BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL IN EVERYDAY LIFE!
Coconut oil has gained incredible attention over the past few years, what was being used by our ancestral generation is now back with a bang in our current lifestyles, but what this miracle tonic can do if used on daily basis is beyond imagination. Simply consuming a teaspoon in our daily course can help transform us from the inside out.
There are many different ways one can use coconut oil in everyday life ranging from hair to skin to consumption to massages etc. all you need to do is choose your type or use it in all ways.
TYPES OF COCONUT OIL AND ITS SOURCES
Coconut oil is obtained from coconut palm fruit. It is the white solid fat derived from the wick, meat, and milk of the coconut fruit. Coconut oil can be extracted in many ways and comes in many different varieties such as cold pressed coconut oil, refined coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, organic coconut oil, RBD coconut oil, FCT (fractionated coconut oil ), etc.
However, the best variety of coconut oil for one’s daily consumption or application is the extra virgin coconut oil that is extracted by using a centrifugal process (or the wet milling process). Coconut oil in this method is procured by using minimal heat to the meat of the coconut and separating the oil from the other liquids. It can also be done through a quick drying process (i.e. mechanically squeezing out the oil).
Production of the best coconuts is usually from coastal areas. Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Srilanka rank on the chart for their maximum productivity and quality worldwide. These countries are world exporters of coconut oils for most of the countries.
Coconut oil contains saturated fats with MCT (medium chain triglycerides) 92% saturated fats along with 6%MUFA (Monounsaturated fatty acids)and 2% PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids). It also contains 44%lauric acid which is naturally found in mothers’ breast milk. Per 100G of coconut oil consists of 890 calories and has a medium smoke-up point of 180 degrees F (VIRGIN VARIETY ). A good quality coconut oil has a shelf life of 1-3 years and is great for multipurpose usage.
A good quality extra virgin coconut oil in India should range between RS.400-Rs.1000 per liter depending on the source and its processing.
WAYS TO USE COCONUT OIL IN OUR DAILY ROUTINE
1. COCONUT OIL FOR COOKING
Cooking with coconut oil is one of its most widely and beneficial attributes that is prevailing for centuries in many coastal areas. Coconut oil can be used in a variety of cuisines giving you the best nutritional value. Rich in vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron, it is one of the best additions you can make to your pantry.
With the world going global and different cuisines reaching our dinner tables good quality coconut oil is perfect for your Thai / south Indian /steaks/and even baking cooking styles.
The gluten-free and Keto friendly trait makes it welcoming for dieters and weight watchers as well. For many coconut oils acts as a butter replacer which is highly processed and unhealthy in many ways whereas coconut oil is healthier and nutritious at any given point.
Coconut oil is indeed high in saturated fatty acids but out of which is mostly MCT (medium chain triglycerides) which is heart-friendly, improves gut health, builds endurance, and boosts energy at all times. There are many health benefits of using an MCT oil by itself.
Being exceptionally rich in lauric acid reduces the heart-related risk of regular consumption. They increase the blood levels of cholesterol but mostly HDL which is the good cholesterol that in turn protects the heart and any kind of risk associated with them.
Thus coconut oil improves lipids that support the heart more than any other refined oil such as olive, soybean, rice bran, etc… It can be stated that coconut oil is healthier than olive oil and should be one of the prime oils for daily cooking needs.
It is also being suggested that regularly consuming coconut oil may help one lose weight. Since coconut oil is high in fat it satiates you for a longer time leading to a reduced appetite. However, this is a controversial topic being carried out research.
The bottom line is cooking with coconut oil is healthier when used in moderation than other refined oils.
2. COCONUT OIL FOR YOUR HAIR
Coconut oil is one of the most beneficial and safe oils for the hair and skin. It’s a fat-rich oil that is solid at low temperatures and melts when heated. Coconut oil has many antibacterial properties and helps in overcoming various hair problems. Applying coconut oil to your hair before washing helps prevent protein loss as it is chemically structured and able to protect the hair shaft for easy absorption.