Coconut oil may be good for your skin, hair, brain, and oral health.
However, not all of its perceived benefits have been backed by evidence.
Coconut oil is a rich, fatty oil derived from the meat of coconuts.
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It is sold as an oil or added to cosmetic products, prepared foods, and candies.
This article discusses the potential whole-body benefits of coconut oil and precautions.
It also covers types of coconut oil and how to cook with it.
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What Is Coconut Oil Good For?
May Provide Quick Energy
MCTs, however, may be used as a fast energy source.
Offers Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut oil may also have antimicrobial properties.
It’s essentially a process of using coconut oil as a mouthwash, and some evidence supports it.
Most research suggests an association between a high intake ofsaturated fatand heart problems.
Types of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes in various forms, and certain products carry different labels.
Below are the definitions of the terms you often see on coconut oil products.
Unrefined coconut oil has a more pungent coconut smell and flavor.
Use it in recipes in which you want to have a strong coconut taste.
After refined coconut oil is pressed from the coconut, it may undergo a few additional steps.
First, it may be combined with a degumming agent to remove gums (impurities).
Sometimes chemical solvents such as hexane may be used to extract oil from the dried coconut meat.
Virgin
“Virgin coconut oil” is another name for unrefined coconut oil.
There is no difference in products labeled with these terms.
This refers to the use of pesticides and herbicides, soil quality, and additives, among other factors.
Coconut Oil Dosage
There is no standard recommended dose of coconut oil.
However, coconut oil is easy to use in recipes.
Coconut oil will melt when heated.
To use it for sauteeing, add a small amount to your skillet and allow it to liquefy.
Then, add the ingredients you want to cook just as you would if using another plant oil.
In most baked goods recipes, coconut oil can be used as a 1-to-1 replacement for butter.
Some people add a small amount of melted coconut oil to their coffee.
Coconut oil will harden when cold, leaving you with solid chocolate candy for later.
Refined and unrefined coconut oil have undergone varying degrees of processing and have different uses in cooking.
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