Fact about the health benefits of coconut oil

We are blessed with countless treasures by nature. Especially for the human being, there are different species of animals and plants that have proven their worth by presenting us with the solutions to our health problems. Fruits and vegetables from the plant genus and meat from animal groups have solved many of our problems over the decades.

We can use whole fruits and vegetables or extract their oils such as mustard oil, olive oil and coconut oil. Good! The coconut is not considered a fruit or a nut, in fact, it belongs to another food group called drupe like the apricot.

Speaking of the health benefits of various oils extracted from different food groups, olive oil is undoubtedly considered to be the most beneficial. However, it is noted that there are also some positive comments about the oil extracted from coconut. The traditional way of extracting the oil from the coconut is by processing, drying and crushing the hard white pulp of the drupe. Contrary to the traditional perception, now people tend to regard the oil as one of the healthy extracts.

In the 1980s, the oil was believed to cause serious health ailments as it caused high cholesterol production and thus the masses avoided using it in their diets. But things changed later when in 2002 the New Statesman reported that people who use coconut oil stay safe from regenerative diseases, have a healthy BMI and live long. It has also been claimed that coconut oil may also be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s, but there is no scientific evidence to prove this yet.

However, the presence, proportion, and effects of saturated fats in coconut oil tell a completely different story. Yes! The oil contains 92 percent saturated fat in contrast to butter (64 percent) and beef (40 percent). High levels of saturated fats are due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It is also rich in Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s), also processed by the liver. The most important MCT present in the oil is lauric acid, which is associated with the production of HDL cholesterol, which is good for health and the reduction of body fat. On the other hand, this oil is responsible for the increased production of a type of harmful cholesterol called LDL.

According to experts from Harvard University, the data on HDL and LDL are not determinative of whether the oil extracted from coconuts is good or bad for your health. Similarly, one of the renowned Molecular Biologists of the University of California expressed his opinion in 2011 and said that there is no solid scientific evidence on the healthy impact of the oil.

Taking into account all the available and known facts, it would be impossible to give a verdict for or against the usefulness of the oil. However, if used within limits, there are no known disadvantages. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consume the oil only for baking and beverages where only a small amount is required to develop a distinctive flavor.