Ten Reasons You Should Go Crazy for Coconut Oil
Thursday, January 08, 2015
This is contrary to the message that has been around since the 70’s when everything made with saturated oils like coconut oil was pulled off the shelves in favor of low-fat foods. This happened partially because a few studies seemed to show that the increase of fat in American diets, specifically saturated fats, was the reason that people were getting fatter and heart disease was on the rise.
It turns out that this reductionist thinking was not accurate. Since the USDA came out and told people to cut out the fat — and research shows that people actually did reduce the amount of fat in their diets — Americans have actually gotten fatter, and there has been no reduction in heart disease. We now know that saturated fat is not the root of all evil, and that it actually may have a place in your diet.
The coconut oil of today is also much different than your mother’s coconut oil. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, coconut oil was only available in a highly processed trans-fatty version. It turns out that it was probably a good idea it was taken off the shelf. Today, however, there are all of these unrefined, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oils that it turns out have some really great health benefits. Studies have shown coconut oil to help increase HDL levels, to increase metabolism, and to have anti-bacterial properties. Even though saturated fat has turned out not to be the magic ticket to fighting heart disease, as most of the studies on coconut oil have been short-term, doctors are not ready to overlook the fact that it is made of 90% saturated fat (butter is only 64% saturated fat).
All that aside, here are some of the reasons that I think you should learn to love coconut oil:
Food Prep
- Sauteing may be the best ways to bring coconut oil into your life if it is new to you. The oil is versatile, can be found in low-scent varieties (high quality oil should naturally have a low coconut scent), and refined coconut oil has a high smoke point, so it is a great choice for high-heat cooking. Beware your source, however, as a low-quality refined coconut oil uses things like bleach in the refining process, so that would nix any potential health benefits. Its medium chain fatty acids are digested differently than are other fats. The important thing about this is that they do not circulate in your blood-stream, so do not increase your risk of heart disease.
- For baking, unrefined coconut oil works great, and can be substituted one-for-one with any other oil, It needs only to be slightly warmed to reach its liquid form. It can also impart a lovely and subtle coconut flavor, so it is great with baked goods that are on the sweet side.
Beauty
- Coconut oil is a fantastic part of a beauty regimen. It is one of the best makeup removers out there, and is not harsh or damaging to your skin. Simply rub the oil on your face — you can even use it for your eye makeup, then wipe off with a soft cloth. No water needed! Not only will your skin be clean, it will also be well hydrated. And as coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial, it can help with the bacteria that causes those pesky blemishes.
- For moisturizing, there is hardly anything better than coconut oil. It is gentle, full of fatty acids, yet soaks in pretty quickly, so as to not leave an unsightly sheen on your face. It works great under makeup, too.
- For any of you who have babies with persistent cradle cap, you can rub a generous amount of coconut oil on baby’s scalp, let it sit for a few minutes, then comb out or rub off with a warm washcloth.
- Speaking of babies, coconut oil is fantastic for diaper rash. It can be comedogenic, so some estheticians recommend against you using it on babies under the age of one. Most people say that it is gentle enough for the most painful rashes, and heals them faster than anything else.
- Used with a soft touch, coconut oil can also make a great hair tamer. Instead of a dimethicone or silicone hair shine, try a (very) small amount of coconut oil to smooth away the frizz.
Health
- Reports published in the September 2004 edition of Clinical Biochemistry showed that not only can coconut oil reduce trygliceride and LDL levels, but that the fatty acids present in coconut can also prevent atherosclerosis.
- Lauric acid, found in coconut and breast milk, is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It can be used topically to help with cold sores, fungal infections, cuts, and even acne.
- Ingesting coconut oil can help stabilize blood sugar. As it is processed by the liver, it also converts quickly into energy and does not store as fat. For these reasons, it has been touted to aid in weight-loss, and has become a staple in the diet of many athletes.
It’s time to give up on your low-fat lifestyle. Let’s face it, it wasn’t really working for you anyway, was it? And now that you are armed with the knowledge that coconut oil is one fat that has health benefits galore. Finally, you can have your (coconut) cake and eat it, too!
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