Not so long ago, coconut oil has gained particular popularity among cosmetologists. However, after some time it turned out that such a product can be used for cooking. Coconut oil for food in our country is rarely used. However, the product has unique properties. It allows not only to enrich food with useful components, but also to lose weight. How is coconut oil used for food? The benefits and harms of this product have long been studied. In addition, it is combined with many products.
Oil application
Coconut oil was not originally used for food. It was considered exclusively cosmetic product. This component is part of many branded care products not only for hair, but also for the face and body. At home, coconut oil is often used to make masks and creams.
After some time, scientists proved that such a component is ideal for cooking. After all, it has a lot of useful components for the human body that can make food more saturated. With the help of coconut oil, you can not only improve your health, but also lose weight.
A bit of history
Coconut oil is a vegetable fat that has been used for centuries in the Philippines, Thailand, India and other Asian countries for cooking variety of dishes. Gradually, its popularity is increasing. In the middle of the last century, it began to be used in the United States. However, after some time, there was a suspicion that it is better not to use coconut oil for food, since this component is unhealthy due to its high fat content. But this opinion was wrong.
Oil composition
Coconut oil is made from the hardened flesh of mature coconuts. The product is obtained by hot pressing, as well as cold pressing. The latter method of oil production is considered the most gentle. It is worth noting that the product is approximately 99% fat, including:
- saturated fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, caprylic, capric, lauric, caproic, butyric and so on;
- monounsaturated: nervonic, oleic, palmitoleic and so on;
- polyunsaturated acids: omega-6 and omega-3;
- the remaining 1% is water.
If you use coconut oil for food (there are both negative and positive reviews about it), then it should be said that it has a fairly high energy value: 900 kcal per 100 grams of product. This indicator is slightly higher than that of sunflower and olive oils.
Beneficial features
Many nutritionists consider edible coconut oil to be harmful due to its high calorie content, and some, on the contrary, are useful. According to them, this is the most useful product of plant origin. Among its properties are the following:
- Coconut oil does not lose its beneficial properties when heated. This product is recommended for frying. Indeed, in the process heat treatment no carcinogens are released.
- Coconut oil has antibacterial and enveloping properties. Thanks to this, the product eliminates some digestive problems, while facilitating the absorption of nutrients that enter the body with food.
- Coconut oil also has a positive effect on the condition of the liver, while improving its self-cleansing functions and stimulating the production of bile.
- The fats that make up the oil, in general, have a positive effect on the state of the whole organism. Despite many opinions, the product does not cause an increase in cholesterol levels, but, on the contrary, removes it. If you use coconut oil for food, you can avoid the development of diseases of cardio-vascular system and hypertension.
- Thanks to this product, human bone tissue becomes stronger. This is explained by the fact that many fats contribute to better absorption of magnesium, calcium and other trace elements.
- Regular use of coconut oil allows you to normalize the endocrine system. Therefore, it is often recommended to those who suffer from diabetes.
It should be noted that coconut oil is a hypoallergenic product. Individual intolerance is extremely rare.
Is coconut oil bad
As expert reviews show, coconut pulp oil can be harmful in some cases. If a person has an allergy to the nuts themselves or an individual intolerance, then the use of oil should be abandoned forever. It is not recommended to abuse the product. It is enough to consume no more than 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per day. After all, such a product is saturated with all kinds of fats and is high in calories. Excessive consumption of coconut oil can cause such unpleasant phenomena as malfunctions digestive system as well as obesity.
Which coconut oil is used in cooking
Used unrefined and refined coconut oil for food. Moreover, each variety has its own characteristics. Unrefined has a pleasant aroma. Therefore, it can be used to prepare dessert dishes, such as cheesecakes, pancakes and so on. It is safe to fry food in oil, because with a sufficiently strong heat, it does not lose its properties. In addition, in the process of such heat treatment, carcinogenic substances are not formed.
Refined coconut oil has almost no characteristic aroma. It is usually used for frying a variety of dishes: meat, vegetables, confectionery. In addition, refined coconut oil can be added to salads, soups, cereals, pasta, spread on bread, used to make toppings for cakes, waffles, cookies, and so on. But this is not all areas of its application. Butter can also be added to tea, cocoa, coffee. At industrial enterprises, such a component is used for the production of spreads and margarines. Such products cause less harm body than other vegetable oils.
