Coconut Oil for Food: Where to Buy Natural Coconut Oil? Coconut Oil Recipes. Coconut oil: benefits and harms, how to use for food?

The article discusses coconut oil for food. We talk about its composition, types, benefits and harms. By following our tips, you will learn how to use coconut oil in your food.

Coconut oil is an organic product derived from coconut copra.

It is usually made by hot pressing freshly dried coconut meat.

The disadvantage of this method is that the composition contains a smaller amount beneficial trace elements than in the manufacture by cold pressing.

The composition contains the following acids:

  • myristic;
  • lauric;
  • oleic;
  • caprylic;
  • nylon;
  • linoleic;
  • capric;
  • stearic;
  • palmitic.

Coconut oil is edible. But since it contains a high amount of saturated fatty acids, which increase the level of high and low density lipoproteins, and a high calorie content, if used improperly, its use can lead to a set excess weight.

Types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined

In cooking, refined and unrefined coconut oil is used. Each type of oil has its own characteristics.

unrefined natural oil has a pleasant aroma and contains a high amount of useful trace elements.

Refined oil has almost no aroma. During the purification process, the amount of useful substances.

Calories and BJU of coconut oil

The calorie content of the product per 100 g is 899 Kcal, the amount of proteins and carbohydrates is 0 g, fat is 99.9 g.

How to store coconut oil

In order for the product to retain its beneficial properties for as long as possible, it should be stored properly.

Keep the oil in the refrigerator or in a dark room, as the product begins to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.

The temperature in the room where the oil is stored should not exceed 18 degrees. If you plan to keep the product in the refrigerator, then the temperature in it should be from 1 to 5-6 degrees Celsius. Keep the product in freezer Absolutely forbidden.

If the product is in the factory packaging, then it is not necessary to pour it into another container. If you plan to pour it into another container, then choose one that has an airtight lid or stopper. If oil comes into contact with air, it will deteriorate.

On average, the shelf life of the oil is 12 months.

Benefits and harms of coconut oil

Beneficial features coconut product on the human body are as follows:

  • strengthening of bone tissue - this is due to the presence of fatty acids in the composition, which contribute to the good absorption of magnesium, calcium and other trace elements;
  • prevention of the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • elimination of high pressure;
  • normalization of the functioning of the endocrine system;
  • improvement of the liver and stimulation of bile production;
  • elimination of digestive problems.

Eating coconut oil can only be harmful in two ways:

  • allergy to nuts and components that make up the product;
  • abuse of oil intake, as recommended daily rate- no more than 2 tsp

Also, overuse can lead to performance degradation. digestive system and obesity.


How to use coconut oil in food

Unrefined coconut oil, because of its pleasant aroma, is best used for making desserts. It is safe to fry food on it, with strong heating it does not lose its beneficial properties.

The heat treatment does not produce carcinogens.

Refined oil is ideal for adding to salads, soups, pasta and cereals. It can be spread on bread, added to drinks, namely tea, cocoa or coffee.

Often this product is added to margarine and spread in industrial enterprises.

For frying

For frying, it is best to use refined oil. You can fry meat on it flour products or vegetables.

Top 5 Coconut Oil Recipes

Below are the recipes popular dishes based on coconut oil, which you can easily prepare at home.

Coconut potatoes in the oven

You will need:

  • potatoes - 0.5 kg;
  • coconut flakes - 5 g;
  • salt and seasonings - to taste;
  • green onions - 1 bunch;
  • coconut oil - 100 g;
  • curry leaves - 10 pieces;
  • fat milk - 2 cups.

How to cook:

  1. Mix milk, butter and curry, let the composition brew for 2 hours.
  2. Remove the skin from the potatoes and cut them into slices, add seasonings and table salt.
  3. Cut the onion.
  4. Grease the bottom of a baking dish with oil and arrange potatoes and onions in layers.
  5. Pour milk over everything, place curry leaves on top.
  6. Cover the mold with foil.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees, place the mold in it and bake for 50 minutes.
  8. Serve potatoes with fish or meat.

