Is Coconut Oil Healthy For Cooking?

Coconut oil has earned a bad reputation due to its high content of saturated fat, which was previously thought to be bad for the arteries. However, recent research has revealed a different truth, and it is clear that saturated fats are not as harmful as previously thought.

So, the question that has puzzled many consumers is coconut oil healthy for cooking or not?

Having a health concern is natural and understandable, but finding an answer on the internet can be difficult due to many different opinions. This article will be different from the rest. We will provide you with the facts and science behind it so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

Let's find out without further ado!

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is being extracted from the coconut using two methods to obtain virgin coconut oil and cold-pressed coconut oil. The virgin oil is extracted from the fresh solid part of the coconut whereas the cold-pressed one is extracted by the copra. Both coconut oils are used for cooking and skincare. However, virgin oil is being recommended, since it is more close to its natural form.

What is the Composition of Coconut Oil?

Both the coconut oils have similar compositions. They contain 90% of saturated fat, which is why they have a firm texture when kept at a cool temperature. Most of the fats that consist in the oil are Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) which are known to burn off a lot easier than triglycerides (LCTs). Other than a high amount of fatty acids, coconut oil also contains a little percentage of Vitamin E.

The composition in coconut oil is as follows:

Calories: 117, Total fat: 14 grams, Saturated fat: 12 grams, Lauric acid, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Monounsaturated fats, Polyunsaturated fats, Plant sterols, and Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

How is Coconut Oil Healthy for My Family?

• Reduces Heart Disease Risk: Not all types of cholesterol are bad for your health; in fact, some are beneficial to your body. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence cooking with coconut oil might help you to keep your family’s heart-healthy and fit.

• Helps Lose Weight: Consuming more calories than using them up is one of the main reasons for obesity and weight gain. But, as said earlier, the MCT present in the coconut oil does not tend to store, rather it goes to the liver and is used up the whole, hence storing no fat resulting in reducing weight.

• Improves Fertility: Vaginal health is very important for fertility and coconut oil cooking benefits in maintaining the pH balance of the vaginal area while also promoting healthy hormones. The oil also boosts the production of the cervical mucus and improves immunity, making your body healthy to conceive.

How Can I Consume Coconut Oil?

You can use the oil to prepare various dishes and enjoy the nutty flavor of it. However, the smoke points of both the coconut oil virgin and refined ones are different, so can be used for different purposes. The virgin coconut oil cooking is ideal for salad seasoning, baking, and sauteing, due to the smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas, the cold-pressed oil with the smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit can be used for cooking and frying.

You can also get the coconut oil benefits by adding it to your tea or coffee.

Coconut Oil Uses:

• Cooking chicken, eggs, vegetables, or fishes
• Baking cookies or cakes
• Preparing drinks

Coconut Oil is ‘Not Unhealthy’

There is no potential evidence that supports that consuming coconut oil is unhealthy. Hence it is best to say that you can include coconut oil in your cooking and get all the benefits of coconut oil. However, make sure to use it in a moderate amount and also check if you are allergic.

Hopefully, your concerns have been answered accurately in this article. You can also share it with your friends and family and spread this helpful information.