Coconut oil has been used among us for a long time. We predominantly use it for external application on air and skin. Recently, it has proven to be highly useful as a cooking ingredient. There are many health benefits of cooking in coconut oil. It is great for heart health and helps improve oral hygiene and reduce seizures. Let us discuss the extensive benefits of cooking in coconut oil here.

Health benefits of cooking in coconut oil:

Coconut oil has a unique composition of fatty acids and has about 90% saturation. It is also rich in saturated lauric acid, making it highly resistant to oxidation at high temperatures. It is also rich in caprylic and capric acid, which are medium-chain fatty acids. The other health benefits of cooking in coconut oil are as follows.

1. Coconut oil helps to lose weight:

There is strong evidence that coconut oil helps to lose weight, especially abdominal fat in women. Foods cooked in coconut oil reduce the appetite and mitigates excess eating.

2. Coconut oil improves the lipid levels in the blood

Consuming coconut oil regularly improves the lipid levels in the blood and thus mitigates the risk of heart disease. It actually increases the HDL and lowers the LDL and is thus found to be beneficial to sue, compared with other oil varieties such as butter and soybean oil.

3. Coconut oil is great for digestion

One great advantage of cooking food in coconut oil is that it helps to relieve gastrointestinal stress. As it is a powerhouse of potent antioxidants, it can pacify the intestine for those with peptic and intestinal ulcers. Coconut oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to add to its advantages.

4. It is an exceptional energy booster:

Fat is the body's highest energy source. The fat that is present in coconut oil converts into an active source of energy and thus prevents the build-up of fat in the blood vessels of the heart. Also, daily consumption of coconut oil offers endurance and boosts the energy to improve overall body functions.

5. Prevents micro damage to the cells:

Coconut oil is proven to reverse damage to the cells at the microcellular level. The iron content in the coconut oil will pump oxygen to the cells in the body and rejuvenates them. As it is also rich in vitamin K, it helps in blood clotting, and its vitamin E composition helps prevent damage to the body's cells.

6. Promotes dental health:

Using coconut oil helps prevent plaque formation on the teeth and also prevents gum problems such as gingivitis. This effect can be realized at its best by doing oil pulling using coconut oil.

7. Promotes fertility:

Regular use of coconut oil in food helps to maintain an optimal vaginal pH, which is ideal for conceiving the baby.

Ways to consume coconut oil in food:

Since cooking in coconut oil is relatively new to most households, it is mandatory to consider the following tips and ways to use the oil in food.

• The smoking point of virgin coconut oil is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, it is best for baking and sauteing. The smoke point of refined coconut oil is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal option for frying and cooking foods at a high temperature.
• Coconut oil can be used to saute chicken, eggs, fish, stir fry, and cook vegetables.
• It can also be used for baking, cooking, and cakes. We should apply coconut oil in the pan for smearing or use it in place of butter in the cake batter.
• Coconut oil can be drizzled over fish, chicken, and pastries before being placed in the oven.
• People following the keto diet should consume coconut oil, as its medium-chain triglycerides help the user stay in ketosis for a long time.

Bottom Line:

There is enough research evidence to prove that coconut oil is beneficial for health. Since it is derived from coconut milk, it tastes best and also has a rich aroma, compared with regular oil. And its luscious aroma and flavor definitely add additional taste and smell to the cooked food. Its neutral flavor will improve the appetite and serve the taste buds like never before.