What should be coconut oil
How to choose coconut oil for food? The first thing to do is to understand what a quality product looks like. It is worth noting that in many, even large shopping centers in Eastern Europe, it is very difficult to find coconut oil. It is usually sold frozen. Naturally, such a product is packaged in briquettes.
The color of coconut oil is fully consistent with the shade of the pulp of this nut. In this case, the product may be yellowish, white or slightly creamy. A high quality product has a uniform color. It is worth noting that even when frozen, coconut oil exudes a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma. Such a product melts at temperatures up to 25 ° C. However, such oil can be stored not only in the refrigerator, but even at room temperature.
Application of coconut oil
Coconut oil in everyday life can replace any vegetable and animal fat, including butter, olive and sunflower oil. This product is used:
- when preparing porridge, vegetable puree, potatoes, pasta;
- as a substitute for margarine in baking;
- for frying in a pan and in a deep fryer, baking and stewing;
- for dressing salads from fruits and various vegetables in melted form.
It is worth noting that coconut oil combined with hot chocolate or warm milk is a good and tasty remedy for colds.
Is it possible to cook by yourself
Now you know what coconut oil is for. For food, such a product can be prepared independently:
- There are 4 marks on the nut, in the place where the fruit was attached to the palm tree. On them you need to make two holes, and then drain the milk. It will not be needed during the cooking process.
- From the fruit you need to knock down the shell, and then carefully cut the pulp. The core must be crushed in a food processor or grated.
- The resulting mass is recommended to fill with water, preferably hot. When everything has cooled, you need to put the container in the refrigerator.
- A fatty crust about 0.5 cm thick should form on the water. It should be collected, melted, but not boiled.
- The result should be a liquid. It should be filtered, drained into a glass container and placed in a cold place. It is not recommended to store such a product for more than a week, as it can harm the body.
It should be noted that from one coconut It turns out about 50 milligrams of oil. From the water that remains after the preparation of the product, you can make ice cubes. They are recommended to be used only in cosmetic purposes. Shavings can be added to homemade scrubs or used to decorate finished baking.
Just the other day I read a stunning report from the American Heart Association (ACA) advising me not to consume coconut oil. Like most reputable experts in the field of health and medicine in the West, this first caused me a shock, and then a desire to comment on such a categorical statement, because coconut oil has long been revered by the expert community as a valuable source of .
One of the main points in this report is: “Coconut oil is as unhealthy as butter and beef tallow. It is based on the fact that coconut oil contains high level saturated fats, which increase the level of "bad cholesterol" and, as a result, lead to heart disease. To be precise, coconut oil is 82% saturated fat, butter is 63%, and beef fat- fifty%. This is why the AHA put coconut oil on its list of foods dangerous to heart health.
On the other hand, the vast majority of healthy lifestyle adherents are very positive about coconut oil. Among other beneficial properties, it strengthens the immune system with strong antimicrobial properties, improves memory and cognitive function, speeds up metabolism, helps maintain beauty and youth, and is also effective in losing weight. Learn more about the benefits of coconut oil .
Editorial opinion may not reflect the views of the author.
In case of health problems, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor.
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Until recently, the benefits and harms of coconut oil for health caused a lot of controversy. It was actively used in cosmetology, but they were afraid to eat it because of the saturation with fatty acids. But modern research shows that this product is able to have a healing effect on the body.
How is coconut oil obtained
Coconut oil, the benefits and harms of which depend on the method of manufacture, is widely used in countries where coconut trees are growing naturally. In some places, coconuts are the main source of nutrients, as it is one of the most affordable foods. They are used in cooking, cosmetology, even for medical purposes.
The oil can be obtained from the pulp of coconuts, which is called copra. For this, hot and cold pressing methods are used. The benefits of the resulting products vary. During the hot pressing process, a significant part of the valuable substances is lost.
Cold pressing allows you to save almost all important properties body oils. But this method also has a drawback. It makes it possible to extract only about 10% of the total oil that is in the pulp. The cost of the final product increases significantly. But the benefits of coconut oil obtained in this way are much higher.