Cakes with lemon

You will need:

  • coconut oil - 40 g;
  • egg - 5 pieces;
  • maple syrup - 60 g;
  • flour - 0.1 kg;
  • coconut flakes - 0.2 kg;
  • lemon - 2 pieces;
  • salt - to taste;
  • granulated sugar - 80 g.

How to cook:

  1. Mix butter, syrup and granulated sugar, heat the composition over low heat.
  2. Pour coconut chips, 50 g flour, 3 egg whites then mix thoroughly.
  3. Lubricate the bottom of the baking dish with oil, lay out the dough.
  4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, place the baking dish in it and cook the dish for 10 minutes.
  5. Beat 2 eggs, add to them lemon juice, 50 g flour, salt, mix.
  6. Pour the prepared composition onto the base baked in the oven, sprinkle with coconut chips and put in the oven for another 20 minutes.
  7. Cut the resulting dish arbitrarily and sprinkle with powdered sugar on top.

Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Oil

You will need:

  • coconut milk - 350 g;
  • water - 350 ml;
  • pumpkin - 0.5 kg;
  • salt and seasonings - to taste;
  • coconut oil - 20 g;
  • garlic - 2 cloves.

How to cook:

  1. Wash the pumpkin, peel it, remove the seeds and cut into pieces.
  2. Mince the garlic.
  3. Pour coconut oil into a saucepan, add garlic, seasonings, fry.
  4. Add pumpkin and cook for 10 more minutes.
  5. Remove the pumpkin from the pan, then puree it in a blender until you get a puree-like consistency.
  6. Lay out pumpkin puree into a saucepan, pour coconut milk and water, add salt and seasonings, boil for 2 minutes.
  7. Add greens if desired.

Mushroom pilaf with coconut oil

You will need:

  • champignons - 0.3 kg;
  • onion - 1 head;
  • carrots - 1 pc.;
  • garlic - 4 cloves;
  • coconut oil - 50 g;
  • steamed rice - 200 g;
  • seasoning with turmeric for pilaf - 5 g.

How to cook:

  1. Take a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour the coconut oil into it, heat it to a boil.
  2. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots and put the vegetables in a saucepan.
  3. Fry for 5 minutes, then add chopped mushrooms, spices to the vegetables.
  4. After 5 minutes, add washed rice, pour in water, add spices.
  5. Stew pilaf for 20-30 minutes without stirring.



Salad with coconut oil

You will need:

  • tomatoes - 0.3 kg;
  • avocado - 1 pc.;
  • juice of half a lemon;
  • cucumbers - 0.2 kg;
  • salad onion - 1 pc.;
  • greens - to taste;
  • cheese - 0.1 kg;
  • coconut oil - 1 tbsp

How to cook:

  1. Cut tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados and cheese into small cubes, salad onions into thin half rings.
  2. Chop up the greens.
  3. Mix all the ingredients, dress the salad with lemon juice, coconut oil, seasonings and salt.

How to replace coconut oil in cooking

You can replace coconut oil with any vegetable oil, olive oil is best, adding a little fresh coconut flakes to it.

Let the prepared composition brew for 12 hours, during which time it will acquire a coconut flavor.

The chemical composition of coconut oil is characterized by a high concentration of saturated fatty acids - 96%. Compared to other oils, this is the largest indicator, for example, butter - 66%, pork fat - 34%, olive oil – 14%.

The nutritional value 99.9% is represented by fats, carbohydrates and proteins are absent. There are vitamins PP, A, B, C, E, elements of phosphorus and potassium. Fats are 45% composed of lauric acid, and there are also other useful acids: 15% - myristic, 8% - palmitic, 5% - oleic, 4% - caprylic, etc.

