Coconut Oil Facts

Coconut Oil Facts

Written by Anri van der Merwe. Adapted from an Article by Something Natural

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is preserved form the white meat of the coconut. There are two types of coconut oil, namely:

1. Virgin coconut oil – pressed form the fresh meat of raw coconuts. It is cold-pressed and filtered and retains the classic ‘coconut’ smell and many micronutrients in the oil. Most research regarding benefits is based on this type of coconut oil.

2. Refined coconut oil – pressed from dried coconut meat and is almost always refined before human consumption. During the refining process, most of the coconut taste is removed with its micronutrients.

‘Not all saturated fats are created equal’

Coconut oCoconut Oilil is rich in saturated fats, especially lauric and myristic acid. These fatty acids are known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and are shorter than other saturated fats found in vegetable oils and animal fats (long chain triglycerides – LCTs). This explains why coconut oil has a far better health profile than its high content of saturated fats would suggest. The difference between LCTs and MCTs are: LCT are converted into fat within the body, whereas MCTs are easily digested, converted into an energy source and actually stimulates the metabolism, leading to fat burning and potential weight loss.

Why is it good for you?

Cooking: coconut oil is an extremely stable oil, making it a great cooking oil as it is stable at very high temperatures. When oils are heated, they generally produce harmful by-products such as aldehydes. Coconut oil consists mostly of healthy saturated fats (MCTs), that are more stable at high temperatures than mono- and polyunsaturated fats (like olive oil). Therefore coconut oil is a safer option to cook with.

Cholesterol: coconut oil increases HDL (‘good’) cholesterol and decreases LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. Coconut oil also contains no cholesterol.

Weight Loss: a study showed that women using coconut oil had a reduction in abdominal fat whereas women using regular vegetable oil did not. Coconut supports weight loss, because it stimulates the metabolism by boosting the thyroid.

Health Benefits

  • Improves heart health
  • Supports the immune system
  • Promotes weight loss: preserves muscle mass and promotes ketosis
  • Improves/ reverses Alzheimer’s
  • Kills Candida albicans
  • Improves Diabetes (Type 1 & 2)
  • Boosts the thyroid gland: Increases metabolism and raises body temperature
  • Improves many skin diseases when applied topically incl. fungal infections, acne, eczema, keratosis polaris, psoriasis, rosacea. Coconut oil have also been associated with longevity and regeneration.
  • Strengthens and conditions hair: penetrates roots, kills lice, improves dandruff
  • Kills many bacteria & viruses
  • Provides peak performance energy: drug-free energy, longer endurance

More practical ways to use organic coconut oil

1. To mineralise toothpaste

2. Rinse your mouth with coconut oil to cleanse and pull toxins from your mouth. Don’t swallow – spit out after about 3 minutes of swishing

3. High heat cooking oil

4. Energy boost: take 1 tablespoon melted oil for a quick pick-me-up

5. Deodorant: mix 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil with  baking soda and your favourite essential oil. Do not wear a silk blouse afterwards, though! 

6. Lip balm. Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with beeswax and lavender essential oil. Keep in airtight container and use when necessary.

7. Hair conditioner. Apply to ends only, and leave on for 30 minutes. (Don\’t apply near your roots, or you\’ll be washing your hair for 2 days non stop!)

8. Body lotion: use it plain or mix with organic shea butter, adding a few drops of rose, lavender, neroli, or rose geranium oil

Usage:

Ideal for use in baking, frying, desserts, smoothies and shakes. It can also be used as a spread instead of butter/margarine. Use within 1 year of opening. Refrigeration is not necessary.

Coconut oilCredé Oils (available from Healthy Living Space):

Credé Oils have both types of coconut oil and both is certified organic. The odourless coconut oil is refined by means of ‘physical refining’,  entirely without chemicals, it is steam treated to remove any impurities (this process removes the smell). This means that the refined oil contains no trans fats and is non-hydrogenated.

 

References:

www.coconutoil.com

Something Natural. Coconut oil… When Fat is Good For You

 

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