Coconut oil for food: use, benefits and harms, reviews. Not all saturated fats are unhealthy. Coconut oil for face and body

According to modern science, coconut oil is one of the healthiest foods on earth. globe. The benefits are explained by the composition, which does not contain compounds that can cause harm.

Compound

91% of the oil consists of healthy saturated fatty acids. Of these, 62% are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs): caprylic, lauric and capric acids.

The absorption of these compounds occurs in only three stages. Whereas to utilize other fats, the body must perform several dozen steps.

Therefore, coconut fats are quickly and easily absorbed, provide a tremendous boost of energy and have many other benefits. healing qualities.

Help with weight loss

Coconut oil– not just a product that is friendly to weight loss. It is one of the few nutritional components that actually help you lose weight. Moreover, it helps burn fat mainly in the abdominal area.

For example, men with large bellies have been shown to reduce their waist circumference by almost 3cm by adding 2 tablespoons of oil to their diet daily.

Do you think this is not enough? Not at all!

After all, the point is that it is “adding” this product to the diet that works. And not replacing other components of the daily menu with it. People add fat to their diet. And at the same time they lose weight in the abdominal area. No sports activities.

If you introduce coconut oil into your diet while switching to, the result will be more impressive.

How does this coconut food manage to show such achievements?

The oil of this tropical fruit is fundamentally different from other edible fats, as it contains a significant amount of medium chain triglycerides. The presence of these compounds explains such amazing activity.

Medium chain triglycerides are metabolized differently than other fats. And therefore the effect on the body is completely different.

MCTs go directly to the liver, where they are immediately used for energy or converted into ketone bodies. In the form of “fat in reserve” they practically do not exist.

Calories do not equal calories. That is why their strict calculation is useless for losing weight.

Foods that have the same calorie content are metabolized in the body in different ways. Therefore, they cause a different hormonal response, which ultimately has different effects on metabolic rate, fat deposition, etc.

Coconut oil is a thermogenic food. This means that it takes more energy to digest it than to digest other foods that have exactly the same calorie content.

However, this does not mean that reducing your calorie intake is not important for weight loss. It is also important if we are talking about obvious overeating.

Coconut oil reduces the likelihood of overeating, as it fills you up noticeably better than other fatty foods, and, therefore, makes it possible to eat less and not suffer from hunger.

So, the medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil are:

reduce appetite and thereby help reduce the number of calories consumed per day;
“warm up” the body, thereby accelerating the burning of stored fats in it;
quickly burn themselves or turn into ketone bodies, which have a mass useful properties.

And that's not all. The SCT has several more functions that are necessary for healthy weight loss.

Other useful properties

Prevention of heart disease. Saturated coconut oils increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as good cholesterol" And at the same time, they help convert low-density lipoproteins into forms of fat that are safe for the body.

In addition, under the influence of this product the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides decreases.

This makes it possible to improve the 2 most important biochemical indicators of blood lipid composition: the ratio of high-density lipoproteins to total cholesterol and the ratio of triglycerides to HDL.

Prevention and treatment of brain diseases. Ketone bodies, which are formed from coconut oil, are an alternative source of energy for the human brain. They are especially useful for those people who suffer from various severe brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or epilepsy.

It has been proven that the inclusion of medium chain triglycerides, which are so rich in coconut oil, in the diet immediately improves the condition of patients with these lesions of brain tissue.

Protection against pathogenic agents. The main medium chain triglyceride in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is converted into monolaurin in the body. Both lauric acid and monolaurin have the ability to destroy pathogens. Caprylic and capric fatty acids, which are also part of the oil, have a similar effect.