How coconut oil affects the body

The beneficial properties of coconut oil make this product a powerful antioxidant. Regular use strengthens the immune system, lowers cholesterol, sugar, normalizes blood pressure, has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system, prevents the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, and helps to cope with viral infections. Strengthens the gums, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, positively affects the condition of the mucous membrane, the functionality of the thyroid gland, stabilizes the hormonal background, and slows down the aging process.

It has been proven that coconut oil inhibits the progression of cancer cells and cleanses blood vessels. It also has a positive effect on the female body (hypoglycemia, ovarian dysfunction). Prevents atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, diseases of the kidneys, liver, bladder. Improves the condition of the skin, nails and hair.

Coconut oil promotes weight loss, as the product is quickly excreted from the body, and does not form fatty deposits, speeds up metabolic processes. It's important to know that beneficial effect renders coconut oil that has not been exposed to heat treatment.

Recent studies refute the prevailing opinion about the dangers of coconut oil, since not all saturated fat harmful. About 50% of the fat equivalent is occupied by lauric acid (saturated fat), but this substance affects a person favorably and is equated to the level of Omega-3. Lauric acid has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects and is considered to be beneficial for people suffering from heart problems.

How to choose

Coconut oil is commercially available in two types: edible oil for culinary purposes and non-edible oil for cosmetic purposes. Sold in liquid form and in lumpy forms. A quality product is usually packaged in metal, ceramic or glass container. The composition should not contain products of animal origin. If the smell has shades of chemistry or rancidity, then it is better to refuse such a product. The best choice the oil will not be deodorized, not bleached or fermented. It is not recommended to buy online. Quality is always guaranteed in specialized stores and pharmacies.

Storage methods

Coconut oil does not require storage low temperatures. In a warm room, it does not lose its beneficial properties throughout the year. To do this, keep the product in a place protected from light and in a hermetically sealed container.

It is useful to know that at temperatures below +25 o, the oil acquires a creamy state or completely hardens, this does not affect the quality. For getting liquid consistency it is sufficient to heat the product in a pore bath.

Application in cooking

Coconut oil has a wide range of uses, similar to margarine and butter. Used to create sauces, soups, hot appetizers, vegetables, fish and meat dishes, in milk porridges, side dishes, confectionery. Buns and pies with coconut oil are fluffy and stay fresh longer. Ideal for deep-frying, if desired, added to hot drinks: milk, coffee, sandwiches and pie fillings are made with it.

Coconut oil goes well with rice, potatoes, pasta, buckwheat. A particularly valuable quality that more than one oil does not have is resistance to high temperatures - it can be used for frying up to 5-6 times, chemical composition remains unchanged, carcinogens are not formed.

Useful food combination

Various studies have shown that coconut oil is completely digestible and does not form fatty tissues in the body. Moreover, it promotes weight loss and normalization of weight. In combination with proper nutrition, it reduces the negative effects of carbohydrates.

Nutritionists recommend using coconut oil with vegetables. Combine in dishes with eggplant, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, beets, pumpkin. It is useful to add in small amounts to cereals: oatmeal, rice, millet, buckwheat, pumpkin, wheat.

Diets for weight loss on vegetables and coconut oil are popular, the use of which allows you to increase metabolism. Also good to add to salads. fresh vegetables. Proponents of oriental healing methods successfully use coconut oil. In Ayurveda, coconut oil is considered a panacea for overweight people, the most in a simple way for weight loss is the use of 1 tbsp. l. on an empty stomach instead of breakfast.

There are special coconut diets in which you need not to exceed 1100 kcal in your daily diet and adhere to a certain diet. For a week, 1.5-2 kg steadily leaves. There is an effective way to lose weight with coconut oil - daily use three times a day 20 minutes before meals 1 tbsp. l. oil diluted in a glass of warm water. To cleanse the intestines, take oil 30 minutes before breakfast: 2 tbsp. l. oil dissolved in 100 g warm water and then drink 1 glass of hot water.

When counting calories, it is important to know:

  • In 1 tsp. 5 g, which is 45 kcal
  • In 1 st. l. – 17 g = 153 kcal
  • In 1 glass - 230 g \u003d 2068 kcal.

