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Coconut Oil and Thyroid Functioning

Tess Thompson

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Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid is overactive, and hypothyroidism, when it is low, are the two most common thyroid problems. Thyroid-related diseases include goiter, Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, benign thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Besides herbs for the thyroid, vegetables that provide iodine, sea food and the use of saturated oils are other natural remedies recommended to improve thyroid functioning.

Most of the oils that we use to cook food and those used in commercially-prepared foods also have a negative affect on the thyroid. These are known as polyunsaturated or vegetable oils. They may in fact be the worst villains in the spread of thyroid diseases.

The thyroid, though small otherwise, is one of the largest glands in the endocrine system. Diseases of the endocrine system are mostly caused due to production disorders that lead to inadequacy or excess of hormones or inappropriate response to hormones by tissues. Unsaturated fats inhibit tissue response to thyroid hormones.

The benefits of coconut oil are seen in the merger of similar functions. The thyroid hormones are mainly responsible for metabolic activity in the body. Coconut oil also promotes metabolism. The fusion of the two work to the benefit of the body and help in maintaining optimum metabolic rate. To explain it in simple words, coconut oil serves as high octane fuel for the internal combustion engine in the car. An efficient fuel (coconut oil) makes the car (thyroid) perform better and last longer. Coconut oil is also considered to be the best cooking oil, as it does not add to your weight. A good physique promotes an active lifestyle, which in turn promotes healthy thyroid functioning.

Besides these, there are many other benefits of coconut oil and other saturated fats. However, too much should not be read into them. It is always good to sift information before you start believing some of it meant for the promotion of products. Coconut oil has its benefits, but it cannot cure thyroid problems. There is no evidence that coconut oil stimulates thyroid functioning. The effects of the oil are seen indirectly, and it is believed that coconut oil provides thyroid support. It acts in tandem with the thyroid to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects. Moreover, it is a highly recommended source of fats, as it improves sensitivity of tissues to thyroid hormones.