In a world constantly seeking natural alternatives to help enhance our overall well-being, one versatile and captivating option has taken the health community by storm—coconut oil.
This once-misunderstood tropical delight has rapidly evolved from a mere culinary ingredient to an esteemed superfood, captivating the imaginations of health enthusiasts and nutrition experts alike. With its fascinating history rooted in ancient traditions and modern resurgence driven by its impressive array of health benefits, coconut oil has become a staple in kitchens and skincare routines around the globe.
Join us as we uncover the secrets of this coconut oil phenomenon, exploring its nutritional prowess, multifaceted applications, and the myriad ways it can help elevate your health to extraordinary heights.
About Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is derived from coconuts, which grow on trees in tropical regions like Asia and Africa. Although available in liquid form, coconut oil usually comes in a solid form that is white in color and has a distinct coconut aroma.
Throughout history, coconut oil has been used for a variety of both culinary and health purposes. For example, it was used in South East Asia where it was thought to be beneficial for both skin and hair health.
Today, there are many studies that have uncovered that coconut oil has many benefits and is one of the healthiest foods available to us. Before we dive into the many benefits of this amazing food, let’s take a look at its nutrient profile.
One tablespoon of coconut oil contains:
- 125 calories
- 14 grams of total fats
- 12 grams of saturated fats
- 0 grams of trans fat
- 0 grams of sodium
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 0 grams of protein
In terms of nutrients, coconut oil has:
- Lauric acid
- Myristic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Mono and Polyunsaturated fats
- Plant sterols
- Medium-chain triglycerides
Additionally, coconut oil is vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free; however, coconuts are considered tree nuts, so some people may need to avoid them if they are allergic.
So how does coconut oil compare to other oils? For example, a tablespoon of olive oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil have 126 calories each. Just like coconut oil, all of these cooking oils contain 14 grams of total fat. The main difference can be seen when looking at saturated fats, with olive oil containing only 2 grams, canola oil having less than 1 gram, and vegetable oil containing 1.92 grams. While many of us have been taught to avoid saturated fats, it’s actually not necessary to avoid them completely. In fact, our bodies need small amounts of saturated fats, which is why the American Heart Association recommends men consume 30 grams a day and women consume 20 grams each day.
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
According to the many studies that have been done, coconut oil can offer the following health benefits...
It May Provide an Energy Boost
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of saturated fat that is known to provide your body with a quick supply of energy. Similarly to carbs, your body’s preferred energy source, MCTs are sent to your liver where they are quickly converted to energy for your body to use.
It May Help with Weight Management
Thanks to those MCTs, and the lack of carbohydrates, coconut oil may be beneficial for those who are looking to lose weight. While it may seem counterintuitive that coconut oil, which is a fat, can help you lose fat, that may very well be the case. Research has found that MCTs, like those found in coconut oil, might help your body increase the number of calories it burns, which in turn can promote weight loss. With that being said, research regarding MCTs, coconut oil, and weight loss is still in the preliminary stages and more research is needed to come to a firm conclusion here.
Additionally, don’t forget that coconut oil is fairly high in calories, so consuming it in excess may lead to weight gain instead of loss.
It May Improve Oral Health
Lauric acid, which is present in coconut oil, is known to have antimicrobial properties. Because of this, researchers have investigated whether or not this amazing oil can be beneficial for oral health, and the results of their studies have been promising.
For starters, evidence shows that using coconut oil as a mouthwash, which is commonly known as oil pulling, may be a cost-effective way to keep up with your oral hygiene. More specifically, a few studies have found that swishing coconut oil in your mouth like mouthwash can reduce the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Additionally, some researchers have found that the lauric acid in coconut oil can form a soap-like substance when combined with your saliva, which may help to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
As an added bonus, your dental health and gut health are closely related, so by helping to care for your mouth, coconut oil may also help keep your gut happy and healthy.
It May Support Hair and Skin Health
Coconut oil is a common product in skin and hair care routines, and for good reason—it has been found to be able to support both.
When it comes to your hair, using coconut oil as part of your regular routine can help keep the individual strands of your hair strong and flexible by providing it with deep nourishment that helps prevent breakage.
As for your skin, coconut oil is especially helpful in combating dry skin along with providing benefits like improving skin function and assisting with moisture retention. What’s more? Coconut oil can also be used as a cleanser thanks to its antimicrobial properties and it can be mixed with sugar or sea salt to make an effective and natural exfoliant.
Get the Right Coconut Oil
Ready to add coconut oil to your health and wellness toolkit? Before you head off to the store to buy some, there is one more thing you should know—there are a few different types of coconut oil out there, and you should be familiar with them so you can choose the best one for you.
Unrefined Oil
This is the least processed and most beneficial form of coconut oil. It is derived directly from copra, or dried coconut meat. Once the copra is removed from the shell, it is pressed to extract the oils, and since it doesn’t go through much more processing than that, it retains its nutty and sweet aroma and flavor. You’ll often see this type of coconut oil labeled as “virgin” or even “extra virgin,” although there isn’t much difference between these two types, so either option is great.
Refined Oil
While refined coconut oil is also derived from copra, it is more highly processed than its unrefined counterpart. The processing that refined coconut oil goes through often involves the oil being bleached and deodorized. This not only removes much of the coconut taste and smell, but it also breaks down many of the medium-chain triglycerides that help provide so many of the benefits of this amazing oil. Generally, it’s best to skip refined coconut oil and choose an unrefined option as often as possible.
Live the #NewEarthLife
Whether you’re whipping up a delectable dish in the kitchen or pampering your skin with its many nourishing properties, it’s time to start leveraging the power of this amazing oil as part of your #NewEarthLife.