Contraindications

With moderate use, there are no contraindications. Sometimes it can cause allergic reactions. In limited quantities with increased activity thyroid gland.

Application in medicine and cosmetology

AT traditional medicine coconut oil is used to treat prostate inflammation, psoriasis, dermatitis. Effective for menstrual irregularities, viral infections, hepatitis, liver diseases. Used for HIV and cytomegalovirus. And also to improve immunity, normalize blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. Assign in violation of digestion, to improve metabolism.

Externally, coconut oil is used for skin lesions in the form of cuts, wounds, scratches, helps to get rid of bruises.

In cosmetology, coconut oil is included in massage mixtures, emulsions and sunscreens, in various body, hair and face care products, and is included in anti-cellulite programs. All types of cosmetic products with coconut oil soften, moisturize, have a rejuvenating effect, and improve skin structure. special benefit bring hair: restore the scalp, strengthen the roots, eliminate dandruff.

A popular recipe for improving skin elasticity: 3 tbsp. l. coconut oil, 1 tbsp. l. hercules flakes, 5 drops of orange oil. Apply with massage movements to the entire body, except for the face. Wash off with soap or shower gel after 10 minutes.

More recently, coconut was considered an exotic product in our country. People looked at the strange nut covered with growths in disbelief, not realizing how great the benefits of this exotic product are.

Coconut palms, sea coast plants absorb all the endless benefits of the seas and oceans, and give it to people in the form of a nut. Walnut is milk, pulp, coir - nut fibers, from which mattress fillers are made, a surprisingly useful and hygienic thing. But most amazing product is coconut oil, healthy and nutritious. About him and will be discussed.

How is coconut oil obtained

LOSE TWO SIZES IN A MONTH!

The formula for losing weight is simple - burn more calories than you consume. But how can this be achieved in practice? Exhausting yourself with complex and often dangerous diets is very risky. Spending a lot of money and time on the gym is not for everyone according to their abilities. Kartunkova called the mistake of all LOSSING WEIGHT: “Girls, just lose weight, here is the recipe: before breakfast ...”

It is obtained by pressing the pulp of coconut (copra). There are several types of oil preparation. If we talk about the product that you can buy, then there are four types of coconut oil:

  • Refined, or oil with practically no taste and smell of coconut, the main thing is there are no useful properties. Used for technical purposes, capable of causing harm.
  • Fractionated oil during cooking retains fatty acid but only. Its benefits are actively used for industrial purposes, for the preparation of soap, perfumery, this coconut oil can be considered half useful.
  • Hydrogenated, obtained by a special method, is suitable exclusively for industrial purposes. Its use in food, cosmetic preparations is unacceptable, the harm caused by the product can have serious consequences.
  • Natural, cold-pressed, without the use of chemicals. The benefits of this product are obvious cosmetic use, cooking.

Coconut copra contains great amount natural compounds benefit from which for human body unconditional. The technology of cold pressing allows you to save useful substances necessary for the human body, these are polyunsaturated acids that are not produced by the body on their own, vitamins, minerals.

The benefits of coconut oil are so great that every person should know about it, and maybe he will have a desire to have a small jar in the refrigerator. own production. How to make healing oil at home, at the end of the article.

Composition of coconut oil

Natural coconut oil, free of additives, flavors, thickeners, and other harmful chemical excesses, has miraculous properties, which is not surprising. The product contains acids:

  • lauric,
  • Hyaluronic,
  • Oleic,
  • linolenic,
  • kapron,
  • Stearic,
  • Myristic
  • palmitic
  • Caprylic
  • Others.

Pay attention - a complete list of the elements that make up the best cosmetic preparations! Also included:

  • fats,
  • Vitamins A, E, C,
  • trace elements,
  • Minerals.

Not to use such wealth is an obvious harm!

