Oils have had a bad rap for a long time. The advent of low-fat diets has made everyone freak out and associate eating fat with getting fat. Talk about the danger of high cholesterol, the rise in obesity, the rise of ‘low-fat’ products, skim milk, etc., has combined to make the general public wary of eating anything containing oil. . But we need fats, good fats. And there is a big difference between the two.
Bad fats are toxic to the body and should be avoided like the plague. The types of oils that we should consume are those that are not hydrogenated, are in their virgin form and have not been cooked or heated. Virgin coconut oil ticks all of these boxes and many more. It has many fantastic health benefits and is a product that should be used in every home, not just in the kitchen! If there is one product that you should go out and buy right now, it is organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Saturated fat has long been the bad boy of the fat world. This is because the saturated fats contained in animal products and vegetable oils (Long Chain Fatty Acids – LCFA’s) are bad for us. Most oils added to processed foods are also hydrogenated. This means that they undergo a process to harden the oil, but this is very bad news for our cardiovascular health; since then it becomes much easier for fat to stick to our arterial walls and become plaque. However, the fat in coconuts is different. Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA’S), and this makes all the difference.
The type of fat found in coconuts is the same as that found in human breast milk. It provides fuel that is converted directly into energy, instead of being stored as fat, and actually protects the arteries, preventing heart disease. The populations that consume the most coconut oil (some as much as 50% of their diet) have the lowest rates of heart disease and the best cardiovascular health in the world. The size of MCFAs means they can be better digested by the body, and because they don’t circulate in the blood for as long, they don’t clog arteries or contribute to weight gain.
I know… You don’t think so! How can I say that if you eat more oil you will not gain weight? But that is not all! The other benefits continue…
Coconut oil supports the immune system: it contains lauric acid, which has powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects. Lauric acid disrupts the fatty membranes of invading organisms, thus strengthening the body’s ability to defend itself against organisms that may enter the body. It has also proven useful in treating serious bacterial infections.
Provides an immediate source of energy: It is quickly absorbed into the body and sent directly to the liver, where it can increase metabolism, improving detoxification and regulation of body processes.
BOOSTS AND SUPPORTS METABOLISM: A study conducted by farmers in the 1940s saw them feed coconut oil to their cattle in an attempt to fatten them up and increase body fat. Paradoxically, the study actually resulted in healthier, leaner, more active cattle.
Tastes and Smells Great – Added to any food, whether sweet or savory, it adds a beautiful subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the food.
Heat stable: It does not oxidize easily and is resistant to high temperatures, which makes it the preferred oil for cooking.
It does not spoil quickly: the shelf life is long due to its high content of saturated fat.
It has been used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine for thousands of years.
Excellent for hair – replaces the natural oils produced by the scalp and has been used for hair loss, baldness, and dandruff. Creates a shine on the hair and enters the hair shaft to prevent protein loss.
Skin: A much better alternative to harsh chemicals, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a natural moisturizer that has been shown to treat eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. Balances the skin’s PH, penetrating quickly to create a protective barrier against microbes.
Antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial.
It does not increase blood cholesterol.
It prevents osteoporosis by increasing calcium absorption and when used as a sunscreen it does not block vitamin D.
Kills Candida: The large amount of caprylic acid it contains is antifungal and kills Candida Albicans; a common, but insidious yeast imbalance caused by the pill, antibiotics, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Staple element of the nutritious diet for thousands of years in tropical cultures, as studied by Weston A. Price.
Does not spike blood sugar: Coconut oil slows down the digestive process, therefore lowering the glycemic index (GI) of your food and keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Increases Thyroid Activity: Increasing metabolism and promoting weight loss also promotes better thyroid activity.
It works like a natural lubricant.
With the many health benefits of coconut oil and its ability to be used in many ways around the home, I believe coconut oil is definitely a must-add to your pantry and bathroom.
Your task now is to take a look at the oils you have and use at home and determine if you can make a better choice; it’s time to upgrade! Olive oil has gotten a lot of media coverage as the oil of choice lately. It’s great for use in salads and raw foods that don’t require cooking, but don’t heat it to high temperatures as it has a low smoke point and oxidizes easily. In general, the less refined (healthier) an olive oil (i.e. extra virgin) is, the faster it breaks down (6). Flaxseed oil is excellent for increasing your daily intake of essential fatty acids, however it should be kept in the refrigerator as it is not heat stable and should not be consumed if rancid. All other vegetable oils are poor choices due to their high refinement, inclusion of GMO products, low smoke points, lack of nutritional qualities, and ability to convert to trans fats.
My oil of choice for everything is, you guessed it, coconut oil! I eat at least 1 tablespoon a day straight from the jar, and include it in many of my other daily recipes as well. And it hasn’t made me fat! Try coconut oil today!
-Aimée Devlin
