NutraChamps Blog

Tag: Coconut oil

  • From Head to Toe: The All-Around Benefits of Coconut Oil

    Introducing the magic of coconut oil: the one-stop-shop for all your health and beauty needs! From cooking to skincare, this versatile oil has been gaining popularity in recent years for its numerous benefits. But don’t just take our word for it, let’s dive into the science behind this tropical treasure.

    First off, let’s talk about the health benefits of consuming coconut oil. One of the main components of coconut oil is medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which have been shown to improve heart health by increasing “good” HDL cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease (1). In addition, coconut oil has been found to aid in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing calorie intake (2).

    The incredible benefits of coconut oil don’t stop there. This oil has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it a great natural alternative for fighting off bacteria and yeast infections (3). And let’s not forget about its potential benefits for brain health, as some studies have suggested that MCFAs found in coconut oil may improve memory and cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (4).

    Now let’s move on to the beauty benefits of coconut oil. You may already be familiar with its use as a hair mask or leave-in conditioner, but did you know that coconut oil can also do wonders for your skin? Its moisturizing properties make it a great option for treating dry, irritated skin and even reducing the appearance of wrinkles (5). Plus, its antimicrobial properties make it an effective natural alternative for treating acne (6).

    But let’s be real, who has the time to slather coconut oil all over their hair and skin on the daily? That’s where NutraChamps comes in. Our coconut oil capsules make it easy to incorporate the benefits of this tropical treasure into your daily routine. Plus, they’re a great option for those who may not be a fan of the taste or smell of coconut oil.

    In conclusion, coconut oil is a versatile and powerful natural remedy that offers a variety of health and beauty benefits. From improving heart health to moisturizing skin, this tropical treasure is a must-have in your medicine cabinet. And with NutraChamps coconut oil capsules, incorporating the benefits of this oil into your daily routine has never been easier.

    References:

    1. St-Onge MP, Bosarge A. Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Mar;87(3):621-6.
    2. St-Onge MP, Jones PJ. Greater rise in fat oxidation with medium-chain triglyceride consumption relative to long-chain triglyceride is associated with lower initial body weight and greater loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008 May;32(5):840-5.
    3. Coronel P, et al. Antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis: in vitro activity of coconut oil and fluconazole. J Med Microbiol. 2010 Sep;59(Pt 9):1053-8.
    4. Newport MT, Van Dam ND, Kato-Kataoka A, et al. Medium-chain triglycerides increase brain ketone uptake in Alzheimer’s disease patients. J Lipid Res. 2018;59(11):2048-2053.
    5. Verma P, et al. Coconut oil in dermatology: a review. Int J Dermatol. 2015 Aug;54(8):932-9.
  • Simple Secrets to Improving Your Memory (Naturally)

    Simple Secrets to Improving Your Memory (Naturally)

    With demands on our time (and therefore stress and anxiety) being at almost epidemic levels these days, it’s no wonder some of us experience memory loss or brain fog from time to time! But there are some simple and natural things that can be done to improve your memory. And most of them will enhance your overall health at the same time!

    7 Secrets to Improving Your Memory and Overall Health

    1. Rosemary Essential Oil

    Rosemary has been known as a “memory enhancer” for quite some time. Even Ophelia, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, declared:

                    “There’s rosemary: that’s for remembrance: pray, love, remember”

    In recent times, however, a team of psychologists at Northumbria University studied rosemary (using a control, or placebo, group) and found a 60-70% increase in ability to remember to perform certain tasks at a certain time. Many experts recommend sniffing or diffusing rosemary oil for this benefit.

    2. Ginseng

    Ginseng is one of a group of herbs called “adaptogens”, which means they help the body to withstand mental and physical stress. There was a study conducted by the Department of Neurology at Clinical Research Institute in South Korea in which researchers studied the effectiveness of Korean Panax Ginseng on the cognitive performance of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. The study showed improvements which lasted the length of the study – 3 months. And when the treatment group discontinued the ginseng supplementation the improvements declined to the level of the control group.

    3. Avoid gluten and any other known foods you are sensitive to.

    Food sensitivities tend to be at an all-time high due to increased consumption of processed foods and medications which contribute to “leaky gut syndrome”. Consumption of foods you may be sensitive to (the most popular being wheat, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and eggs) not only affects you physically but can contribute to cognitive impairments, as well. It is well known within the “Celiac Disease” and gluten sensitivity communities that gluten can contribute to brain fog. So try to determine which foods may be hindering your brain, and stay away!

    4. Try the Mediterranean Diet.

    Before you wince and say “nooooo, not another diet!”, consider that anyone who is eating somewhat healthy is not too far away from a version of the Mediterranean Diet!  Research out of Columbia University Medical Center shows a decreased risk in cognitive impairment with the use of the Mediterranean Diet.

    The following are some foods included in the diet which you can use to replace processed and fast foods in order to enhance your cognitive abilities and memory:

    • Berries and dark-skinned fruits. Also include dark green leafy vegetables for their high antioxidant content.
    • Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids: salmon and other cold-water fish.
    • Foods rich in vitamin E: avocados, sunflower seeds, peanut butter.
    • Whole, fiber-rich grains.
    • Extra virgin olive oil (fresh, not cooked).
    • Coffee, chocolate, and red wine (use sparingly).

    5. Coconut Oil or MCT’s (medium-chain triglycerides)

    While coconut oil technically comes under #4 in this list, I just had to give this wonder-oil its own number! It is that important! Coconut oil used to be considered a “bad guy” for potentially increasing cholesterol, however, in recent years has been regarded as a healthy fat which is actually good for heart and brain health!

    In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging, coconut oil MCT’s increased cognitive ability in older folks with memory problems. MCT’s are able to give the brain fuel which it needs for cognitive processes. In addition to cognitive improvements, MCTs are known for their ability to increase energy, which is why it is one of the ingredients in “Bulletproof Coffee” (a recipe that includes coffee, MCT oil, and unsalted, grass-fed butter).

    6. B12 supplementation

    Research suggests that B12 deficiency can be a cause of memory impairment. Some people are unable to make “intrinsic factor” in the gut, which is necessary for the absorption of B12 into the body. If you consider supplementing this B vitamin, consider using the sublingual form for enhanced absorption. NutraChamps also makes B-12 gummies so that the whole family can feel like their nutrition is on point!

    7. Yoga and meditation

    New research by a UCLA-led team of neuroscientists developed and studied a three-month trial of yoga and meditation on a group of people at risk for cognitive decline. The practice helped minimize the cognitive impairment which can precede dementia. In fact, the changes in brain activity observed using functional MRI testing were statistically significant!

    Not only can yoga improve cognitive function, but it is well known to enhance feelings of well-being and improve our reactions to stress (further preventing memory loss)!

    I hope this list of simple secrets to improve your memory (naturally) gives you the information and the motivation you need to start consuming the foods and making the lifestyle changes that will keep your mind engaged for years to come. Remember, health is wealth! Put your health at the top of your priority list and the “return on investment” will be worth it!