Coconut Oil
Coconut oil. Oh Coconut oil…. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve been hearing all of the hype about coconut oil; how it’s great for your hair, your skin, your teeth…must I continue?
As a Digital Nomad & long-term traveler, coconut oil has some special added benefits that put it at the top of my MUST have list, no matter where I’m living in the world.
1. Keeps you Full Longer
As a traveler, each new city brings with it new sounds, vibes, smells, and TREATS. When you’re in ‘tourist’ mode, it can be okay to splurge every now and again to try the local ‘deep fried and rolled in sugar, cinnamon, and Nutella’ delicacy. You’re supposed to splurge and enjoy yourself on vacation, whether your actually hungry or not. When travel becomes your permanent base, your mindset around snacking, meal prepping, and take out MUST change; not just for your wallet’s sake, but also for your health.
Coconut oil is a good source of MCT (Medium chain triglycerides). Medium-chain fats are digested easily and sent directly to your liver, where they have the ability to positively alter your metabolism. Compared to longer-chain fats, MCTs are absorbed more easily since there’s less work for the body to do to break them down.
It may be beneficial to helping you lose weight, but consuming lower carbs and higher protein, fat, and fiber can help you feel full longer. I will often make bulletproof coffee first thing in the morning (coffee with a spoon of butter and/or coconut oil)
2. Boosts Energy
Just the process of GETTING from one destination to another has the potential to completely drain you of your energy stores. Your physical body is working as you hump and drag your luggage to and fro. Your brains is in constant fight or flight mode, as you work to block out the chaos and noise to navigate to the check-in counter, (Which agent looks nice enough to let my extra 1.5kg slide??) through security (Which line has no babies with strollers, wheel chairs, or massive families?!), and finally your gate (What do you mean the gate has changed from A2 to A46?!).
And then you arrive; but things don’t necessarily get any easier. The physical and mental demands of living in a new place are often underestimated but fear not! Coconut Oil is here to save the day. Coconut oil is often used by athletes, bodybuilders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this is that it contains fewer calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. It helps boost energy and endurance and enhances the performance of athletes and I can help you feel extra ready to take on each day as a Digital Nomad.
3. Feeds Your Brain
For my fellow digital nomads, coconut oil’s impact on the brains ability to stay clear and alert is a major asset. This once again, comes back to the presence of the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and the way in which they are metabolized a little differently than most types of fat. The MCTs in coconut oil break down into ketones, which can be used by brain cells for fuel. Under normal circumstances, brain cells use glucose for energy, which comes from carbs. Depending on how well you balance your simple and complex carbs, the MCTs can be a major asset to help fill in for any deficiencies.
4. Improves Immunity
With the new culture, language, and sights comes another treat: New Germs! From sickly circulating air on your flight, to the infamous germ haven that is any bus, metro, or trolley pole, we are constantly coming in contact with germs that have the potential to turn a dream vacation or city visit into a nightmare. Coconut Oil strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids and three different types of acid ( lauric, capric, and caprylic) which have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV[1].
Where can I find Coconut Oil abroad?
Since it’s gain in popularity, you can now find coconut oil in many grocery stores. If this is not the case where you’re currently located, stores with the following words in their name or description should carry it:
· Vegan
· Health
· Raw
· Bio
If all else fails, consult the wise oracle: Google.
Remember, Health is Wealth!
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Let’s get after it guys!
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25838632