Coconut oil appeared on our market only a few years ago. However, in that short time, it has become almost everywhere. Today, you can find it in various foods, cosmetics, fast foods, vegan dishes, and even coffee.
Coconut oil's biggest fans will tell you that it's the best and healthiest oil you can buy. Some studies say that coconut oil can help you lose weight. Others mention that it's a very good cure for Alzheimer's. And last but not least, there's also information that coconut oil can lower your cholesterol and protect your heart.
But is it true? Can any product be that good? Or is it all just one big marketing bubble?
So let's look at it together.
Coconut oil – everything you need to know.
First of all, it should be recognized that coconut oil is healthy overall and has a positive impact on our health. This oil has its benefits, but there are other alternatives to it. In comparison, butter contains much more vitamins and calcium, and olive oil contains much more antioxidants.
It should also be added that coconut oil has only been around for a short time for us to know everything about it. I think that as time goes on, more information will be found that will confirm or refute current theories.
And what do we know about coconut oil so far?
These are the most frequently asked questions:
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is made from the pressed pulp (copra) of coconuts. There are several types of this oil, but most often we come across refined or unrefined coconut oil. Refined oil can later even be deprived of its special coconut taste and aroma.
What does coconut oil contain?
Coconut oil is made up of about 90% saturated fat, 6% monounsaturated fat, and just under 2% polyunsaturated fat. One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 121 calories, which is about 60% of your daily recommended intake of saturated fat.
What does coconut oil help with?
Lowers cholesterol – according to some sources, coconut oil helps reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and, on the other hand, increase “good” HDL cholesterol. However, none of this information has been 100% confirmed to date. For example, the renowned American Mayo Clinic says that coconut oil even increases cholesterol.
Reduces stress – Another interesting study suggests that coconut oil helps reduce stress. Although this study was done on mice and not humans, it showed positive results.
Coconut oil for teeth – none of the studies support this theory. Yes, coconut oil has antibacterial effects and various benefits for teeth - for example, it reduces gum inflammation and heals bleeding, but you should use classic toothpaste to brush your teeth.
Helps lose weight – this information is not confirmed by any specific source. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil contains 121 calories, so it is theoretically impossible for eating fat to help you lose weight. On the other hand, there have also been studies that show that coconut oil can make us feel full much sooner than other oils. And if we feel this feeling faster, as a result we eat less. And one more interesting thing at the end. An American study also says that regular consumption of coconut oil helps reduce the “beer belly” in men. All you need to do is eat 2 tablespoons (about 30ml) of coconut oil a day for 4 weeks. Would you try it?
What to use coconut oil for?
Coconut oil can be used in many ways. You can use it in cooking or baking, in hair care products, as a supplement for brushing teeth and gums, or as a balm for dry skin.
How to store coconut oil?
Coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dry place. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. However, storing it in the refrigerator will change its texture and make the oil solid.
How to melt coconut oil?
Coconut oil can be melted at a temperature of 24°C. You can melt it in a bowl of warm water or on your stove. Either way, it will take you 1 minute to melt the coconut oil.
Coconut oil in coffee?
Yes, you can add coconut oil to your so-called "bulletproof" coffee. Together with the caffeine from the coffee, it will give you the energy you need.
Unscented coconut oil.
Coconut oil can be refined or unrefined. The former may be stripped of its flavor and aroma . The latter will still have its specific coconut flavor, as it is made from the first pressing and hand-picked coconut pulp.
Which coconut oil is best?
Both refined and unrefined coconut oil are equally good sources of saturated fatty acids. However, the biggest difference lies in their properties.
Refined coconut oil has a mostly neutral taste and can be heated up to 200°C. This oil is suitable for cooking, frying or baking.
Unrefined (virgin) has its characteristic coconut flavor and aroma, and can only be heated to 175°C. This oil is suitable for cooking, but is not suitable for frying or baking.
Coconut oil or butter?
Both butter and coconut oil are good sources of saturated fatty acids. However, butter contains more cholesterol, vitamin A, and calcium.
Something in conclusion.
As you can see, coconut oil could really be described as a very good alternative to other oils and fats. However, for every pro, there is a con. That's why I wouldn't recommend basing your entire diet on just one source of fat. The best diet is one that includes variety.
