Coconut oil has been shown to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It has grown in popularity over the last several years all around the world. Coconut oil is used in a variety of items, including hair products, meals, sunscreen, and deodorant. Its delectable flavour and versatile qualities make it an ideal component for a variety of applications.
Coconut oil is made from coconuts that grow on coconut palm trees. It is divided into two types: copra oil and virgin coconut oil. Although they contain comparable levels of fatty acids, pure coconut oil includes more minerals like Vitamin E and bioactive substances like polyphenols (plant materials that have antioxidant properties).
Coconut oil is high in nutrients beneficial to your health and nutrition. If you wish to add coconut oil to your diet, keep these 5 evidence-based health advantages.
Highly Nutritious
- 1 tbs of coconut oil contains:
- 121 calories
- 0 g of protein
- 13.5 g of fat, of which 11.2 g is saturated
- 0 mg of cholesterol
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin C but low in fibre and other vitamins and minerals. It is almost entirely made up of fat, the majority of which is saturated. However, the fat structure in coconut oil differs from that of many animal products, which mainly consist of long-chain fatty acids.
Coconut oil is high in MCTs. These are harder for the body to convert into stored fat and easier to burn off than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Supporters of coconut oil attribute many of its benefits to the high MCT content.
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May work as a quick source of energy
Coconut oil contains MCTs, which give a rapid source of energy. Long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) are fat molecules carried via the bloodstream to tissues that require them, such as muscle and fat tissue.
On the other hand, MCTs flow straight to your liver and act as a quick energy source, much like carbohydrates – your body's main energy source. MCTs have long been utilized in sports nutrition products for athletes who require an energy source that their bodies can absorb and use quickly.
May help reduce hunger
One intriguing property of MCTs is that they may aid in weight loss. It may be related to how the body breaks them down. A part of the MCTs you consume is broken down, resulting in molecules known as ketones. They suppress appetite by affecting the levels of hunger-inducing hormones like ghrelin or by working directly on the brain's chemical messengers.
May boost weight Loss
Lauric acid is a type of saturated fat found in coconut oil, and in fact, this oil contains the highest levels of lauric acid in a natural source. Studies have shown that lauric acid travels to the liver and is converted into energy instead of being stored in your body as fat, which could potentially help in weight loss. However, more information is needed to confirm that coconut oil contributes to weight loss and improved metabolism.
Can Improve Skin Issues
Coconut oil is not only effective as a face cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, but it may also be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Coconut oil's fatty acids (caprylic and lauric) relieve inflammation both internally and externally while also moisturizing, making it an excellent treatment for various skin issues.
It preserves the skin and contains several antioxidants, making it great for skin recovery. Furthermore, the antibacterial capabilities counteract candida or fungal sources, which can cause various skin disorders.
We love coconut and use it as a base in all Nutybite granola clusters. They contain only 3 to 4g of sugar, without artificial flavours or preservatives. Click here to try!