Thanks to the presence of these compounds, the product:

helps prevent ARVI, influenza, colds, viral hepatitis, etc., reduces the frequency of relapses of herpes;
during prolonged stay in oral cavity(rinsing) eliminates bad breath, protects teeth and gums from bacterial damage (is most effective against Streptococcus mutans and bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus representing the most dangerous, from the point of view of the likelihood of developing caries, oral bacteria);
reduces the number of fungi of the genus Candida, present in the body and thereby helps to normalize the functioning of the intestinal microflora, which is often literally strangled by pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

Cancer Prevention. Increasing the production of ketone bodies is considered by scientists to protect against cancer cells, since they cannot obtain energy from these compounds. But healthy cells can. That's exactly why. Increased stamina. Medium chain triglycerides are extremely quickly converted into energy in the liver. In addition, they increase metabolism. As a result, the endurance of a person using this product increases many times over. It is not for nothing that coconut oil is now included in the diet of athletes involved in triathlon, a sport that requires superhuman endurance. Enhanced Absorption of Nutrient Compounds. Consumption of coconut fat has been shown to improve the absorption of other useful compounds, for example, vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 acids, which increase their activity by 2 times. Facilitating the work of the pancreatic gland and gallbladder. Unlike other fats, coconut does not require the participation of pancreatic enzymes for its absorption. And this makes it an approved food product for patients with pancreatitis. An improvement in the condition of patients with cholecystitis was also noted. Improved skin and hair condition. For cosmetic purposes, the product has positive influence both when taken orally and as a means of external use. At the same time, it not only improves appearance skin and hair, but also helps to cope with truly serious problems: dermatitis, eczema and even psoriasis. Help with prediabetes. When the body consumes too many carbohydrates, its cells no longer respond adequately to the effects of insulin. As a result, they cannot use glucose energy.

The body begins to produce even more hormone. But even this has little effect. Insulin resistance develops and then diabetes develops. Coconut oil is a source of energy that is independent of insulin. Therefore, it relieves tension from the pancreas, gives it the opportunity to return hormone production to normal levels, and allows cells to actively work without glucose. And gradually the ability to respond correctly to hormonal signals returns to them.

Normalization of hormonal profile. Saturated fatty acids are very important for hormone synthesis. Coconut oil not only normalizes hormonal status in terms of insulin production, but also helps adequate production of other hormones, such as estrogens. It works especially effectively for menopausal women.

How to use?

Typically, coconut oil accounts for 20% of your total daily calories. That is, a person who allows himself 2000 kcal per day needs to eat 36-39 grams of the product (2.3-2.5 tablespoons).

Fixed doses. This approach is used more often. It does not involve counting calories. Whatever their average amount during the day, simply add 2 tablespoons of oil to the diet.

With any method of introducing the product into the diet, you should start with 1 teaspoon per day. Gradually increasing this amount to the selected dose.

How to properly introduce it into the diet?

Use when frying instead of any other oil. Coconut fat is ideal for cooking with it, since 9% consists of saturated acids that do not oxidize during cooking. heat treatment.
A substitute for butter or vegetable oil in absolutely any recipe from gravy to baking. Replacement is done in a ratio of 1 to 1.
Adding to tea and coffee. This method may seem strange. But it's useful. Usually take 1 teaspoon of oil for one large cup of drink.
Dietary supplements. Not the best The best way. Since one capsule of supplements usually contains only 1 gram of oil. That is, to achieve the daily concentration you need to swallow several dozen capsules.

Do not under any circumstances purchase refined oils. Only cold-pressed oil can be eaten.

You can also make the product yourself. True, this process is quite labor-intensive.

In this article you will find with detailed description each way.

Possible harm

So far, no serious side effects from using the product.

Some people (rarely) are allergic to coconut. They may also have a reaction to the oil.

However, do not forget that oil is useful only in the amount that was indicated. If it is excessively included in the diet, diarrhea may occur, as well as an increase in body weight, since the amount of calories will be too excessive. And if you are not seriously involved in sports, you are unlikely to be able to burn them.

Conclusion

The benefits of coconut oil are so great that at the present time scientists consider it almost the most healthy product nutrition on planet Earth.

The fat from this tropical fruit helps you lose weight, protects against cancer and diabetes, increases physical endurance, and protects against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It has a lot of advantages.

and does not cause any harm. Of course, if taken in the right dosage. And this is approximately 2 tablespoons per day.

Not long ago, coconut oil gained particular popularity among cosmetologists. However, after some time it turned out that such a product can be used for cooking. Coconut oil is rarely used for food in our country. However, the product has unique properties. It allows not only to enrich food useful components, but also to lose weight. How is coconut oil used for food? The benefits and harms of this product have long been studied. In addition, it can be combined with many products.