Fractionated and hydrogenated oils are obtained using special methods, but they are used only for industrial purposes. Use in cosmetology and even more so eating is unacceptable.
Fatty acids in
The composition of the product is considered unique. It contains calcium and phosphorus, which are needed for the strength of bones and teeth. It also contains vitamin C, which helps to increase immunity, vitamins A and E. They are powerful antioxidants, help maintain youth and positively affect the appearance.
However, the value of coconut oil for wellness lies in the saturated fatty acids, which in the product a large number of. These include oleic, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, stearic, capric and others. Most of them are irreplaceable: they are not formed in the body, so they must be obtained with food.
It is because of the abundance of saturated fatty acids that an opinion arose about the dangers of coconut oil for the body. But due to their special structure, they are not absorbed in the same way as fats of animal origin. The fact is that this product contains the so-called medium-chain triglycerides, and, for example, in meat or cheese - long-chain ones.
The fatty acids found in coconut oil are mostly converted into energy, and they also turn into ketone bodies. These elements have a beneficial effect on the brain. There is a special ketone therapy designed for children with epilepsy. It reduces the frequency of seizures.
Ketone bodies can also be an additional source of energy for the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, in which glucose is not absorbed properly.
How coconut oil affects the body
You can find the opinion that because of the fat increases the level of cholesterol in the blood. There is some truth in this, but the source of fat is of great importance. Those present in coconut oil have the opposite effect. The product contains the so-called correct cholesterol, which is needed for normal functioning organism. At the same time, they help eliminate bad cholesterol. So regular intake of oil will prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The benefits of coconut oil are also great for digestion. It improves metabolic processes, promotes healing of the mucosa. It is recommended to eat with ulcers of the stomach and intestines. And one spoonful of the product, taken orally, helps to quickly forget about heartburn.
Coconut oil has an antibacterial effect. This makes it possible to use it for the treatment of various skin ailments. It will help with fungal diseases, eczema, lichen. The oil copes well with Staphylococcus aureus and Candida fungus. True, in some cases it acts as an auxiliary tool as part of complex therapy, and therefore it is necessary to consult a specialist. It is also used for faster healing of wounds, it can be used to lubricate acne and diaper rash in infants.
Weightloss remedy
Worthy of attention positive properties coconut oil for weight loss Despite the abundance of fatty acids, this product not only does not settle on the waist and sides, but helps to get rid of extra pounds. Unless, of course, eat it in moderation. When too large portions benefit turns into harm.
The calorie content of coconut oil is high, about 800 kcal per 100 g. But those who follow their figure should not only count calories, but also take into account their source. Products are digested in different ways, their effect on the body is different. Most of the oil goes into energy. Moreover, a certain amount of calories is spent on the digestion of the product. That is, you can lose weight by simply eating coconut oil daily. The benefits and harms are not comparable. Especially well goes fat in the abdomen, which is considered a problem area. In a month, you can lose a centimeter of waist circumference without much effort.
To really hit the effect, it is worth combining the intake of oil with proper nutrition and physical activity. The product increases energy expenditure, so exercise will help burn fat. If you include oil in diets, then it is easier to maintain them, because the body will not need important substances.
In order to get a healing effect, it is enough to consume about 30 ml of coconut oil per day. It is worth knowing that at temperatures up to 25 degrees, the oil becomes solid, it resembles a bar of soap. Useful qualities while not suffering. At higher temperatures, it becomes liquid. Coconut oil for food or other needs can be melted in a water bath.
The product can be used in different ways. Its presence in the diet helps to improve the condition of the body and lose weight. The oil can be taken pure form, as well as add to dishes, giving them an exotic flavor. It is suitable for dressing salads, it can be put in porridge and pastries, and you can cook desserts with it. It is suitable for frying, as it does not form carcinogens.
Contraindications
But we must not forget about possible harm. For mid-latitudes, this is an exotic product, so the likelihood of an allergy is quite high. Sometimes there is a cumulative effect, when the reaction does not occur immediately, but after repeated administration.
