Coconut oil is a wonderful, versatile tool. For instance, did you know that it can be used in a medicinal sense? As a cooking medium, it is much better when compared to many other oils. It is used in skincare because of its beneficial compounds and substances? Let’s explore some of these claims and understand just how good it is to use coconut oil in your everyday lifestyle.
Coconut Oil Versus Other Oils
Often, cooking oils such as olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil oxidizes quickly when used in high heat cooking. This means it has a low smoke point and goes rancid when used in high heat cooking. The higher the temperature, the more you destroy the beneficial fats, and it also goes through a chemical change that cannot be reversed. Hence why olive oil is best when used cold, over salads or used at low temperatures. Coconut oil is a great cooking medium as it can withstand high heat and remains relatively healthy with nutrients intact.
Coconut Oil as a Healthy Dietary Fat
Coconut oil is a wonderful source of fat. Unprocessed coconut oil may have a slight coconut flavor, but it packs a nutritive punch. Boasting both healthy saturated fats and medium chain triglycerides, it’s a great source of energy and a clear way to promote fat burning. In addition, coconut oil has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and also reduce plaque along the arterial walls. Compare this to the inflammatory corn, soy, peanut and canola oil, and you will be happy to get rid of those other oils in your diet and switch over to this.
Coconut Oil is Anti-Fungal
That’s right. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, such as Lauric acid. Lauric acid is found in high amounts in coconut and palm oil and is absorbed by the body easily because of its chemical structure. Coconut oil is rich in Caprylic acid, which has anti-fungal properties and has been found to inhibit the growth of certain yeasts, microbes, and bacteria. Placing coconut oil on a cut can put a protective barrier between the open wound and the outside. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can provide microbial protection. This is because the fatty acids are harmful to bacteria but healthy to the body. Coconut oil is also beneficial to healing cuts and scrapes faster, as the oil is absorbed through the skin and treats the abrasion from under the skin.
Coconut Oil for Gut And Immune Health
Many nutrients cannot be absorbed alone in the gut. Sometimes they require fat in order to be fully absorbed. Coconut oil, because of its superior absorption rate, brings a lot of nutrients that would otherwise be missed by the gut. This strengthens the immune system, as the body gets the needed vitamins and minerals and necessary fats to function optimally.
Coconut oil is very healthy for the body. It is easily absorbed, packs a nutrient dense punch, is lower in calories than many other oils and converts into quick energy very easily. Plus, its many other added household and lifestyle uses make it a well-rounded, healthy addition. I recommend organic, extra virgin coconut oil because it has not been processed and has more of the good nutrients that your body needs and loves.