Application of oil

Coconut oil was initially practically not used for food. It was considered exclusively a cosmetic product. This component is included in many branded care products not only for hair, but also for the face and body. At home, coconut oil was often used to prepare masks and creams.

After some time, scientists proved that such a component is ideal for cooking. After all, it contains a lot of useful components for the human body that can make nutrition more saturated. With the help of coconut oil, you can not only improve your health, but also lose weight.

A little history

Coconut oil is a vegetable fat that has been used for centuries in the Philippines, Thailand, India and other Asian countries for cooking. variety of dishes. Gradually its popularity is increasing. In the middle of the last century it began to be used in the USA. However, after some time, a suspicion arose that it is better not to use coconut oil for food, since due to its high fat content this component unhealthy. But this opinion was wrong.

Oil composition

Edible coconut oil is made from the hardened pulp of mature coconuts. The product is obtained by hot pressing and cold pressing. The latter method of oil production is considered the most gentle. It is worth noting that the product consists of approximately 99% fats, including:

saturated fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, caprylic, capric, lauric, caproic, butyric and so on;
monounsaturated: nervonic, oleic, palmitoleic and so on;
polyunsaturated acids: omega-6 and omega-3;
the remaining 1% is water.

If you use coconut oil for food (there are both negative and positive reviews about it), then it should be said that it has a fairly high energy value: 900 kcal per 100 grams of product. This indicator is slightly higher than that of sunflower and olive oils.

Beneficial features

Many nutritionists consider edible coconut oil to be harmful due to its high calorie content, while some, on the contrary, consider it beneficial. In their opinion, this is the most useful product plant origin. Among its properties are the following:

Coconut oil does not lose its beneficial qualities when heated. This product is recommended for use when frying. After all, during such heat treatment, carcinogenic substances are not released.
Coconut oil has antibacterial and enveloping properties. Thanks to this, the product eliminates some digestive problems, while promoting the absorption of nutrients that enter the body with food.
Coconut oil also has a positive effect on the condition of the liver, while improving its self-cleaning functions and stimulating the production of bile.
The fats that make up the oil have a generally positive effect on the condition of the entire body. Despite many opinions, the product does not cause an increase in cholesterol levels, but, on the contrary, removes it. If you use coconut oil for food, you can avoid the development of diseases of cardio-vascular system and hypertension.
Thanks to this product human bone tissue becomes stronger. This is explained by the fact that many fats contribute to better absorption of magnesium, calcium and other microelements.
Regular consumption of coconut oil allows you to normalize your work endocrine system. Therefore, it is often recommended for those who suffer from diabetes.

It is worth noting that coconut oil is a hypoallergenic product. Individual intolerance is extremely rare.

Is coconut oil harmful?

Expert reviews show that coconut oil can be harmful in some cases. If a person is allergic to the nuts themselves or has an individual intolerance, then they should stop using the oil forever. It is not recommended to abuse the product. It is enough to consume no more than 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per day. After all, such a product is saturated with all kinds of fats and is high in calories. Excessive use Coconut pulp oils can cause such unpleasant phenomena as disruption of the digestive system, as well as obesity.

What coconut oil is used in cooking?

Unrefined and refined coconut oil is used for food. Moreover, each variety has its own characteristics. Unrefined has pleasant aroma. Therefore, it can be used for cooking dessert dishes, for example cheesecakes, pancakes and so on. It is safe to fry food in oil, since it does not lose its properties when heated sufficiently high. In addition, during such heat treatment no carcinogenic substances are formed.

Refined coconut oil has virtually no characteristic aroma. It is usually used for frying a variety of dishes: meat, vegetables, confectionery. In addition, refined coconut oil can be added to salads, soups, cereals, pasta, spread on bread, used to make fillings for cakes, waffles, cookies, and so on. But this is not all the areas of its application. The oil can also be added to tea, cocoa, and coffee. In industrial enterprises, this component is used for the production of spreads and margarines. Such products are applied less harm body than other vegetable oils.

What should coconut oil be like?

How to choose coconut oil for food? First, it’s worth understanding what a quality product looks like. It is worth noting that in many, even large shopping centers In Eastern Europe it is very difficult to find coconut oil. It is usually sold frozen. Naturally, such a product is packaged in briquettes.

