Can
coconut oil prevent or treat low thyroid activity (hypothyroidism)?
Coconut oil is widely used in the Orient by millions of
individuals. The oil composed chiefly or medium chain fatty acids is commonly
used to flavor numerous South Asian foods and curries. Moreover, the oil is
also used in many skincare
products as a moisturizer and a skin softener. Many spas and clinics also use
coconut oil for massages. Other uses of coconut oil include use as a lubricant
during sex
and as a base oil to make soaps, detergents and shampoos.
There are a lot of other health benefits attributed to
coconut oil including weight loss, and reversal of low functioning thyroid.
However, there is no evidence that coconut oil can help one reduce weight or
cure hypothyroidism. There is not a single clinical study which has shown that
daily intake of coconut oil can prevent hypothyroidism.
As far as weight
loss properties of coconut oil are concerned, these are simply anecdotal
reports without any scientific validity. There are thousands of Orientals who
consume gallons of coconut oil on a yearly basis and still gain weight. All the
hyped up data on increased metabolism and thermogenic properties of coconut oil
are hogwash.
The treatment of hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone therapy.
If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism like weight gain, dry skin, hair
loss, constipation or extreme fatigue, go and see your physician. Thyroid
hormone therapy is safe, relatively cheap and without too many side effects.
The health benefits of coconut
oil have been exaggerated chiefly by people who sell this product.