Coconut oil. Application


The benefits of coconut oil are widely used. It is in demand in a variety of fields, thanks to excellent therapeutic and preventive properties. The use of medicine, cosmetology and cooking is varied and always useful.

Cosmetology

Active fatty acids strengthen hair. It should be applied to the entire length of the hair, bypassing the roots, so as not to cause skin irritation. With regular application, hair quickly restores its structure, its fragility decreases, hair strength and volume are restored. You can use shampoos that contain coconut oil, you can use the product home cooking. As part of masks and creams, shops and own cooking oil heals acne on the skin, relieves inflammation, eliminates black spots. The oil evens out the fat content of the skin, heals it. The skin acquires a pleasant color, turgor is restored, it becomes even, pleasant to the touch. Coconut oil is an excellent masseur, it warms the skin, allowing all the archi beneficial acids penetrate into the lower layers, restore metabolic processes, heal!

The medicine


This is a real doctor who, thanks to anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties, helps to heal:

  • skin diseases,
  • stomach diseases,
  • Prevents the occurrence and development of cancer,
  • Reduces the risk of diabetes
  • Treats hemorrhoids,
  • thrush,
  • Mental disorders,
  • nervous diseases,
  • Helps with rickets
  • scurvy,
  • epilepsy,
  • Strengthen immune system organism,
  • Prevents the development of obesity
  • Heals wounds by stopping bleeding.

The use of this unique substance in medicine is carried out according to the prescription of doctors. It is prescribed in the form of compresses, lotions, medicines for oral administration. Self-treatment in this case- harm.

cooking


A product that will make any dish tastier, richer and more exotic, but most importantly - the benefits! When frying, oil does not emit carcinogens, it can be used by those who exhaust themselves with diets. Season the salad, flavor the porridge, the dishes will be purchased unusual taste won't put on extra weight. Coconut oil is good for baking. Seafood dishes acquire their original taste, aroma, and desserts - hot chocolate, coffee, ice cream will become healthier, more exclusive.

What Can Coconut Oil Do?


The main advantage of the product lies in the complex effect on the human body. This impact is truly invaluable when you consider the following opportunities:

  • boost immunity,
  • Strengthen and heal skin, hair, nails,
  • Eliminate the cholesterol threat
  • Reduce blood sugar
  • Burn fat, cleanse the body, promote its weight loss,
  • Slow down the aging process of the body
  • Relieve stressful situations
  • Fight tumors, including cancer,
  • Fight inflammatory processes
  • Improve the properties of blood.

The product is useful in that it is effective in the fight against viruses, microbes, is able to defeat the flu, herpes, and even resist AIDS. It is recommended for older people as a means of helping to absorb calcium and magnesium, therefore, fight osteoporosis, joint diseases, prolong youth and life.

Coconut oil is a unique gift, originally from the sea coasts, an unconditional benefit to people. But there are some rules for the use of the product, non-compliance with which is harmful.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Coconut Oil

First of all, the exact dosage, strict implementation of doctor's prescriptions. Everything is just a measure - benefit, its non-compliance - harm.

Coconut oil is an allergen and should be used with caution.

Actually, that's all the harm known to mankind, which can bring the use of this unique product for the health of the human body.

Instead of a conclusion - a recipe for making coconut oil at home. You need to buy a ripe coconut, peel it from the shell, grate the resulting copra, place the resulting mixture in cheesecloth and squeeze out the milk. After some time, a layer of oil will collect on the surface, which must be placed in the refrigerator and enjoy the gifts born by the ocean coast.

Video about the benefits and harms of coconut oil

Many Exotic fruits now you can freely purchase even in small towns, and even in large supermarkets even more so. This opportunity allows us to get not only new taste experiences, but also new ingredients for cooking. interesting dishes and even amazing effective means for self care. So, one of the available and popular exotic fruits is coconut. Amazingly extracted from it healthy oil- coconut. The use of coconut oil in cooking is quite wide. Let's discuss it in a little more detail.