The color of coconut oil fully matches the shade of the flesh of this nut. In this case, the product may be yellowish, white or slightly creamy. Product High Quality uniform color. It is worth noting that even when frozen, coconut oil exudes a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma. This product melts at temperatures up to 25 °C. However, such oil can be stored not only in the refrigerator, but even at room temperature.

Uses of coconut oil

In everyday life, coconut oil can replace any vegetable and animal fat, including butter, olive and sunflower oil. The following product is used:

when preparing porridges, vegetable purees, potatoes, pasta;
as a substitute for margarine in baking;
for frying in a frying pan and in a deep fryer, baking and stewing;
for dressing salads of fruits and various vegetables in melted form.

It is worth noting that coconut oil in combination with hot chocolate or warm milk is a good and tasty remedy for colds.

Is it possible to cook it yourself?

Now you know what coconut oil is for. For food you can prepare this product yourself:

There are 4 marks on the nut, in the place where the fruit was attached to the palm tree. You need to make two holes along them and then drain the milk. You will not need any oil during the cooking process.
You need to remove the shell from the fruit, and then carefully cut off the pulp. The core must be crushed in a food processor or grated.
It is recommended to fill the resulting mass with water, preferably hot. When everything has cooled down, you need to put the container in the refrigerator.
A fatty crust about 0.5 centimeters thick should form on the water. It should be collected, melted, but not boiled.
As a result, a liquid should form. It should be strained, poured into a glass container and placed in a cool place. It is not recommended to store such a product for more than a week, as it can cause harm to the body.

It is worth noting that from one coconut This yields approximately 50 milligrams of oil. From the water that remains after cooking the product, you can make ice cubes. They are recommended to be used only in for cosmetic purposes. Chips can be added to homemade scrubs or use to decorate finished baked goods.

An excellent source of health and energy for vegetarians, raw foodists and people leading a healthy lifestyle. Coconut oil improves the body's ability to absorb various minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the health of the skeletal system. This is why coconut oil is so beneficial for older women prone to osteoporosis.

Coconut oil perfectly strengthens the immune system, helps get rid of excess weight, reduces cholesterol levels, protects the body from viruses and bacteria, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, normalizes metabolism and thyroid function, cleanses blood vessels, improves digestion, cleanses the intestines. And this is not the entire list useful action coconut oil on the body. It contains many antioxidants and is the best oil to preserve and restore health and youth.

Scientific research showed that lauric acid in coconut oil is ideal for maintaining cholesterol concentrations in the normal range. Coconut oil has many beneficial properties and prescriptions for use in various diseases.

If taken orally, it helps reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis, heart disease and cancer. In addition, the body becomes resistant to viral diseases and various infections, due to the fact that the oil strengthens the immune system and at the same time reduces the ability of viruses to adapt to antibiotics. Coconut oil is not stored in the human body as fat, unlike many other oils.

SCIENTIFIC FACTS

Dr. Bruce Fife discovered that coconut oil contains 10 types of medium carbon chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Each of them is already a nutrient in itself, and also stimulates improved absorption of other substances: vitamins, minerals from other products.
Thanks to these properties, coconut oil provides energy to all vital processes and increases the level of resistance to viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Coconut oil promotes weight loss because it speeds up metabolism, breaks down into energy without turning into fat reserves, and causes the process of thermogenesis.

Coconut oil is the only oil that does not break down when exposed to high temperatures, which is very important in a healthy diet.

Natural coconut oil is one of the healthiest and safest officially registered food products with no known side effects.

APPLICATION

Drink 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil every day in the morning on an empty stomach, drinking big amount water. It is better to start taking oil with half a teaspoon, gradually increasing to 2 tablespoons.

FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Take one tablespoon of coconut oil before meals.
But drink no more three dining rooms spoons of oil per day. Children are recommended to take half or one teaspoon depending on their age. You can safely mix coconut oil with other foods.

FOR DIGESTION AND INTESTINES
Drink 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil mixed with warm water or drink a glass warm water to improve digestion and cleanse the intestines. If you are drinking this oil for the first time, start taking half a teaspoon and gradually increase. For older adults, it is recommended to take no more than one tablespoon of coconut oil per day.

