Coconut oil is one of nature’s true superfoods. It’s nutritionally dense and offers countless health benefits for pets and people that are backed by scientific evidence.
Some of the key health benefits associated with including a high-quality coconut oil in your own and your pets’ diets include liver protection, natural detoxification, and improved digestive and oral health.
But did you know that virgin coconut oil can also help keep you and your dog young? In this post, we'll explain why and share some quick tips for using our favorite tropical oil.
1) Keeps Skin Soft and Hydrated
One aspect commonly associated with a youthful appearance in people is soft and hydrated skin. When you use virgin coconut oil, you’ll be able to achieve this in a very real way. And though it may not be as readily apparent for your dog, it’s also part and parcel of keeping them from aging beyond their years too quickly.
When used topically, coconut oil is a great moisturizer for skin, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, which can help with acne-prone skin. Rub coconut oil liberally on your face, and any dry areas in your body. It’s also great for an after-shave soothing crème.
The soothing properties of virgin coconut oil is good news for pups that may not have to contend with wrinkles, but are more prone to skin issues, especially in extreme climates that are damp and humid or excessively dry.
An added benefit is that the antibacterial properties of coconut oil may also help with your dog’s body odor issues. Normally that stinky doggie odor is caused by bacteria and using coconut oil will help deodorize them.
2) Keeps Hair and Scalp Healthy
The benefits that coconut oil brings to you and your dog’s skin will also extend to your hair and scalp health.
A high-quality virgin coconut oil nourishes the scalp to promote healthy hair and coat growth and reduces hair fallout and shedding.
This is because coconut oil has the ability to reduce skin irritation, which accelerates shedding or hair loss. Additionally, dry hair is more fragile and will break easily, while a dry scalp has been shown to drop more hairs. To apply on hair and scalp, simply rub some coconut oil in your palms and massage gently on the scalp and hair shaft, up to the ends of the hair if necessary.
3) Keeps the Brain Sharp
Youthfulness and staying young isn’t all about appearances! Keeping the brain sharp and alert is a big part of it.
Coconut oil is one of the best sources for medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are converted to ketones by the liver and provide a highly effective source of food and energy for the brain. Research has shown that MCTs support brain health and provide cognitive support in aging dogs. So, aside from adding CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil to your pet’s diet, add some to yours as well!
4) Gives you Energy!
Energy and a zest for life is something we all associate with puppies and children alike. Why not embrace some of that yourself, as well as give the same gift to your furry friend? As we just mentioned, coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). They provide a quick and easy source of energy for not just the brain, but the whole body.
Research has shown that MCTs increase energy expenditure, which is why many lipid experts call coconut oil a “thermogenic oil”. MCTs are digested faster than long-chain triglycerides (fats found in animal fats). And since they are digested so quickly, they go directly to the liver where they are immediately mobilized to produce energy. This happens instead of being stored in the body’s adipose fat tissues. Less fat, more energy. That sounds like a young person or pup to us!
5) Protects from Free-Radical Damage and Inflammation
Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Though our bodies tend to produce them naturally, an excess of free radicals may adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and could trigger a number of diseases.
The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil provide a natural source of antioxidant support for the bodies of both humans and dogs. This reduces the oxidative stress placed on the human or canine body by an excess of free radicals.
This oxidative stress has also been linked to chronic inflammation because it creates a perpetual cycle of free radical production in the body. When the stress is reduced or eliminated, so too are all the potential nasty situations we just mentioned. A healthier body, free of disease and inflammation, will undoubtedly be a more youthful one.
6) Supports a Healthy Immune System
Nothing will keep a dog or their human younger than a well-functioning immune system. Studies have shown that a healthy immune system can protect the body against foreign microbes, viruses, and bacteria. This has the effect of reducing the chance for chronic inflammation and in turn gives the immune system a break.
A healthy immune system is actually one that has to work less. MCTs in coconut oil have been shown to protect and support a healthy immune system in both pets and people. The antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties of MCTs mean those who get more of them may be better protected against viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites.
That’s a long list of things we don’t want in or on us or our pets including influenza, pneumonia, earaches, ringworm, and candida to name but a few. Keeping your dog’s immune system and your own tiptop will mean you’ll both age more slowly and get to spend more years together.
Choose a High-Quality Virgin Coconut Oil
Ensuring you and your dog both reap the benefits we’ve just described begins with choosing a high-quality virgin coconut oil.
We recommend purchasing coconut oil from a reputable and reliable source that can guarantee their process from farm to bottle. A quality oil begins with a quality coconut, harvested and processed at the right times. It should be free of chemical pesticides and certified USDA organic.
You can trust CocoTherapy Virgin Coconut Oil for dogs, cats, and birds to meet all these standards. You can read more about the CocoTherapy difference or leave any questions you have below.
