Why You Should Be Using Coconut Oil

So my wife Kelly turned me on to coconut oil several years ago as a healthy alternative to other cooking oils.  Nowadays, coconut oil is widely accepted by the nutrition community as one of the healthiest oils that we can use, and a great way to add healthy fats to your diet.  Initially, there were concerns by the health community over the amount of saturated fat that coconut oil contains, but given the unique structure of the saturated fats they contain, those initial fears have gone by the wayside.  I decided I wanted to look a little more in depth at some of the health benefits it offers.

Number one, which is also the reason my wife began using coconut oil prior to its level of current popularity is the fact that it has a higher tolerance to temperature than other non- hydrogenated oils, like olive and some canola oils (I want to talk about the negatives of canola oil in another blog later).  Oils can actually reach a point of rancidity if they are heated to too high of a temperature, such as those temps used for frying foods. 

Number two, coconut oil can help with weight loss.  First, including healthy fats in your diet can help you stay satisfied longer, thus reducing the desire to eat as often.  Coconut oil also contains medium-chain trigylcerides, which are assimilated easily by the body and have been linked to reducing fat stores in the body.  Recent research has demonstrated that coconut oil can increase the metabolism. 

Number three, it can assist in maintaining more stable blood sugar levels.  Coconut oil improves the production and secretion of insulin. 

Number four, coconut oil contains Lauric Acid, which is linked to the body’s improved ability to fight viruses and harmful bacteria.  Lauric acid is linked to improved immune system functioning in humans.  Coconut oil has also been linked to lowering cholesterol and increasing consumer’s ability to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Number five, coconut oil improves the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.  Fat consumption is also necessary for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,K and E).

So, these are just a few of the health benefits offered, each of which make it worth considering the use of coconut oil in place of other cooking oils that you might be currently using.  So for me and my family, we’ll continue using it as our go-to cooking oil for everything from eggs to tofu!