If you feel tired and sluggish, have a confused mind, slow metabolism and extra pounds, wrinkles, dry skin, scaly patches or eczema, you need to buy coconut oil and use it regularly. All your problems will be resolved within a few months.

Previously, it was believed that coconut oil was harmful because it contained a large number of various fats. Now this product has returned to the kitchens of many housewives precisely because it can help against all of the above ailments. For a long time it was believed that coconut oil was unsuitable for consumption, but research has shown that the fats contained in this oil are very beneficial for our health.
Here are some benefits of adding oil to your diet:

Coconut oil will regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. If you constantly feel tired, lethargic and constantly forget something, this indicates that your thyroid gland needs nutrition. You will benefit from eating coconut oil.
Regulates metabolism. If you want to lose extra pounds, then add oil to your diet, it will increase your metabolic rate. Remember that when you go on a diet, your body does not receive many nutrients and therefore tries to store them, thus creating excess deposits. If your diet contains a lot of healthy fats, then the body will not need to store them in reserve.

Until recently, the health benefits and harms of coconut oil caused a lot of controversy. It was actively used in cosmetology, but they were afraid to eat it because of its saturation with fatty acids. But modern research shows that this product can have a healing effect on the body.

How is coconut oil obtained?

Coconut oil, the benefits and harms of which depend on the method of production, is widely used in countries where coconut palms grow naturally. In some places coconuts are the main source nutrients, so this is one of the most available products. They are used in cooking, cosmetology, and even for medical purposes.

The oil can be obtained from the pulp of coconuts, which is called copra. Hot and cold pressing methods are used for this. The benefits of the resulting products vary. During the hot pressing process, a significant part of the valuable substances is lost.

Cold pressing allows you to preserve almost everything important properties oils for the body. But this method also has a drawback. It makes it possible to extract only about 10% of the total oil that is in the pulp. The cost of the final product increases significantly. But the benefits of coconut oil obtained in this way are much higher.

Using special methods, fractionated and hydrogenated oils are obtained, but they are used only for industrial purposes. Use in cosmetology and especially consumption in food is unacceptable.

Fatty acids in the composition

The composition of the product is considered unique. It contains calcium and phosphorus, which are needed for strong bones and teeth. It also contains vitamin C, which helps improve immunity, vitamins A and E. They are powerful antioxidants, help maintain youth and have a positive effect on appearance.

However, the health value of coconut oil lies in saturated fatty acids, of which there are large amounts in the product. These include oleic, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, stearic, capric and others. Most of them are essential: they are not formed in the body, so they must be obtained with food.

It is precisely because of the abundance of saturated fatty acids that the opinion arose that coconut oil is harmful to the body. But due to their special structure, they are absorbed differently from animal fats. The fact is that this product contains so-called medium-chain triglycerides, and, for example, meat or cheese - long-chain triglycerides.

The fatty acids found in coconut oil are mostly converted into energy, and they also turn into ketone bodies. These elements have a beneficial effect on the brain. There is a special ketone therapy intended for children with epilepsy. It helps reduce the frequency of attacks.

Ketone bodies can also provide an additional source of energy for the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, in which glucose is not absorbed properly.

How does coconut oil affect the body?

You may come across the opinion that fats increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. There is some truth in this, but great importance has a source of fat. Those present in coconut oil have the opposite effect. The product contains the so-called correct cholesterol, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. At the same time, they help eliminate bad cholesterol. So regular intake of oil will prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The benefits of coconut oil are also great for digestion. It improves metabolic processes and promotes healing of the mucous membrane. It is recommended to eat it for stomach and intestinal ulcers. And one spoon of the product, taken orally, helps to quickly forget about heartburn.

Coconut oil has an antibacterial effect. This makes it possible to use it to treat various skin ailments. It will help with fungal diseases, eczema, and lichen. The oil works well against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida fungus. True, in some cases it acts as an adjuvant as part of complex therapy, and therefore it is necessary to consult a specialist. It is also used for faster healing of wounds; it can be used to lubricate pimples and diaper rash in babies.

