The nutritional benefits of coconut oil have been recognized in many parts of the world for centuries. Coconuts and coconut oil have been a food staple of Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Pacific Islands for many years, yet they have normal cholesterol levels and no cardiovascular disease. How is that??!
Coconut oil contains saturated fats, about 90% saturated fats, and unfortunately, since saturated fats have gotten a really bad rep here in the US, many people are not aware of the tremendous health benefits this oil has to offer. The majority of the general population believed them to be the culprit behind heart disease; no one wanted to take any chances. Now, further research has been done and a better understanding of these oils are becoming more and more evident and understood.
Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), not a long chain fatty acid (LCFA) like many other fats. MCFAs are digested differently than LCFAs; they’re absorbed directly into the liver rather than into the bloodstream, so they’re used immediately as energy, not stored as fat.
The health benefits of coconut oil are immense and include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti fungal, antibacterial, soothing, and the list continues to go on…
MCFAs help to stimulate the metabolism by promoting thermogenesis (the rate at which you burn calories due to the consumption of food), essentially boosting and encouraging fat loss. It’s becoming increasingly evident that people who consume coconut oil, in moderation, have an overall advantage in losing fat and keeping it off! Of course, with anything, too much of something is not good so important to remember even with all the benefits of coconut oil, remember it is still an extremely calorie dense oil!
Coconut oil has a fantastic flavor, so it’s easy to use in place of any fats currently used in just about any recipe. It’s a great substitute for everything from butter and margarine, to olive and vegetable oils. Coconut oil is your best choice when utilizing high-heat cooking methods since it’s stable enough to resist heat-induced damage, unlike vegetable oils. Soy, safflower, sunflower, and canola which are subject to
heat damage due to their bond make up, which basically means that they become toxic to the body when heated! Coconut oil doesn’t have the same bond make up. It remains stable and is completely non-toxic no matter how hot it gets.
Coconut oil is not just for cooking and is excellent for your skin, as well. Not only is it an excellent moisturizer, but it also protects against free radicals. It has amazing anti-aging properties, helping prevent liver spots and other skin blemishes caused by overexposure to the sun. It’ll also keep connective tissues strong, giving you a few extra years of tight skin. Studies have shown that high quality coconut oil may even restore skin that’s already damaged or diseased.
Purchase organic, extra virgin coconut oil that’s unrefined, unbleached, undeodorized, and is free of genetically modified ingredients and chemicals. Most health food stores carry it in this form and should be easy to find.
Don’t forget that coconut oil turns into a solid at cooler room temperatures. This is perfectly fine; just scoop out the desired amount and heat it up, which will turn it into a liquid.
NOTE: Just be sure to use up your jar within a year, as this magic potion turns rancid after that time period.
Coconut oil, even though a saturated fat, is not like other typical saturated fats, as it is a MCFA and not LCFA, having tons of health benefits fat loss properties. Remember, even though people who consume coconut oil, in moderation, may have an overall advantage in losing fat, you do want to keep in mind that calories in vs. calories out will determine your overall success! Be sure to limit coconut oil to a minimum and just like anything, too much of a something is not good. If you are new to coconut oil, it is suggested that you incorporate it into your diet within moderation and make other minimal changes to be able to track your progress! Remember, every Body is different so be sure to pay close attention and see how your body does with minimal amounts before increasing your usage! Cheers to Coconuts! 🙂
