Organic coconut oil: One of the best survival and preparedness items to stock up on

Organic coconut oil is a must-have item for stockpile. It is described as “the healthiest oil on Earth” by the Coconut Research Center.

There is plenty of scientific evidence showing that organic coconut oil can help boost the following: (Related: Why coconut oil should be part of your survival stockpile.)

Immune system and function

Ancient literature in Ayurvedic medicine has likened and recognized the natural health effects of coconut oil to that of mother’s milk (human breast milk) because of its lipid content. According to a study published in The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, the medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found primarily in coconut oil have “miraculous healing power” that can act as a natural antibiotic and also helping to modulate immunity. Researchers explained that coconut oil, either topically applied or ingested, gets broken down to release anti-microbial agents, lauric acid and monolaurin. The anti-microbial action also helps activate the anti-inflammatory nature of the immune response in the human body.

Brain health and cognitive functions

In an article published in Scientific American, licensed nutritionist Monica Reinagel pointed out that the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil break down your body’s stored fats into ketones, which can be used by the brain cells for fuel – a backup or alternative source of energy to compensate for lack of glucose, which the brain cells use for energy under normal circumstances. (Related: The neuroprotective benefits of coconut oil.)

Science journals like the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and the Mechanisms of Ageing Development have reported on the neuroprotective antioxidant properties of coconut oil against neurological diseases — including all forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, autism, stroke and even traumatic brain injuries.

Cardiovascular health

An article published in Medical News Today listed coconut oil as one of the top nine healthful substitutes for butter, which some people choose to avoid because of its high saturated fat content that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Researchers of a study published in the journal Nutricion Hospitalaria observed that the nutritional treatment associated with extra virgin coconut oil consumption increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good cholesterol” levels and decreased waist circumference and body mass in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Gut health

According to an article published in The Healthy RD, natural coconut oil also known as virgin coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil, helps the body absorb vitamins K, D, A and E and healthful omega-3 fats required for gut repair and healthy gut cells; reduces harmful gut bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Clostridium difficile; improves the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria known as microbiome; and reduces the risk of gastric ulcers thus improving stomach health, among others.

Organic coconut oil: Multi-tasking superstar

Organic coconut oil helps heal athlete’s foot and other skin fungi, bug bites and stings, first-degree burns, diaper rash, ear infections, nosebleeds, skin irritations (chickenpox, eczema or shingles), wounds and candidiasis and other infections in the mouth, throat, gut and vagina. (Related: Natural healing: Survival uses for coconut oil.)

It can also be a natural, healthier and cheaper alternative to store-bought personal hygiene, skin care products and lubricants.

You can use organic coconut oil to soothe dry and chapped lips; as a facial cleanser and makeup remover; as night cream for your face, hands and feet to trap natural moisture within your skin and prevent wrinkles, sagging and reduce fine lines and blemishes; as body lotion to hydrate your skin, which in turn improves elasticity and can stimulate collagen production; and as hair mask for dry and brittle hair and dandruff remover.

A study published in Pharmacognosy Reviews in 2011 also found that coconut oil blocks about 20 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

You can also use it as mouthwash. In one study published in The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice in 2016, swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 10 minutes (known as oil pulling) reduces bacteria that cause dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

It can also serve as a non-toxic insect repellent. Scientists have identified coconut oil fatty acids that have strong repellency and long-lasting effectiveness against ticks, biting flies, mosquitoes and bed bugs.

Coconut oil is also a great natural remedy for smelly armpits because of its strong antibacterial properties. It contains no chemicals, toxins and aluminum that can cause harmful reactions in your body.

You can also use it as lubricant to clean and fix squeaky hinges.

Once you try this nutritional goldmine and multi-tasking superstar, you will always have a space in your survival stockpile of shelf-stable storable products.

Watch this video to learn why you should add coconut oil to your survival stockpile.