Amazing Facts about Cooking Oils -

Cooking Oil Facts: Coconut Oil.

Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of coconut fruit. It is a common flavor enhancer in cooking South Asian dishes and Caribbean dishes. Coconut oil, like palm oil, had received a lot of negative attention because of their high saturated content. These cooking oils were considered to be unhealthy. (To read more on this topic see this article).

There are different qualities of coconut oil, there are virgin coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and partially or fully hydrogenated coconut oil. Virgin Coconut oil has the sweet taste or aroma of coconut. Refined coconut oil has no coconut taste or aroma.

The Importance of Coconut Oil

This oil is an excellent choice for cooking and frying because it is a heat stable oil. It has a smoking point of 360 degrees F or 180 degrees C.

Coconut oil primarily composed of saturated fatty acids (92%). It also contains, but to a lessor degree, monounsaturated (6%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2%). Coconut contains the following fatty acids: lauric, myristic, palmitic, caprylic, capric, stearic, caproic, oleic and linoleic.

Unlike many cooking oils, this oil do not get rancid quickly, it can last up to three years. This is because of its high saturated fat content. At lower than 24.5 degrees C, it converts to a white solid form. It can stay fresher longer than any other polyunsaturated oils.

Recommendation for Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. It can treat digestive problems, stimulate metabolism which can lead to weight loss, regulate thyroid functions, balance blood sugar levels, increase energy, and promote overall health. Coconut can help lower LDL cholesterol and prevent high cholesterol, arthritis, fibromyalgia, candida, herpes, allergies, psoriasis, influenza, diabetes, etc. Coconut oil is considered to be one of the most healthful oil to use in cooking.

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