Virgin Coconut Oil Benefits

For years I heard that all saturated fats were bad for you, especially the fat in coconut oil. The more processed and fast foods were eaten, the more the focus became on the fats used in these foods. This prompted more study of how fats affected the body. The result is that most saturated fats are bad for you, especially those that transform to trans-fats. People can now make more informed decisions with the conveniently packaged mass market foods presented to them. However, science has shown that the saturated fats in coconut milk are not the same as other saturated fats. The natural oil used by healthy islanders for years does have very positive benefits.

There are a number of reasons you should use coconut oil over other oils.

Benefit One: Coconut oil does not change when heated. Whether used in dishes where a little oil is required or as deep frying oil, coconut oil does not denature no matter the temperature. Other oils experience change of the fatty acid chains when heated, even olive oil. Some, as we know, change so much the fatty acids transform to trans-fats. Not so with coconut oil. It remains the same heart-healthy oil no matter the temperature. Contrary to some beliefs, coconut oil does not turn your food coconut flavor. I prove this to friends all the time. They have a hard time believing I only use coconut oil.

Benefit Two: When you cook with coconut oil you do not need to use as much oil. I watch cooking shows where the host lavishes pans with oil for sautéing dishes. I use much less. The results are less fatty foods, less fats consumed and superior flavor of the foods. I use ½ the amount of coconut oil in my baking and the effects are outstanding.

Benefit Three: The fatty acid chains in coconut oil are a medium chain fatty acid that the body can process much easier for energy. Excess isn’t stored in fat cells, but is utilized. It actually boosts metabolism and raises the body temperature. Even though coconut oil is a saturated fat, the medium chain saturated fat is actually heart-healthy and processed very effectively for energy. The results are a healthier, leaner body, more energy and healthier skin.

Other oils are high in Omega-6 fatty acids. The average American consumes more that six times the body’s daily needs for Omega 6.

Benefit Four: Coconut oil contains a number of nutrients, healthy phenolic compounds and lauric acid. Lauric acid is the same as that found in mother’s milk. It has many positive benefits, such building the immune system.

Benefit Five: Use coconut oil to raise your good cholesterol. I discovered this first hand when my HDL levels were low and put me at risk for heart disease. I started using coconut oil after discussing it with my doctor. At first she was skeptical. Exercise and diet weren’t working, so I showed her the research. She gave her consent for 4 weeks. I increased HDL 4 points in the period and even higher as I continued use. Who would have thought an oil could raise good cholesterol so effectively.

Virgin coconut oil is the only natural oil. The only processing is separating the oil from the coconut milk and coconut meat by skimming and filtering the oil. No chemicals, no bleaching, no heating, no harmful processing. Coconut oil definitely has many benefits. It is a heart-healthy oil that increases metabolism, is processed very efficiently by the body, builds the immune system and helps raise HDL.