Coconut oil is healthy and at the same time very tasty food product. It is extracted from the dried pulp of an exotic nut. First, such raw materials are separated from the shell, then dried and crushed, after which they are pressed to obtain oil. The resulting liquid has a slightly sweet, pleasant aroma and a slightly noticeable nutty flavor. Today on sale you can find refined and unrefined oil, food or cosmetic. It is better for readers of "Popular about Health" to give preference to unrefined cold-pressed oil, it is considered the most useful and of the highest quality.



The use of oil in cooking

Since coconut oil contains a lot of fatty saturated acids, it practically does not undergo oxidation processes. Due to this, such a product can be stored for a long time. Coconut oil is practically incapable of reacting with air, which is why it can be kept even outside the refrigerator.

Such an exotic product remains healthy and tasty even with significant heating, it does not start to taste bitter. Because of this, it is excellent for frying and deep-frying without becoming carcinogenic.

Coconut oil in food is advised to use as an alternative to butter in cooking various dishes. To make the consumption more economical, food can be cooked on ghee or vegetable oil, and towards the end of the cooking process, add a little coconut. Thanks to this additive, even ordinary and simple meals can become sophisticated.

Coconut oil is used in the preparation of various hot dishes. It is added to soups, pasta, cereal side dishes, vegetable dishes, sauces and hot appetizers.

Also, this oil can be an excellent component in confectionery and pastries. Thanks to this additive, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, pancakes, casseroles, pancakes and muffins are saturated with a particularly pleasant aroma and flavor. Housewives note that pastries with coconut oil remain lush and fresh much longer.

This exotic oil is suitable for stewing vegetables and for preparing various vegetable stews. Even ordinary pilaf or rice, to which such an ingredient is added, can be transformed and become special, unusual and even sophisticated.

A small amount of coconut oil can be added to milk porridge for breakfast. It will make porridge with millet, oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, corn and wheat groats especially helpful. Some housewives have expanded its use in cooking: the use of oil has given amazing taste delicious sweets and healthy desserts-balls of dried fruits and nuts. In addition, such a component added benefits milk soup, milkshake and hot chocolate. They also spread it on toast.

Application of coconut oil. What is useful?

The systematic inclusion of coconut oil in food can bring enormous benefits to a person. Such a product will be an excellent alternative to the usual butter and vegetable oil, especially when cooking, which is subjected to heat treatment.

Coconut oil contains a number of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are extremely important for the full functioning of the body. Our body is not able to synthesize them on its own, so such substances must enter it with food. And coconut oil can be one of the optimal sources of such fatty acids. In addition, this exotic product saturates the body with calcium, phosphorus and a number of vitamins represented by provitamin A, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. All these particles have a positive effect on the state of the body and on well-being, contribute to the preservation of beauty and youth.

To achieve a therapeutic and preventive effect, you can add coconut oil to dishes. Also, many experts advise taking it one or two tablespoons in the morning on an empty stomach, drinking a significant amount of water. It is best to start with minimum quantity- half a teaspoon, and after the dosage can be increased.

Consumption of coconut oil perfectly strengthens the immune system, optimizes metabolism, improves the condition of the skin and hair. Also, such a product prevents atherosclerosis, heart and oncological diseases, improves digestion, the activity of the thyroid gland and the brain.

Possible harm

Coconut oil is practically incapable of harming a person if consumed in moderation. The only absolute contraindication of oil for use is the presence of individual intolerance. People who suffer from irritations of the digestive tract, exacerbations of chronic cholecystitis or pancreatitis should take this oil in the minimum dosage with extreme caution.

Healthy coconut oil is obtained from copra (the dried flesh of the nut) coconut tree. The hardened pulp of coconut in the production of oil is first separated from its shell, then the peeled copra is dried, crushed, and only after that oil is obtained from it by pressing.

The most commonly used method for coconut oil is hot pressing. Although it is also used for its production and cold pressing, which allows you to get the highest biological and nutritional value of coconut oil.

