ready to build a diet plan that includes the right fats, supports your hormones, and suits your body’s unique needs?

Click the link below to get your personalised nutrition plan that would be designed for your goals, lifestyle, and bioindividuality.

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