What are good oils? Those that are rich in mono unsaturated and saturated fats which are released easily from their source. This is the claim of some health experts regarding what oils are safe and healthy to use and consume.
Coconut oil is one of the most popular edible oils of choice by people the world over because it is considered to be one of the healthiest edible oils. However, a group such as the American Health Association (AHA) claims that coconut oil is mostly composed of saturated fat which can raise LDL or bad cholesterol level hence its consumption should be moderated.
One of the arguments raised in favor of coconut oil is that it comes from an organic food whose oil is easily released from it. The oil is natural because there is less or no need of added chemicals or preservatives to extract it. Other crops sourced for oil such as canola, flax, soy, corn and others need fertilizers and insecticides to cultivate and grow them. The oil is sourced from their seeds. They need intensive processing and use chemical such as hexane to release their oils. Although the raw oil content of said foods are mostly mono unsaturated fat which is considered healthy, the method of processing to release the oil has significantly reduced the quality of the oil so that some groups or people are even saying to avoid those oil products.
Coconut oil contains stearic acid and is mainly composed of saturated fat. It also contains about 60% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). Due to its shorter length, the MCT is digested faster without the need of other enzymes unlike long-chain triglycerides. MCT is a substance that let the body directly consume coconut oil without storing it in the liver. In other words theses process will lead to reduction of body weight because less fat is stored in the body. In this condition when the body has less glucose to burn for energy it will source its energy from fat stored in the lever resulting to the production of ketones which the body can use for energy. MCT is found naturally in foods such as coconuts and dairy products. In summary the benefits of MCT is that it increases fat loss, energy, brain function and athletic performance.
Coconut oil also contains about 47% lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that is also present in a mother's breast milk. While lauric acid has shown to increase LDL or bad cholesterol level, it also raises the level of HDL or good cholesterol level indicating that lauric acid is good for the heart. Lauric acid has anti bacterial and anti viral properties which are effective in the treatment of infections like influenza, common cold, fever, blisters, cold sores and genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus and even HIV/AIDS virus. Lauric acid is also good for digestion because it maintains healthy micro biome in the gut by promoting good bacteria and reducing bad bacteria.
Coconut oil may treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Ketones are produced in the body during conversion of fat into energy which is needed to prevent neuron degeneration. Coconut oil helps improve memory by supporting the health of neurons in the brain.
Coconut oil boosts production of collagen. Because of it, this oil helps improve bone health. Coconut oil with its collagen boosting property can help delay the aging process of the skin by reducing wrinkles and making the skin look glowing and younger. It can also heal wound faster together with an aloe vera gel.
Coconut is ideal for cooking. It is highly resistant to oxidation at high heat which makes it suitable for frying or deep frying since the heated oil is usable for up to 8 hours of continuous heating. It is very stable when heated and does not change in substance during the heating process and does not create toxic byproducts. Coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degree Fahrenheit which is within the ideal temperature range of 325 to 375 degree Fahrenheit.
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