Weightloss remedy

Worthy of attention positive properties coconut oil for weight loss. Despite the abundance of fatty acids, this product not only does not settle on the waist and sides, but helps to get rid of extra pounds. If, of course, you eat it in moderation. When too large portions benefit turns into harm.

The calorie content of coconut oil is high, about 800 kcal per 100 g. But those who are watching their figure should not only count calories, but also take into account their source. Products are absorbed differently and their effect on the body is different. Most of the oil is converted into energy. Moreover, a certain amount of calories is spent on digesting the product. That is, you can lose weight simply by eating coconut oil every day. The benefits and harms are not comparable. Fat is lost especially well in the abdominal area, which is considered a problem area. You can lose an inch of waist circumference per month without making much effort.

For the effect to really amaze you, you should combine taking the oil with proper nutrition and physical activity. The product increases energy expenditure, so exercise will help remove fat. If you include oil in your diet, it will be easier to withstand it, because the body will not need important substances.

In order to get the healing effect, it is enough to consume about 30 ml of coconut oil per day. It is worth knowing that at temperatures up to 25 degrees the oil becomes hard, it resembles a bar of soap. Useful qualities they do not suffer. With more high temperature it becomes liquid. Coconut oil for food or other needs can be melted in a water bath.

The product can be used in different ways. Its presence in the diet helps improve the body's condition and lose weight. The oil can be taken in pure form, and also added to dishes, giving them an exotic flavor. It is suitable for dressing salads, you can put it in porridge and baked goods, and prepare desserts with it. It is suitable for frying as it does not form carcinogens.

Contraindications

But we must not forget about possible harm. For mid-latitudes this is an exotic product, so the likelihood of allergies is quite high. Sometimes there is a cumulative effect, when the reaction does not occur immediately, but after repeated doses.

Due to saturation with fatty acids, exacerbation of cholecystitis and pancreatitis is possible. Therefore, people with these diseases should use coconut oil with caution, checking with their doctor to see if it is dangerous.

There are no other contraindications, the main thing is to monitor your body’s reaction.

Application in cosmetology

Coconut oil has proven itself well in cosmetology. Benefits and harms, however, when using it must be taken into account equally. The product has a good effect on the condition of the skin and hair; it is often present in shampoos, conditioners, creams and masks.

Coconut oil is one of the best natural hair products. It is especially suitable for dry, brittle, weakened strands. It provides the following effect:

makes hair shiny and soft;
reduces fragility;
stimulates hair follicles, so that curls grow faster and increase in density;
eliminates dandruff;
ends are less split;
protects curls from the harmful effects of the external environment, including ultraviolet rays.

Thanks to such amazing properties Coconut oil is so popular in cosmetology. The benefits and harms of the product have been sufficiently studied, and experts confirm that it can be used as an independent product. To do this, apply it to the roots and entire length of the hair for half an hour, then wash it off with your favorite shampoo. Thanks to this, it will be possible to nourish the curls, make them smooth and easy to style.

It is also possible to add other ingredients to enhance the effect of the product.

A mixture of several oils is more effective than one. It is recommended to combine coconut oil with other oils suitable for hair, such as burdock and almond oil.
This mask will help strengthen your hair: a small spoon coconut product mixed with glycerin, wine vinegar and egg yolk.
A nourishing mask is made as follows: mash a banana, add two large spoons of butter and sour cream.

To make the masks work better, they are applied to the hair, and the head is wrapped in a bag and then with a towel.

Coconut oil is no less useful for the body and face. It is well suited for dry skin: softens it, provides nutrition and hydration, and removes flaking. But it can also be used for oily skin, as it helps fight acne. The oil has proven itself well as an anti-aging agent. Thanks to it, small wrinkles are smoothed out, skin elasticity increases, and the oval of the face is tightened. Pigment spots are reduced.

The product has protective properties, it protects against ultraviolet rays, prevents burns, and provides an even tan to the skin. It can be used to cleanse the skin, including makeup. The pores are not clogged, the product helps eliminate toxins and improve blood circulation.

The presence of coconut oil in the diet helps improve the condition of the body. Saturated fatty acids, which predominate in this product, are easily digestible, give strength and increase performance. They also promote weight loss, so people who want to get rid of extra pounds can safely include them in their diet. It is also recommended to use the product for hair and skin.

