Do you want to know how you can use coconut oil in different ways that benefits your child? Are you thinking of introducing coconut oil to his diet, but are uncertain about how it will help? If you said yes, then you should consider reading our post below. If yes then read the article further to know about the benefits of coconut oil for children.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is sweet-tasting oil with a wonderful and mild fragrance. It is obtained from mature coconut kernels through either wet or dry extraction processes.
The saturated fat content in coconut oil is quite high. It is why it is considered unhealthy to consume large quantities of coconut oil. Saturated fat can increase bad or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
But the good thing about coconut oil is that its saturated fat content contains lauric acid (a type of 12-carbon atom saturated fat), which helps raise the levels of good or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Therefore, consuming coconut oil in moderate amounts is not harmful as consuming only high-saturated fat food sources such as meat and dairy products [1].
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil For Children:
1. Regulates Metabolism:
Its regular use can improve your child’s metabolic rate. Coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs); or medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). A healthy metabolic rate helps the body burn calories faster and keeps unwanted fat from accumulating in the body. Coconut oil consumption helps weight loss and helps manage weight.
2. Protects From Cell Damage:
Coconut oil is also rich source of antioxidants, which prevent cell damage and offer protection from cancer and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and others.
3. Fights Infections:
The capric acid in coconut oil helps the body fight infections. The lauric acid in coconut oil also provides it with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Coconut oil also strengthens the immune system.
4. Promotes Skin Health:
Coconut oil has excellent moisturizing properties, which help treat many skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Regular use of coconut oil can help lightening acne marks and all types of scars. It can also be used on sun-damaged skin to provide quick healing. Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for children of all age groups. You can use organic coconut oil on infants for their daily body massage [2].
5. Promotes Healthy Hair:
Coconut oil makes for an all-natural hair conditioner. A quick application of coconut oil before shampooing can provide relief from dry scalp and dandruff problems and add luster to hair. Infants are susceptible to the problem of cradle cap, which results from excessive sebum production and results in scaly patches on the scalp. You can use a bit of coconut oil on your baby’s scalp to resolve the problem.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Children?
Consumption and topical application of coconut oil is completely safe for children. Mothers may refrain from using coconut oil for children for fear of its saturated fat content. But coconut oil for kids when given in moderation can actually be a good thing.
Children need to consume fats for their optimal growth. It is necessary for their brain development and proper hormonal functions. The body also needs fats to process fat-soluble vitamins such as E, A, D and K. Therefore, it is important to not eliminate fat from your child’s diet but instead make smart cooking choices and eating selections using healthy fats [3].
Coconut oil provides parents with a great option to add a healthy source of fat to their family’s diet. Consult your child’s doctor for the right amount of fat he needs and accordingly use coconut oil in desired amounts in his diet.
How do you use coconut oil for your kid? Please share your tips with us. Also if we have left any coconut oil benefits for children, you can mention them in a comment below.