This product has a characteristic sweetish, delicate aroma and a pleasant nutty flavor. Today they produce refined and unrefined oils. Also, the oil is food and cosmetic.

To date, the world's main producers of coconut oil are India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

How to choose

It is best to choose unrefined cold-pressed oil, which is considered the most useful and high quality.

How to store

Edible coconut oil is advised to be stored at a temperature of no more than +20 degrees or in the refrigerator.

The cosmetic product can be safely stored in the bathroom, where it will thicken less. Well, if you want to use the thickened oil, then you can also store it in the refrigerator or a cool place. You can use this oil as a cream.

In cooking

Coconut oil will also not lose its beneficial properties and palatability when heated to high temperatures, it is not prone to rancidity, therefore, unlike other oils, it can be used for frying and deep-frying, and it does not become carcinogenic.

Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter in cooking. For more economical use, you can cook the dish in ghee or vegetable oil, and add a little coconut at the end of cooking. This oil can turn ordinary and simple food into a gourmet dish.

This product is used to prepare a wide variety of hot dishes: soups, pasta, cereal side dishes, vegetable dishes, sauces and hot appetizers. It can also be added to confectionery and baked goods. With coconut oil, they acquire a pleasant aftertaste of cookies, cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, pancakes, cottage cheese casseroles and fritters. Baking with this oil retains splendor and freshness much longer.

With coconut oil, you can stew vegetables and cook any vegetable stews. Regular pilaf or rice cooked with this oil will be transformed into an unusual, sophisticated dish.

Coconut oil is great to add to breakfast cereals such as millet, oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, wheat, and corn. It can also be added to milk soups, milkshakes and hot chocolate. Coconut oil can be spread on toast and bread. With coconut oil, you can make delicious sweets and sweet balls of dried fruits and nuts.

In summer, you can cook fruit and vegetable salads with coconut oil. Only vegetables should not be cold, but have room temperature otherwise the oil may crystallize.

calories

The calorie content of coconut oil reaches 892 kcal. It is completely absorbed without being deposited in body fat, which means it is especially useful for those who play sports and lead an active lifestyle.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Composition and presence of nutrients

The composition of coconut oil includes saturated fatty acids (almost 83%), including lauric, caproic, caprylic, oleic, capric, palmitic, myristic, stearic.

These saturated fats are not harmful to health because they are different from saturated animal fats.

Coconut oil also contains phytosterols, vitamins (K, choline, E) and minerals: calcium, zinc and iron.

Useful and medicinal properties

Lauric acid is the most powerful component in mother's milk, which is needed to strengthen the baby's immunity. It is very useful to consume 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach and at bedtime. This will help strengthen the immune system, have a beneficial effect on digestion and can improve the overall well-being of adults and babies.

Lauric acid has pronounced antiseptic, antimicrobial and bactericidal properties. Oleic acid will help activate lipid metabolism and maintain water balance in the skin. Caprylic acid is needed to restore and maintain the balance of bacteria in the intestines.

Coconut oil improves cardiovascular system, prevents the development of thrombosis, ischemic disease and arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis. Vitamin E, which is part of coconut oil, will help reduce high blood viscosity and strengthen the walls of the arteries.

Also, this oil can reduce the risk of developing diseases of the digestive system: ulcers and gastritis. Coconut oil, among other things, activates the healing of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore especially useful for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Coconut oil has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and antifungal effect, which strengthens the immune system. The oil can be used in the complex treatment of fungal infections, candidiasis, herpes, viral infections, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, influenza, diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems.

Walnut oil is able to activate and accelerate metabolic processes, preventing the development of obesity, restore normal glucose levels in diabetes. In addition, this product prevents the development of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, fatty degeneration of the liver. The oil also has a beneficial effect on the state of the thyroid gland.

Coconut oil also has an antioxidant effect, preventing premature aging, can reduce the risk of developing cancer and Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, it also has a calming, anti-stress and relaxing effect.

