We certainly do not need any further proof that coconut oil is more beneficial than other cooking oils because of the results of over a thousand independent studies completed. There are three unique and healthy fats in coconut: caprylic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid.  The fact that about 62% of this oil is made of these fatty acids, and also that 91% of the total fat is healthy saturated fat, makes it a hands-down winner.  For the unconvinced, here are some of the benefits of coconut oil:

  • It is a natural treatment prescribed in Alzheimer’s disease. Because the brain of the patient loses the ability to create insulin on its own, the ketones from coconut oil create an alternate source of energy.
  • The saturated fats increase healthy cholesterol (HDL) as well as lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, converting it into HDL. Heart health is impacted positively with an increase in HDL levels.
  • Coconut oil helps our urinary tract. It can be used to clear and heal urinary tract infection and kidney infections as well. Kidney stones, on occasions, have been cleared using injected coconut water.
  • Studies also show that coconut oil protects the liver from damage.
  • There are very high levels of antioxidants in virgin coconut oil, and it helps to reduce arthritis and inflammation much quicker and efficiently than any other medication.
  • The ketones in coconut oil are produced during digestion. So if a cancer patient is kept on a ketogenic diet he /she has better chances of a recovery because the tumour cells feed on glucose and cannot access ketone. Secondly, because the MCFA’s help to digest the bacteria walls, they stand a good chance against the hordes of helicobacter pylori bacteria which are known to increase stomach cancer chances.
  • Apart from these major advantages, coconut oil also helps as an anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent.
  • Memory and brain functions are boosted, along with an increase in energy and endurance.
  • It will help you with digestion, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease as well.
  • It is good for oral health, specifically in treating gum and tooth decay, as well as helping you with your weight loss program.

How to Cook with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is quite stable and can stand up to high temperatures while cooking. Hence it is quite suitable for a variety of cooking processes, like sautéing, roasting, baking, and frying. If you like the aroma of coconut, then unrefined coconut oil should be used. If you are substituting this oil in place of butter, you need to use about 25% less oil than the butter needed. This way you’ll have the mix just right.