2015-10-17
Joybynature.com Team
Oct
17

 

Oils can’t be healthy and that is the notion in majority of minds today. With more and more researches confirming positive health benefits of coconut oil, the above is a myth. Coconut oil is a simple replacement for unhealthy refined oils. This health booster, though never advised to be over consumed, offers great benefits when consumed in moderation. This is true that 90% of this oil is saturated fat but it is healthy to consume it.

Using coconut oil for cooking is health boosting habit, as it can help you cut down on consumption of refined oils and dairy products like butter and clarified butter or ‘ghee’. Besides, its richness in vitamins A, E, K and Lauric acid brings about other benefits for the overall health of the body. To clear this point here is a small explanation about the chemical composition and biochemical effect of coconut oil. In this blog we have briefly covered how chemical composition of coconut oil is linked to its positive biochemical effects.

 

  • Fatty acids in coconut oil are made of medium chain triglycerides. These compounds are much easier to burn off for energy because of their low weight and small length when compared to long chain ones. The low weight fatty acids of coconut oil are directly converted to ketone bodies and used as it is without being stored as fat.
  • Lauric acid present in coconut oil is converted to mono-Lauren which is responsible to increasing insulin sensitivity of cells thus reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This Lauric acid also acts beneficial by increasing HDL or good cholesterol levels in the body. Thus if not directly helping in weight loss, this oil is boon for those running away from gathering stubborn fat in abdomen and thighs.

  • Coconut Oil is also rich in antioxidants and thus slows the onset of damaging effects of free radicals on the skin. Free radicals usually damage the skin proteins as we age and this becomes visible as fine lines and wrinkle. Such changes cannot be reverted but their onset can definitely be delayed with regular use of coconut oil. Topical application of coconut oil has also proved beneficial in improving skin texture making it look younger.
  • Sometimes some kind of food or infection can trigger multiplication of one or two specific organisms which reside in the intestines as part of healthy flora; this leads to intestinal infection Coconut oil with its antimicrobial effects proves useful in clearing minor microbial infection like candida and some other parasites. Thus, coconut oil helps you gain good bowel moment and healthy digestive tract.
  • Metabolism and immunity also get a positive push and pumping with coconut oil. This has been proved with appropriate tests and trials. Better metabolism is a definite yes for good health and thus there is another reason to switch to coconut oil for cooking.

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Cooking

  • Coconut oil can be used for cooking because of its temperature resistance. Even if you use it at high temperature in the oven, the food will not get burned. This oil brings extra nutty and sweet taste to the cookies and an added sense of guilt free baking.
  • Coconut oil used for cooking is different from that used for topical application. Cold pressed or even expeller pressed coconut oil is suitable for cooking. While cold pressed or extra virgin oil give sweet and nutty fragrance to your dishes, same can be avoided by using refined coconut oil. Its sweet taste helps satisfy sugar cravings also.

  • Coconut butter just like Coconut oil can be used for cooking. It is obtained from coconut meat and as compared to oil it contains more nutrition and fibre in it. It can also be used as part of mayonnaise, bread spreads or even as creamy dressing for soups and salads. People looking to cut on calories can also try out coconut milk as a cooking substitute for gravy based dishes in spite of milk. It tastes good and nourishes well without adding much calories to your yummy food.

Selecting right brand for cooking oil is necessary to avail all benefits hidden in hard shell of coconut. Hydrogenated or even partially hydrogenated coconut oil variants are a ‘NO’ because this refining process depletes the nutritive value of coconut oil.  

Go a step ahead towards your health goals by selecting organic coconut oil for cooking and enjoy benefits hidden in this hard shell.

To know more about uses and benefits of coconut oil, click here

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