Coconut oil prevents the development of caries and osteoporosis, reduces the risk of joint diseases. This product is able to increase the efficiency of the absorption of magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for the formation of tooth enamel and bone tissue.

It is good for women to use coconut oil during breastfeeding. This oil has a rather high content of lauric acid, which is a component of breast milk.

Oil for external use coconut accelerates the healing of various skin lesions and treats many dermatological diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema.

Use in cosmetology

Coconut oil is excellent for daily care of flaky, dry, irritated, rough, inflamed, aging or mature skin of the body and face. The oil can be used for constant care of sensitive skin around the eyes, as well as for the skin of the décolleté and bust area. It is not recommended to use coconut oil for oily or problematic skin care, as it can provoke the appearance of comedones on the skin.

The melting point of coconut oil is about +25 degrees. If the product has thickened, then this only confirms its naturalness. To melt coconut oil, you need to place the container with this product in a glass with hot water or heat its oil in a water bath.

The oil is also a universal remedy and is suitable for the scalp, décolleté, neck, face, feet and hands.

Coconut oil can also be used as a nourishing and regenerating agent for damaged, thin, split, brittle or dyed hair.

Also, this one fits herbal product can be used for massage, make-up removal and skin cleansing.

It is advised to use coconut oil as a mouthwash, after-shower cream or lip balm.

Coconut oil will also protect against the harmful effects of frost and wind on the skin, so it can be applied to the face before going outside in winter.

Coconut oil can also be used to care for the nail cuticle and skin of the hands, as a soothing and softening agent for the skin after a pedicure, manicure, shaving, epilation.

Coconut oil is also used as a sunscreen "before" and "after" tanning, as well as for gentle care for sensitive skin of children, as this product is hypoallergenic and has a softening and anti-inflammatory effect.

Cosmetic properties of coconut oil:

  • Tones the skin, giving it firmness and elasticity, helps to smooth out wrinkles.
  • It is quickly absorbed, while leaving no shine and sticky feeling, nourishing and softening the skin.
  • Prevents the appearance of acne and pimples.
  • Helps to retain moisture in the skin and restore its protective functions, prevents peeling and drying, helps to restore the acid-base balance.
  • Accelerates the process of skin regeneration.
  • Prevents the appearance of age spots and skin aging.
  • Restores the lipid-protein balance of the skin, disturbed due to the frequent use of low-quality soaps, gels and shampoos.
  • Soothes inflamed or irritated skin.
  • Protects against excessive UV exposure.
  • It can soften rough skin on the legs.

Coconut oil is also considered an excellent restorative treatment for thinning, damaged, dull, brittle, split ends or over-colored hair. With the constant use of coconut oil, the hair becomes shiny, strong, soft, manageable and silky.

The oil creates a good protective film that prevents protein from being washed out of the hair structure, moisturizes and nourishes the skin well, activates hair growth and prevents hair loss. This botanical product also helps to repair structure and protect against split ends, soothing skin irritation and helping to fight dandruff with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.

Coconut oil will protect hair from the bad effects of frequent dyeing and washing, from mechanical damage when combing, from overdrying and frequent curling. Also, the oil protects the hair from exposure to sunlight, sea wind and salt water, so it is advised to apply it to the hair before taking sea or sunbaths.

Coconut oil is evenly and easily distributed over the entire length of the hair, quickly absorbed by the skin and leaving no greasy shine on the hair.

This product is also used as a mask before washing. So, the oil is applied from roots to ends with massage movements. During washing, it is washed off with shampoo. In addition, you can apply a little oil to already clean hair: lubricate the tips and roots.

Unrefined coconut oil should be avoided on the scalp due to its comedogenicity. True, everything is individual and it cannot be said with certainty that a remedy called comedogenic will be equally harmful to different people. Therefore, you need to check the effect of the product on yourself.

Dangerous properties of coconut oil

You can not use coconut oil with individual intolerance. It is also worth remembering that high content fat can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis and