The coconut palm tree, a member of the Arecaceae plant family, produces coconut oil, an edible oil that is extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. Despite their name, coconuts are actually drupes rather than nuts (a fruit with a single seed).
We've seen the coconut take centre stage in both our kitchens and bathrooms, whether it's through the consumption of coconut water, the use of coconut oil as a moisturiser, or the addition of a spoonful to baked goods. Virgin coconut oil is thought to be of higher quality than refined coconut oil and is said to be more abundant in nutrients like vitamin E and the antioxidant polyphenols.
1 tbsp (11g) provides:99 kcal / 407 kj
11g fat
9.5g saturated fat
0.7g mono-unsaturated fat
0.2g polyunsaturated fat
Top 5 health benefits of coconut oil
1. is composed of medium-chain fatty acids.
Since medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) make up the majority of coconut oil, unlike most other dietary oils, which are almost entirely composed of long-chain fatty acids, coconut oil differs from other dietary oils in this regard. As opposed to long-chain fatty acids, which have a carbon atom count of more than 12, coconut oil's fatty acids have a chain of six to twelve. The implications of this structural variation range from how the oil is absorbed to how it affects your body.
2. possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal qualities
Lauric acid, which makes up about 50% of the MCFAs in coconut oil, helps the oil's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
3. could be useful for treating skin conditions
The topical application of coconut oil for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate cases of chronic skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, appears to be supported by limited but consistent evidence. It has also been demonstrated to be effective in treating some difficult skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema.
4. May protect hair from damage
Due to the structure of the oil, lauric acid in coconut oil appears to have a strong affinity for hair protein and can enter the hair shaft. As a result, coconut oil and products containing it may be helpful in preventing hair damage brought on by protein loss from grooming and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. More research is necessary to verify this impact, though.
5. Possibly useful in preventing dental caries
A traditional ayurvedic treatment for maintaining oral health, oil pulling was first used in ancient India. More recent research indicates that using coconut oil regularly may help prevent dental caries by reducing plaque and gingivitis. To ascertain the true worth of coconut oil for this use, however, a greater number of carefully planned randomised controlled trials are required due to sample size and time constraints.
6. Virgin coconut oil used for cooking.
With its flavour, virgin coconut oil is fantastic in desserts and spreads. It is not too difficult to clean up. I don't think all saturated fats affect the body in the same way. The melting point and the permeability into skin and rubber both change with chain length. It isn't a superfood and won't help you lose weight without Claims made by nutritionists typically come across as forced religious doctrine.
Social Media