Benefits of Coconut Oil

I have been researching information related to the health benefits of coconut oil.  I have discovered some very interesting things.  I use olive oil which is a very healthy oil and is great on salads however I have read a lot about coconut oil and weight reduction.  I was also looking for a more solid oil that I could bake with that will thicken my recipes such as fudge.  I purchased some coconut oil and tried it in my baking.  It is wonderful and taste really great.  I also achieved the results I was looking for with my fudge.  Some things to be aware of when you buy coconut oil.  You will notice it might be solid white or part solid with some oil on top this is normal and there is nothing wrong with it.  This is because it has a high melting point.  It remains a solid at room temperature but will melt if the temperature goes higher.  You do not store the jar of oil in the refrigerator even after opening it should be stored in the cupboard or pantry. 

I have experimented with coconut oil in my fudge and it creates a more solid recipe rather than a sticky texture as it firms up when refrigerated.  I have also noticed there is no oily texture to it and it tastes very light.  I didn't notice any difference in the taste when used in the avocado fudge recipe.  I am going to try it in my zucchini bread recipe and see how that tastes. 

The first thing you will notice on the nutrition label is the high fat content.  Coconut oil is high in saturated fat however this is a naturally occurring saturated fat which is good for you.  Many fats are artificially manipulated into a saturated state through man made processing called hydrogenation.  Hydrogenation does nothing good for your health as noted by Dr. Joseph Mercola physician and author.  I stay away from anything with hydrogenated oil in it. 

Another article I read written by Kiran Patil on Organic Facts noted the following.  There are many benefits from coconut oil to include help in reducing weight. It contains fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight.  It is also easy to digest and helps healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems.  It increases metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, and burning out more energy and helping overweight people reduce their weight. 
The saturated fat in coconut oil has anti microbial properties and helps with various bacteria and parasites that cause indigestion.  It helps improve your digestion system and prevents digestions and stomach related issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.  Coconut oil is good for your immune system.  It contains lauric acid which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases.  It also helps with absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

The article goes on to note how coconut oil has been preferred by athletes and those who are on diets.  It contains less calories than other oils and the fat content is easily converted into energy and it doesn't lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries.    Health benefits noted from coconut oil use include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism. 

I also found some other interesting facts written in the article by Kiran Patil.  First, in the 1940's farmers fed coconut oil to their cattle in the hopes of fattening them.  It didn't work instead the cattle became more active and lean.  Second, people living in the tropics use coconut oil as their main cooking oil and are usually not fat or overweight.  Third, coconut oil is helpful in the healing process of bruises when applied it helps repair damaged tissue. 
It is also noted as with any other new food you are trying that you could be allergic.  If you feel nauseated after eating coconut oil don't force yourself.  You may be allergic to it and should not eat it.

I hope you gained some new information from reading the information provided on coconut oil.   I now have two oils that I include in my healthy diet, olive oil and coconut oil.  Give it a try and see what you think of this healthy oil.

References:
Dr. Joseph Mercola, physician and author.
Kiran Patil author of article on Organic Facts.