Coconut oil is a plant-based fat extracted from coconut meat, and its claim to fame is that it is one of the only plant-based oils solid at room temperature due to its high saturated fat content. Its neutral, slightly sweet flavor and the crisp texture it can lend to cooked meals appeal to many individuals.
Coconut oil has grown immensely popular in recent years, with many people touting it as a healthier alternative to animal fats like butter or lard. However, a new study suggests that coconut oil should be consumed in moderation like any other saturated fat.
Coconut Oil Nutrition Facts
Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Here are some health benefits of coconut oil:
Coconut oil has gotten a lot of press in recent years for its health advantages, but there aren’t many studies on it. Here are a few of coconut oil’s potential health benefits.
Could Benefit Hair
You’ve probably seen coconut oil as the main ingredient in shampoos and conditioners. According to a 2015 study, coconut oil to hair before and after washing reduced protein loss. According to the study, coconut oil performed better than mineral oil and sunflower oil.
Coconut oil might be beneficial to your hair and scalp as well. According to a study from 2021, applying the oil to the scalp can encourage good bacteria and fungi while also reducing flaking4, which could help with dandruff.
May Benefit Skin
The antibacterial property of lauric acid, which makes up a substantial amount of the saturated fats in coconut oil, may be beneficial to the skin. People with eczema applied virgin coconut oil to their skin in a 2014 study, and this all-natural treatment was rated “good” by nearly half of the participants. After getting a tattoo, some people apply coconut oil to their skin because of its antibacterial and wound-healing capabilities. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, in addition to its ability to cure inflamed skin. It’s no surprise that it’s a common ingredient in lotions and creams.
May Help Weight Management
Smaller amounts of coconut oil, according to some studies, could be a valuable part of a weight-loss strategy. Coconut oil includes medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), not stored in fatty tissues like long-chain fats. Meanwhile, some research suggests that MCTs may aid in the reduction of waste and hip circumference, particularly when long-chain fatty acids are replaced in the diet.
However, until further study is completed, many nutrition experts are hesitant to make broad claims about coconut oil for weight loss.
Suitable For People On A Plant-Based Diet
Coconut oil, unlike animal fats like butter, cattle tallow, or lard, has a place in a plant-based diet. This oil will not interfere with your plans if you are vegan, vegetarian, or wish to add more plant foods into your diet.
Adverse Effects
Although coconut oil has a “health halo,” it won’t work wonders for any element of health, let alone heart health. Because of its high saturated fat content, the American Heart Association (AHA) advised against using coconut oil as a fat alternative in 2017.
According to the American Heart Association, eating foods high in saturated fat can elevate harmful cholesterol. However, research into the intricate association between saturated fat and heart disease remains ongoing. According to certain studies, saturated fat is not nearly as harmful to heart health as previously thought.
Also, consult your doctor before applying coconut oil topically. Though some people say that using coconut oil topically can help everything from dry eye syndrome to vaginal health, further research is needed to back up these claims.
Handcraft Fractionated Coconut Oil
Features:
- 100% PURE & NATURAL FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL is one of the most versatile carrier oils and has endless uses. It is most commonly used for aromatherapy, essential oils, massage, dogs and other pets, and as a hair & skin moisturizer. Our premium quality coconut oil Fragrance-Free, Hexane Free, Preservative Free, Chemical Free, and 100% Vegan.
- COCONUT OIL FOR SKIN there are countless health benefits to using this oil topically on your skin. Scientists have figured out that this oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties that feed and moisturize the skin. It is lightweight and provides a silky-smooth feeling for all skin types without clogging pores while nourishing and moisturizing.
- COCONUT OIL FOR HAIR GROWTH is rich in antioxidants and has powerful properties. When used on hair, fractioned coconut oil helps improve scalp health and support hair growth while adding volume and shine without the common harmful chemicals.
- DILUTING ESSENTIAL OILS requires a carrier oil such as Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, etc. Since essential oils are so potent, they must be diluted before being applied to the skin.
- MADE IN THE USA, Our Fractionated Coconut Oil produced in our Approved Facility does not contain alcohol, parabens, or sulfates and is Cruelty-Free.
What Makes Coconut Oil So Healthy?
Coconut oil is made from the coconut’s “meat” (Marina et al., 2009). When the oil is solid, it is white, but it melts when heated over 76 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a rich, colorless oil in liquid form. Although versions that have been bleached or refined may lack their characteristic aroma, good quality coconut oil smells just like a coconut.
Because coconut oil is high in saturated fats, it’s surprising that it’s promoted as a healthy food. Most people link saturated fats with high cholesterol and poor cardiovascular health. The majority of the fatty acids in coconut oil are medium-chain fatty acids, which are healthier than long-chain or very-long-chain fatty acids (Marina et al., 2009). The exact ratio of specific fatty acids varies depending on the coconut oil source. However, according to Organic Facts (2015), the following are the most prevalent medium-chain fatty acids in this type of oil:
- Lauric acid, comprising 45 to 52% of the oil
- Myristic acid (16 to 21%)
- Caprylic acid (5 to 10%)
- Capric acid (4 to 8%)
- Caproic acid (0.5 to 1%)
Conclusion
Coconut oil can also be used to replace other oils in baked items. Use it in a one-to-one ratio with vegetable oils in pies, muffins, and cookies. Other common uses for coconut oil include adding it to coffee for a keto-friendly morning beverage, popping popcorn with it, and adding it to smoothies for added taste and fat.
