Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is more than a cooking oil - discover the healing benefits of coconut oil
Benefits of coconut oil - Whenever we visit the South Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand we think of all those wonderful tropical fruits like papaya and coconuts. We love coconuts. It tastes wonderful and refreshing.
I've always known coconut as a fruit but never knew that coconut was used in cooking as oil.
Although I rarely see anyone cooking with coconut oil here in the United States, I've seen many people and restaurants use coconut oil in their cooking in the South Asian countries.
I was eager to learn what coconut oil was all about.
Coconut oil is commonly used in the tropical regions in South Asia and the South Seas. It has many uses not only in cooking but also in beauty care.
Coconut Oil And Its High Saturated Fat Content
The oil is derived from the meat of the coconut fruit. Coconut oil has a very high amount of saturated fat, about 92%. It's 100% vegetable-based.
The best saturated oils are vegetarian-based as animal-based saturated oils contain cholesterol.
Because of its high saturated fat it should be consumed only in limited amount. And always get the highest quality coconut oil.
Saturated oil can be stored in room temperature. This makes sense that this is used commonly in the tropics since the high temperature would NOT cause it to go rancid too quickly.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has traditionally been used to treat candida and yeast infections. This is because the coconut oil has antiviral and antimicrobial benefits from its lauric acid., which also may support the immune system.
Cooking With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been known to many as a healthy oil, particularly in the tropical regions. This is in comparison to the unhealthy oils like trans fat hydrogenated oils and shortenings that are highly processed.
There are plenty of evidence to show that trans fats are harmful to the body, which is a catalyst for many diseases. Trans fat should be avoided at all cost.
Coconut oil is a good substitute to using butter or shortening for sautéing and baking. Unrefined oils like canola oil and olive oils are best for everyday all-purpose cooking.
Coconut Oil As A Beauty Aid
Coconut oil has always been used not only as a tropical cooking oil but also as body care products for many centuries. Coconut oil has ingredients that are nourishing to the skin. It's commonly used even here in the US.
