I admit that I arrived late to join the madness of coconut oil, but it quickly became a staple in my pantry, and not just because it's delicious.
Even so, coconut oil is very rich in saturated fats (around 90%), a type of fat that, for quite some time, has been associated with high blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. The Dietary Guidelines tell us that we must limit this nutrient, however, a growing body of research has led to a rethinking of whether or not saturated fat deserves a bad reputation. So, what is the deal with coconut oil?
Although it is high in saturated fats, we know that not all saturated fats are created equal, and this is where some of the health benefits of coconut oil come into play.
To simplify things, here is a summary of some of the most notable benefits of coconut oil:
Easy-to-use power source
Lauric acid, the saturated fat predominant in coconut oil, is a medium-chain fatty acid. The body uses these types of fatty acids differently from the long-chain fatty acids that make up a large percentage of other dietary fats. The medium chain fatty acids are processed by the liver and our cells quickly convert them into energy, so studies like this from 2003 and others from 2008 suggest that these particular fatty acids may be beneficial for weight loss. moderation of course.
Good cholesterol boost
As for blood cholesterol levels, the consumption of solid fats that are rich in lauric acids, such as coconut oil, has been linked to increases in "good" (HDL) and "bad" cholesterol levels ( LDL). Which means that even though your "bad" cholesterol may rise, your good cholesterol will also rise. And the evidence suggests that coconut oil may have a neutral, or even slightly beneficial, an effect on cholesterol levels when used in place of other saturated or trans fats.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Benefits
Coconut oil has been revered for its properties to fight insects. Although more research is needed in this area, coconut oil contains compounds that have been shown to prevent or fight certain viral, bacterial and fungal infections, such as influenza, bronchitis, fungal infections, acne and more. In addition, coconut oil, particularly unrefined or virgin coconut oil, contains phenolic compounds that can offer antioxidant and health-protective properties.
Suitable for cooking
When it comes to cooking, coconut oil works well on a variety of dishes and is particularly good for baked goods and medium heat sates. The mild flavor makes it a popular choice for curries or other dishes that benefit from a touch of tropical flavor.
A simple solution for skin care
In the bathroom, coconut oil can serve as a gentle makeup remover and moisturizer, especially during the cold winter months, when the skin is more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
So, is coconut oil all that is made?
Due to its high content of lauric acid, virgin coconut oil is a great substitute for other types of saturated fats, such as lard and butter, and trans fats, such as shortening. But coconut oil is still a fat, and all fats are dense in calories, so it's best when used sparingly.
Which brings me to my next point. It's great for cooking, but it's probably best not to just depend on cooking oil. Using it in addition to other types of cooking oils will not only produce better results depending on the type of dish you are preparing, but it will also provide a variety of other important facts, such as heart-healthy Omega-3.
Conclusion: If you are no longer in your kitchen cabinet, consider adding coconut oil to your collection.
Buying advice: Choosing unrefined or virgin coconut oil will provide the greatest benefits since processing practices can cancel some of its favorable properties.
