Are you worried that your regular cooking oil is not as healthy as it claims to be? Looking for a better alternative? Then look nowhere but inside your own home – because it is the humble and yet wonderful coconut oil we are talking about!
Is coconut oil good for cooking? Yes! Want to know more about this oil and how well it can benefit you in your cooking? Then give this post a read!
Nutrients In Coconut Oil:
Extra virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh matured coconuts. As per USDA National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of coconut oil contains the following:
- 117 calories
- 0 grams of protein
- 13.6 grams of fat (11.8 saturated, 0.8 monounsaturated and 0.2 polyunsaturated)
- 0 grams of carbohydrate
It contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT), lauric acid that is rich in anti-oxidants and is also found in breast milk. It helps the body in absorbing other minerals and nutrients. Another important benefit is that it contains zero cholesterol. The presence of MCTs also makes the oil resistant to high heat and the oil does not break down and doesn’t release toxins when used for frying and cooking.
Choosing The Right Coconut Oil For Cooking:
Coconut oil is available in two forms in supermarkets:
- Extra virgin coconut oil
- Refined coconut oil
Extra virgin coconut oil is extracted from matured coconuts and is absolutely pure and fresh. Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, is the coconut oil that has undergone refining, bleaching, deodorizing. Experts recommend using the former for internal uses like cooking and the latter for external application on the body. So pick your oil as per usage.
Coconut oil has several health benefits for the skin, hair and other organs of the body. Use it regularly to reap all the benefits and stay healthy and fit.
1. Quick Energy Source:
The medium chain fatty acids of coconut oil do not need to be broken down in the small intestine. They get absorbed intact and go straight to the liver from the digestive tract where they are in turn used as an instant source of energy. Some get turned into ketone, which has a healing effect on brain disorders.
2. Reduces Hunger:
The ketone bodies produced by consuming coconut oil reduce appetite. This leads to a decrease in food consumption and is extremely helpful for those wanting to lose weight.
3. Fights Diabetes:
Regular use of coconut oil is known to improve glucose tolerance and reduce body fat accumulation. Definitely good news for those suffering from diabetes!
4. Healthy Heart:
Saturated fats present in coconut oil help raise HDL (which is the good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol). Coconut oil also helps in reducing triglyceride levels. By working on all components required for a healthy heart, coconut oil helps reduce cardiovascular diseases.
5. Builds Immunity:
An important health benefit of coconut oil is its ability to stave off infections caused by bacteria, virus and fungi and help build immunity. This is due to the presence of lauric acid (the same component found in breast milk). Also, when digested, coconut oil forms a monoglyceride called monolaurin. Both monolaurin and lauric acid protect the body from any microbial infections.
6. Anti-Ageing:
Coconut oil is packed with anti-oxidants that help keep away fine lines and wrinkles thereby helping you fight any signs of ageing.
7. High Smoking Point:
A high smoking point means that the oil can withstand high temperatures while cooking without losing its health benefits or turning rancid.
8. Long Shelf Life:
Coconut oil has a long shelf life and can be stored for a long time without going bad.
9. Soft Skin And Hair:
A soft and moisturised skin and glossy strong hair is what you get with regular consumption of coconut oil. The vitamin E present in the oil moisturises and softens your skin and prevents ageing. Coconut oil is known to stimulate hair growth too.
10. Dense:
Coconut oil is denser as compared to other oils. Therefore, less oil is consumed while cooking, thereby limiting your oil consumption and preventing food from being too oily.
Potential Risks:
Some health professionals still argue against the use of coconut oil as it has saturated fats that they feel may be harmful in the long run. Other oils like soybean, flaxseed, corn, safflower, extra-virgin olive oil and canola have lesser saturated fat content. Besides, coconut oil does not contain any vitamins or minerals. Critics also point out that not enough studies have been conducted to firmly establish the health benefits of coconut oil.
Uses In Cooking:
Besides substituting coconut oil with your regular oil for cooking, you can use it in other interesting ways as well.
- It can be used in the place of butter in baking recipes. It will also impart a slight “coconutty” flavour to your baked dishes.
- You can also drizzle some coconut oil over popcorns for more flavour or stir it in your hot cocoa and soups.
- Coconut oil can also be added to your favourite smoothies to make them healthier and tastier.
- It is an excellent plant based replacement for vegans.
- You can use it to make scrambled eggs.
- Use it the way you like, for sautéing, stir-frying or deep frying.
- Spread over toast, pancakes, muffins or waffles instead of butter/syrups.
- What’s more, food cooked with coconut oil tastes awesome, and it goes with all kinds of cuisines
The Wonder Oil:
With its several health benefits and broad based usage, coconut oil can certainly be termed as the oil with maximum benefits. Use coconut oil for cooking regularly and in innovative ways to reap all of its benefits. It is easily available in all supermarkets and can be brought off the shelf. Read the label carefully if you are looking for extra-virgin coconut oil as some of them tend to be mixed with refined coconut oils. Do not wait any longer to buy and use this wonder oil and give your family the gift of a healthy body and mind!
Have you ever tried cooking with coconut oil? Are you aware of any other benefits of coconut oil cooking? Do share with us in the comments section!
