Coconut Oil

Description

There are two main types:
• Virgin (Cold-Pressed) Coconut Oil – minimally processed, retains natural aroma and nutrients.
• Refined Coconut Oil – more processed, neutral in flavor, suitable for high-heat cooking.

Coconut oil is widely used in cooking, baking, skincare, haircare, and traditional medicine, especially in tropical regions and Ayurvedic practices.

Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Oil
1. High in Saturated Fat (Primarily MCTs)
• Contains about 90% saturated fat, mostly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid, which may be easier to metabolize than long-chain fats.

2. Energy Boosting
• MCTs are quickly absorbed by the liver and can be used as a quick source of energy or turned into ketones—making it popular in keto and low-carb diets.

3. Supports Skin and Hair Health
• Rich in moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for natural skincare, hair conditioning, and oil pulling for oral hygiene.

4. Antimicrobial Properties
• Lauric acid has antimicrobial effects that may help fight harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

5. May Improve HDL (Good) Cholesterol
• Some studies suggest it can raise HDL levels, but it may also increase LDL, so its heart-health effects are still debated.