Coconut oil is considered cosmetic. It is found in many branded body, face and hair care products; it is also often used in the preparation of homemade creams and masks. But few people know that coconut oil can be used in food. It turns out that this product is very useful, you can use it!

Composition and properties of the product

Coconut oil is vegetable fat, which has been used since ancient times (in India, Thailand, the Philippines). In the middle of the last century it was popular in the USA. Then there was an opinion that due to the high fat content the product was harmful to health, but this turned out to be wrong.

Produce fatty oil from the hardened flesh of mature coconuts by hot pressing or cold pressing. The latter method is considered more gentle.

The product is 99% fat, including:

saturated fatty acids: butyric, caproic, lauric, capric, caprylic, stearic, palmitic, others;
monounsaturated: palmitoleic, oleic, nervonic, others;
polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 acids.
the remaining 1% is water.

Energy value coconut oil - 900 kcal per 100 g of product, only slightly more than olive or sunflower oil (884 kcal/100g).

It is precisely because of this high percentage of fat content that coconut oil in food, the benefits and harms, are constantly the subject of debate among doctors and nutritionists.

Some believe that it is one of the most useful vegetable oils, because:

When heated, it does not lose its beneficial properties. Coconut oil can and should even be used for frying, since it does not release carcinogenic substances.
Having enveloping and antibacterial properties, coconut oil eliminates digestive problems and promotes the absorption of nutrients that enter the body with other foods.
The product provides beneficial effect on the liver, improving its self-cleansing function, stimulating the production of bile (read about it on the website).
Healthy fats, contained in the product, generally have a beneficial effect on the body. Contrary to the belief that it is harmful, it does not promote the formation of cholesterol, but its elimination. Consequently, consuming coconut oil is a prevention of hypertension and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
The bone tissue of those who use this product becomes stronger. This is due to the fact that the fats in its composition promote the absorption of calcium, magnesium and other minerals.
Coconut oil normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system and is recommended for diabetics.
The fat-containing product is hypoallergenic; cases of individual intolerance are rare.

If we talk about harm, coconut oil itself cannot cause it. Only those people who consume it in excessive quantities, poor quality or stale get health problems.

How to choose coconut oil and how to use it

Coconut oil is rarely sold in stores in Eastern Europe. You can find it on the shelves frozen, in briquettes. Its color matches the color of the coconut flesh and can be white, slightly creamy or yellowish. U quality product it is homogeneous.

Even a frozen product exudes a light sweetish aroma.
When heated to 25 oC, the oil melts. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Coconut fat can be replaced with any other animal and vegetable fat, for example, butter, sunflower, olive, namely:

put in porridge, pasta, potato or vegetable puree;
add to baked goods instead of margarine;
use for frying (including in a deep fryer), stewing and baking;
In melted form, season vegetable and fruit salads.

A small amount of coconut oil turns into warm milk or hot chocolate in cold medicines.

Losing weight with coconut oil

Exotic product often called "lean fat". Indeed, it saturates the body useful substances, is absorbed completely and is not delayed extra pounds. But provided that it is consumed per day no more than two tablespoons of it.

Coconut oil is used purposefully for weight loss. A special diet is based on its ingestion.

Its calorie intake is limited, daily norm energy – 1400 kcal.
During the week, it is recommended to significantly limit the consumption of carbohydrates, so flour and flour products are excluded from the diet. confectionery, bread, sweet fruits.
A portion of cereals, apples, oranges and citrus fruits are consumed exclusively in the first half of the day.
The ban also applies to starch, smoked foods, canned food, soda and alcohol.
The basis of the diet will be proteins, vegetables and dairy products.
Coconut oil is consumed on an empty stomach in the amount of 1 tablespoon; it is also used as a dressing for salads, porridge, etc.

You can lose 3 kg of weight in a week of eating this way.
Diet opponents and supporters proper nutrition prefer to simply replace other oils with coconut oil. The use of this product, in this case, is one of the components of losing weight, along with giving up “food waste”, proper drinking regimen, playing sports, etc. In addition, we recommend reading a useful article about