Due to the saturation with fatty acids, an exacerbation of cholecystitis and pancreatitis is possible. Therefore, people with these diseases should use coconut oil with caution, checking with a doctor if it is not dangerous.
There are no other contraindications, the main thing is to monitor the reaction of your body.
Application in cosmetology
Coconut oil has proven itself well in cosmetology. Benefits and harms, however, should be considered equally in its application. The tool has a good effect on the condition of the skin and hair, it is often present in shampoos, conditioners, creams and masks.
Coconut oil is one of the best natural hair products. It is especially well suited for dry, brittle, weakened strands. It provides the following effect:
- makes hair shiny and soft;
- reduces brittleness;
- stimulates hair follicles, so that curls grow faster, density increases;
- relieves dandruff;
- the ends split less;
- protects curls from harmful effects environment, including ultraviolet rays.
Thanks to such amazing properties, coconut oil is so popular in cosmetology. The benefits and harms of the product have been sufficiently studied, and experts confirm that it can be used as an independent remedy. To do this, it is applied for half an hour to the roots and the entire length of the hair, then washed off with your favorite shampoo. Thanks to this, it will be possible to nourish the curls, make them smooth and easy to style.
It is also possible to add other ingredients to enhance the effect of the product.
- A mixture of several oils is more effective than one. It is recommended to combine coconut oil with others suitable for hair, such as burdock and almond.
- This mask will help strengthen the hair: a small spoonful of coconut product is mixed with glycerin, wine vinegar and egg yolk.
- A nourishing mask is made like this: knead a banana, add two large tablespoons of butter and sour cream.
To make the masks work better, they are applied to the curls, and the head is wrapped with a bag, and then with a towel.
No less useful coconut oil for the body and face. It is well suited for dry skin: softens it, provides nutrition and hydration, removes peeling. But it can also be used for oily skin, as it helps fight acne. The oil has shown itself well as an anti-aging agent. Thanks to him, fine wrinkles are smoothed out, skin elasticity is increased, and the oval of the face is tightened. Reduced age spots.
The product has protective properties, it protects against ultraviolet rays, prevents burns, and provides a uniform tan for the skin. It can be used to cleanse the skin, including make-up removal. At the same time, the pores are not clogged, the product helps to eliminate toxins and improve blood circulation.
The presence of coconut oil in the diet helps to improve the condition of the body. Saturated fatty acid, which prevail in this product, are easily digested, give strength and increase efficiency. They also contribute to weight loss, so people who want to get rid of extra pounds can safely include them in the diet. It is also recommended to use a product for hair and skin.
Hello, my dear friends, readers and guests!
Since I started blogging, I have made a lot of new discoveries for myself.
I learned some of them myself, and some thanks to my new blogger friends.
For example, I have come across information about amazing properties coconut oil.
Inspired, I set a goal for myself to buy this super product and see for myself its properties, understand what the benefits of coconut oil are and how to use it.
From this article you will learn:
Coconut oil - vegetable fatty oil obtained from copra. Often made by hot pressing fresh, dried coconut meat. Less commonly produced by cold pressing dried copra.
What is the benefit of coconut oil?
It alone can replace hair and skin care products, to strengthen teeth and bones, to relieve stress, to reduce weight, to increase immunity, for good digestion and metabolism, to restore good functioning of the heart and blood vessels, to combat high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer!
Composition and use of coconut oil
Natural coconut oil is one of the most harmless and safe officially registered food products, no known side effects, one of the healthiest, most versatile dietary oils in the world.
- more than 45% lauric acid;
- more than 15% myristic acid;
- more than 8% palmitic acid;
- more than 5% oleic acid;
- more than 4% caprylic and capric acids;
- vitamins E, C, A.
This oil is usually solid (at t more than 22 C it becomes liquid), white in color with a fragrant sweet smell of coconut and incomparable taste Bounty!
To test, I smeared a little oil on rye cracker and I realized now I will eat it every day
Coconut oil won me over! Besides, I already knew how much use it has!!!
Ways to use coconut oil
- Consuming coconut oil in the recommended servings, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Ideal for weight loss exercise programs.
- Coconut oil reduces the load on the liver, preventing the accumulation of fats; It is great for helping dissolve kidney stones. useful in pancreatitis; used to prevent and treat diabetes; promotes the absorption of calcium by the body, strengthening teeth and preventing caries.
