Find out why coconut oil is deservedly praised for its benefits.

Coconut oil is a vegetable fat obtained from the pulp of coconuts. Due to the large amount of saturated fats, its fame lies in the fact that it is one of the few vegetable oils that remains solid at room temperature. Many people like its neutral, slightly sweet taste, as well as the crumbly texture that it can give to cooked dishes.

In recent years, coconut oil has become extremely fashionable, it is often advertised as a healthy alternative to animal fats, such as butter or lard. But, like any other saturated fat, coconut oil should be consumed in moderation.Nutritional value

Nutritional value of one teaspoon (4.5g) of coconut oil

Calories: 40
Fat: 4.5 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 0 g

Carbohydrates

Coconut oil is obtained from plants, so you can expect that it contains carbohydrates. However, coconut oil contains only fat and does not contain carbohydrates.

Fats

Coconut oil contains 100% fat. In 1 teaspoon you will get only 4.5 grams, from 80% to 90% of which are saturated. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are mainly composed of lauric acid, which may be responsible for some of its health benefits.

Protein

Again, since it's pure fat, you won't find protein in coconut oil.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut fruits contain some trace elements, but they do not pass into its oil. The only vitamins and minerals in coconut oil are found in very small amounts.

Calories

Coconut oil is a very high—calorie product. One teaspoon contains 40 calories (which means, of course, that 1 tablespoon contains 120 calories). Since it is very high in calories, most people should remember how much coconut oil they regularly consume.

The Health benefits of Coconut oil

Benefits the hair

You've probably seen shampoos and conditioners, the main ingredient of which is coconut oil. Applying coconut oil both before and after shampooing reduces the loss of protein in the hair. It also works better than mineral oil and sunflower oil.

In addition, applying oil to the scalp can promote the growth of healthy bacteria and fungi, as well as reduce peeling, which can reduce dandruff.

Can help with weight management

Smaller portions of coconut oil can be a useful part of a weight loss regime. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) contained in coconut oil do not accumulate in adipose tissues like long-chain fats.

Suitable for people on a plant-based diet

Unlike animal fats such as butter, beef fat or lard, coconut oil has a place in the plant-based diet. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just want to include more plant-based foods in your meal plan, this oil will not interfere with your plans.

Side effects

Although coconut oil sometimes has a "halo of health", it does not work wonders in any aspect of well-being, least of all in heart health. It is recommended not to use coconut oil as a substitute for other fats due to the very high content of saturated fats.

Eating foods high in saturated fat can increase bad cholesterol levels. But saturated fats are not as harmful to heart health as previously thought.

Also, before using coconut oil externally, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Varieties

Primary, refined, cold pressed, expeller pressed — at first glance it seems that there are many varieties of coconut oil. Although they all come from coconut pulp, they have their differences. The two main forms of coconut oil are unrefined and refined.

Unrefined coconut oil is extracted from the fruit in a wet or dry way. This can be either expeller pressing (a method using heat) or cold pressing (a method without heating). However, it is not subjected to further processing other than extraction, hence its name.

Most people believe that unrefined coconut oil has a stronger taste and smell than refined. Its smoke generation temperature is also significantly lower, which makes it more suitable for low-temperature cooking methods.

On the other hand, refined coconut oil undergoes more processing. Neutralizing, bleaching, deodorizing or dehumidifying components can be added to it to make it more suitable for cooking at high temperature. These additives also create a more neutral taste.

Storage and security

Storing coconut oil is quite simple. Keep the jar tightly closed in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. It is known that with proper storage, first-pressed coconut oil is stored for up to 2 or 3 years, while the refined version is usually stored for several months. If you notice discoloration, mold or an unpleasant smell, it is better to give up coconut oil.