Why is there so much buzz about coconut oil, you might ask? Indeed, a plethora of research has been dedicated lately to this incredible super food. This research has proven many health benefits of coconut oil. Of course, its proponents do not claim it to be a panacea but incredible health benefits are undeniable. As you know, in order to absorb all of the healthy fat-soluble nutrients in your food, you must consume them with some fat. These choices include olive oil, butter, coconut oil, avocado, etc. However, not all oils give you the same benefits. When it comes to adding fat in your food, coconut oil is superior in nutrient absorption due to its medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of healthy MCFAs. Coconut oil is composed of approximately 66% medium-chain triglycerides. So why go with an oil like Coconut oil? Coconut oil helps you absorb more antioxidants and other nutrients from food. Compare to LCFAs, medium chain fatty acids do not require special enzymes to work properly by your body. Major benefits of medium chain fatty acids are:
Additionally, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which is also found in breast milk. Pure coconut oil consists of about 50 percent lauric acid, which makes it the most abundant natural source of lauric acid available. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound which possesses antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties.
Since polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola) are the worst oils to use in cooking, coconut oil is the best alternative to these because it is nearly a complete saturated fat, which means it is much less susceptible to heat damage.
- MCFAs are directed straight to your liver where they are converted into energy right away. Thus, they don't get stored as fat.
- They are digested easily by your body
- MCFAs in coconut oil help speed up your body’s metabolism, which leads to weight loss.
Additionally, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which is also found in breast milk. Pure coconut oil consists of about 50 percent lauric acid, which makes it the most abundant natural source of lauric acid available. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound which possesses antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties.
Since polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola) are the worst oils to use in cooking, coconut oil is the best alternative to these because it is nearly a complete saturated fat, which means it is much less susceptible to heat damage.