- Since coconut oil is low in calories than other oils, its fat is easily converted into energy, increasing stamina and internal reserves of the body, and improves athletic performance.
- And also coconut oil perfectly moisturizes and makes the skin velvety, slows down the aging process, restores the hair structure, gives them shine and silkiness!!!
How to apply coconut oil?
Coconut oil is versatile. It can be applied externally (, creams, scrubs) and internally.
It can replace all other oils, including butter.
It can be used in cooking instead of vegetable oil, margarine or other cooking oils for baking or frying up to 180°C.
Well, that's it, my friends, my diet healthy eating replenished again with another new useful product nutrition.
Of course, I will continue to experiment with coconut oil further and share the results of my experiments on the pages of my blog.
P. S My friends, I found where you can buy high-quality coconut oil at normal prices in such an assortment that you will pump up!!!
This is the famous iherb organic cosmetics and products store, see here
I have already ordered a few jars from different manufacturers, I will unsubscribe as they become available! Do you use coconut oil? I would be glad to know your feedback.
Alena Yasneva was with you, see you soon!!!
Today we will find out whether coconut oil is useful or harmful. Coconut oil is becoming increasingly popular due to its use in culinary products, in addition, the oil confirmed its useful application also in cosmetology and medicine. Like coconut oil, coconut oil is obtained in two ways - hot or cold pressing.
Benefits of coconut oil
Coconut oil is 90% fatty acids.
- Lauric acid
- Oleic acid
- Stearic acid
- capric acid
- Gallic acid
- Vitamins E, K
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Since ancient times, coconut oil has been actively used in the field of cosmetology: for the manufacture of creams, soaps, shampoos, hair masks, balms and conditioners. Oil is used to improve the condition of the nail plate, hair structure, skin of the body and face.
Due to the high content of lauric acid, coconut has little antibacterial properties, protects the skin from sunlight, air pollution, relieves fine wrinkles, saturates and moisturizes the skin.
Oleic acid, which is found in coconut oil, contributes to fast weight loss. When oleic acid enters the human body, there is an instant saturation of fats. The body uses healthy fats in vital processes, accelerates the process of digestion, thereby consuming calories.
Harm of coconut oil
The high amount of saturated fat in coconut oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, so ingestion of coconut oil should be done in moderation—no more than three teaspoons a day.
How to make butter at home
- First you need to merge coconut water in a separate container, peel the coconut.
- Peeled pieces of coconut rub on a grater or pass through a vegetable cutter.
- Heat coconut water and pour the resulting pulp into it to coconut flakes isolated oil (if desired, you can add a little boiled water).
- We beat everything with a blender.
- We spread the coconut gruel on cheesecloth and wring it out.
- You can store the resulting oil both in the refrigerator and at room temperature.
Coconut oil for hair
Coconut oil has a conditioner and balm effect, so it is used to nourish and smooth out damaged hair.
Recently, coconut oil has been used as moisturizing mask. For best moisturizing effect, coconut oil can be used in conjunction with other oils. Most often used in conjunction with castor and burdock oil. To prepare the mask, you need to mix the oils in equal proportions, heat in a water bath and apply to dry hair. For best results cover your hair with a towel. This mask should be applied to the hair for a duration of 1 hour to 12 hours.
Hair Growth Mask. mustard powder dilute warm water, mix until a slurry is formed, and add a teaspoon of warm coconut oil. The mask should be applied to the hair roots, covered with a towel for 30-60 minutes. Such a mask causes a burning sensation, but do not be afraid - this is normal, mustard affects the hair follicles, improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Storage
Coconut oil can be stored in two states: liquid or solid. At positive temperatures, the oil acquires a liquid appearance and a slightly yellowish tint. At minus or close to 0 temperatures, the oil acquires a solid state and has a white natural coconut color. A different aggregate state of the oil does not harm the quality and useful properties oils.
Use in food
Those who want to lose weight replace vegetable oil with coconut oil when frying meat. Good to start the day with delicious porridge for tomorrow with the addition of a teaspoon of coconut oil.
