photo credit: cafemama
Lately, I've been curious about the benefits of coconut oil. If you browse other health sites (particularly sites on paleo diets), chances are you may come across the topic of using coconut oil a lot. It has been used for generations in tropical places as a primary source of fat. It was even widely used in the United States, however, with more people becoming aware of the dangers of saturated fat, coconut oil fell into the bad fat category as well.
While coconut oil is a saturated fat, there are some things to understand about it and its benefits. You may wonder how can it be beneficial as a saturated fat? The fat in coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, which are metabolized as soon as consumed. It isn't converted into cholesterol or body fat the way the bad saturated fat is.
Coconut Oil Facts
- The oil is extracted from the meat of matured coconuts.
- Various applications in food, medicine, and industry.
- Heat stable (smoke point at 360°F) so it makes an excellent cooking oil.
- Slow to oxidize and resistant to rancidity.
Coconut Oil Health Benefits
The following are some of the possible health benefits of using the oil.
- Weight loss
- Help with diabetes
- Hair growth
- Dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, & dermatitis
- Prevents premature aging
The Best Coconut Oil to Buy
The best kind to buy would be certified organic and non-GMO. I would do more research on which are the best brands as the time between chopping the coconut and pressing it can range greatly. Good brands should use fresh coconuts, cold-press, be chemical free, unrefined, and unbleached.
Do you use coconut oil?
Resources:
http://www.bastis.org/coconut.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_oil
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the information! I was trying to do a bit of Internet research on this topic too. Tosca Reno’s books support coconut oil, however, the “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Clean” does not. It’s hard to make the right decisions when there is conflicting information.
Check out this clean eating recipe:
Protein Pancakes:
1 scoop of protein
3 egg whites / 1 whole egg
1/2 cup oatmeal
splash of vanilla extract
touch of cinnamon
stir and pour
Love Coconut Oil!! Also been proven to help regulate the thyroid which is the number one gland that controls our hormones. If our hormones aren’t happy, our body cannot lose weight!
I’ve never used coconut oil but have heard so many great things about it lately I’m going to get some. One question I have, what is the difference between coconut oil & coconut butter? Which is better to have on hand?
Thanks!
Hi,
I have been eating coconut oil for some time after I read a book by Jennifer Nicole Lee and she recommended it. I have about a tablespoon a day. I don’t know about weight loss benefits but after a short time people commented on how glowing my skin was and I have noticed that my skin isn’t so good if I don’t take it so I make sure I buy a large jar of organic virgin coconut oil every month. It tastes great too and I use it instead of butter!
Thanks