7 BENEFITS OF COOKING WITH COCONUT OIL: A DOCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

As a medical doctor, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that nutrition can have on a person’s health. When it comes to cooking oils, there are a lot of options available, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, I’m going to share with you 7 advantages of using coconut oil to cook with over vegetable or canola oils. I’ll also touch on why olive oil is a great option, but not for cooking.

Coconut Oil vs. Vegetable and Canola Oils

Coconut Oil is High in Healthy Fats

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which might sound like a bad thing. However, the type of saturated fat found in coconut oil is different than the kind found in animal products. It’s made up of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently in the body than long-chain fatty acids. MCTs are quickly absorbed and converted into energy, making them less likely to be stored as fat. In fact, studies have shown that consuming MCTs can increase feelings of fullness and lead to weight loss.

Coconut Oil Can Boost Immunity

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid can help fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body. Additionally, coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which can help fight off yeast overgrowth.

Coconut Oil is Good for Heart Health

Despite the fact that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, studies have shown that it can actually improve cholesterol levels. It can increase HDL (good) cholesterol while decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol. This can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Coconut Oil Can Improve Brain Function

MCTs found in coconut oil are easily converted into ketones, which can provide an alternative source of fuel for the brain. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological disorders. Additionally, studies have shown that MCTs can improve cognitive function in healthy adults.

Coconut Oil Can Improve Digestion

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier to digest than long-chain fatty acids. This can be beneficial for individuals with digestive issues or who have trouble digesting other fats. Additionally, coconut oil can help improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Coconut Oil Can Improve Skin Health

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for the skin. It can help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and texture. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Coconut Oil Can Increase Energy Levels

MCTs found in coconut oil can provide a quick source of energy. This can be especially beneficial for athletes or individuals who need a quick energy boost.

Olive Oil is Great, But Not for Cooking

While coconut oil is a great option for cooking, olive oil is a great option for salad dressings or drizzling over cooked vegetables. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits. However, it has a low smoke point, meaning that it can break down when heated to high temperatures. This can be harmful to your health and can affect the taste and quality of your food.

Final thoughts

There are many benefits to cooking with coconut oil over vegetable or canola oils. Coconut oil is high in healthy fats, can boost immunity, is good for heart health, can improve brain function

Tip:

If the flavor of coconut is not wanted look for REFINED coconut oil which is flavorless.

FAQs

1. Can I use coconut oil for all types of cooking?

• While coconut oil is a great option for most types of cooking, it may not be the best choice for all dishes. For example, it has a strong flavor that may not be desirable in certain recipes.  You can get refined coconut oil which extracts the coconut flavor if the taste of coconut is not favorable to you.  Additionally, it has a relatively low smoke point compared to some other oils, so it may not be the best choice for high-heat cooking methods.

2. Can coconut oil help me lose weight?

• Studies have shown that consuming medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are found in coconut oil, can increase feelings of fullness and lead to weight loss. However, it’s important to note that adding coconut oil to your diet alone is not a magic solution for weight loss. It should be used as part of a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle.

3. Is coconut oil safe for individuals with heart disease?

• While coconut oil has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease in some studies, it is still high in saturated fat. Therefore, it’s important for individuals with heart disease to consult with their healthcare provider before adding coconut oil to their diet.

4. Can coconut oil help improve skin health?

• Yes, coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for the skin. It can help improve skin hydration, elasticity, and texture. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

5. How does olive oil compare to coconut oil for cooking?

• Olive oil is a great option for salad dressings or drizzling over cooked vegetables, but it’s not the best choice for high-heat cooking methods. This is because it has a low smoke point and can break down when heated to high temperatures. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has a higher smoke point and is a great option for most types of cooking.