7 July 2016 in Foods by Ann, Nutrition tips, Super foods

Coconut oil

I have already invited coconut oil to my kitchen a long time ago. I didnt known that it was healthy, but what had also tempted me to use it was its exotic aroma and distinctive taste. Soon, I grew liking it, and now I use it for everything: I scramble eggs in it and spread it on a bread, add it to soups, and stew vegetables in it. The list of coconut oil’s benefits is so long that it’s almost hard to believe it has so much to offer us. I recommend it with my whole heart to you simply because I already see its beneficial effects on myself.

You have asked me many times where I buy coconut oil, and what brands I would recommend. Now I can confidently say that I use the oil from FOODS by ANN, which you can buy in my online store. I finally know with absolute certainty that the oil I’m holding on to is organic, unrefined, and fresh, cold-pressed – and it can not get any healthier than that!

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Interestingly enough, coconut oil is often referred to as a “cure-all” in the Pacific islands region. It is so due to its numerous properties which positively affect the body. Of course, the oil is obtained from the flesh of the coconut.

The oil mainly contains saturated fatty acids (approximately 90%), such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, and stearic acid, among others. The medium chain fatty acids (MCT) form the largest group of the fatty acids in coconut oil and it owes its unique properties to none other but them. Taking a closer look at its content, we can also find certain amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (from 4 to 10%), namely oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

BENEFITS OF MCT FATTY ACIDS:

MCT fatty acids are metabolized differently than other fatty acids with longer carbon chains. Unlike the latter, they do not require bile or extra energy for the body to use them as an energy source.

As a result, coconut oil can be recommended to people with impaired liver or gallbladder function.

The manner in which the body uses the MCT fatty acids as an energy source closely resembles the way it uses carbohydrates but without raising blood sugar and blood insulin levels while at it.

Available research indicates that introducing 15 to 30 grams of MCT fatty acids a day to your diet, increases the body’s energy expenditure by 5%, which is good news for people working on the reduction of body weight.

Interestingly, consuming MCT fats before physical activity delay the use of muscle glycogen as an energy source.

Due to the presence of caprylic and lauric acid, in the coconut oil, which exhibit antiviral, antibacterial and anti-mycotic properties, it aids the body in the fight against microorganisms by destroying lipid envelopes. It also helps combat the Candida albicans yeast.

Furthermore, using coconut oil is good for the lipid profile, as it leads to increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels, which can prevent heart disease.

Coconut oil’s antioxidant content reduces inflammation in the body, which translates into better skin health.

When added to vegetables or fruits, coconut oil improves the absorption of the substances contained in them which are soluble in fats.

The saturated fatty acids found in coconut oil are resistant to oxidation and high temperature and thus make it perfect for frying.

Coconut oil can be useful to people with hypertrophy of the prostate or men suffering from alopecia (hair loss). This is the result of the inhibiting effect of lauric acid on the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to the more active dihydrotestosterone.

Moreover, coconut oil has its uses when it comes to daily hygiene and body care. It turns out that it improves skin hydration, has a beneficial effect on the lipid layer, accelerates wound healing, protects against UV rays, and due to its antibacterial properties, is perfect for acne skin care. It may, therefore, be used as an alternative to body lotions, some of which contain many substances which are harmful to our body.

Last but not least, coconut oil also helps keep your mouth and teeth healthy, while eliminating bad breath along the way. It is important, however, to use the one which is unrefined and cold-pressed.

HOW TO USE:

At room temperature (about 23-26°C), coconut oil becomes solid. It’s best to store it in a cool place sheltered from light. This way you can preserve its beneficial properties for long.

DOSAGE:

To start experiencing the coconut oil’s beneficial effect on the organism, it is advised to consume from 2 to 3 tablespoons of the oil per day. Keep in mind that 28 grams of coconut oil provides the body with about 240 calories.

IS IT SAFE?

So far, the research into the matter hasn’t pointed out any specific group of people who should avoid coconut oil in their diet.

STUDIES AVAILABLE:

Antioxidants:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24613207?dopt=Abstract

Candida albicans:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC90807/

Antibacterial properties:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC444260/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10762277

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17651080

Cholesterol: