Coconut oil:

Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
Mar 23, 2019
2 min read

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature. The oil is pressed from the "meat" of the coconut fruit and is rich in lauric acic which works as antibacterial, anti-virus and anti-oxidant.

Per teaspoon it provides 40 calories and 4.2 grams of saturated fatty acids.

Coconut oil has been linked to weight loss, diabates control and boosting immune system but there is limited scientific evidence to support health benefits on humans.

In addition it is rich in MCT or medium chain triglycerides, a type of fat that is absorbed and metabolized more efficiently than other fats. There is some debate about whether lauric acid, the primary fatty acid in coconut oil, acts more like a long-chain fatty acid than a medium-chain fatty acid in the body.

Proponents claim that coconut oil can increase your levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, making it a better option for your heart than the saturated fats in cheese, butter, and red meat. But studies show that HDL may not improve overall heart health.

Some studies found that coconut oil raised LDL cholesterol less than butter, but significantly more than unsaturated plant oils.

Is it a good cooking oil?

Refined coocnut oil can be used at medium temperature and it is often used for baking. Unrefined, or virgin, coconut oil should only be used at low temperatures or not heated at all.

If you're looking for an oil that can be used at high heat for frying and sautéing, look for monounsaturated fat-rich oils such as almond oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.

Allergies and coocnut oil:

Cocnut oil is classified as tree nut according to FDA but technically it belongs to a type of fruits called drupe like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans rather than a true tree nut, some people may still have allergies to coconut.

The best choice if virgin cocnut oil when coconut oil was extracted from fresh coconut flesh at low temperatures without being refined, bleached, or deodorized. In addition, virgin coconut oil tends to offer a richer flavor than refined coconut oil.

Healthy Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an alternative for butter or it is used in recipes as complement for oil as it offers sweet flavor:

· Add coconut oil to your coffee

· Use coconut oil on your popcorn instead of butter

· Try baking with coconut oil

· Saute onions and garlic

· Roast vegetables in coconut oil

· Add shredded coconut or coconut manna to a smoothie