Cold-pressed coconut oil on your menu

Cold-pressed coconut oil: what is it?

Let’s get to know a mysterious, wonderful, white, seemingly solid substance – cold-pressed coconut oil.

What is coconut oil, and why should you use it every day?
Coconut oil is a plant oil pressed from the flesh of the coconut. To make sure you are getting the real thing, a good guide is the words “cold-pressed” or “virgin coconut oil”. Cold-pressed coconut oil has a characteristic white, glassy structure, a pleasantly sweet coconut aroma and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Coconut oil contains approximately 92% saturated fatty acids (which is why it is solid at room temperature), 6% monounsaturated fatty acids and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The main saturated fatty acid is lauric acid (44.6%), which gives it an immunity-boosting effect similar to that of breast milk. In the body, lauric acid is converted into monolaurin, which has antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal effects. Next come myristic acid (16.8%), palmitic acid (8.2%) and caprylic acid (8%). Caprylic acid is used as an anti-inflammatory treatment for inflammation caused by fungal infections. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, coconut oil contains oleic acid (6%) and linoleic acid (2%).

The saturated fats in coconut are very healthy. They differ from animal saturated fats in the chain length of their fatty acids – coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids. The fatty acids in coconut oil are not stored in the body as fat; the body uses them up quickly. Most fats contain long-chain fatty acids, which are deposited in the body as fat, whereas medium-chain fatty acids are burned quickly for energy and actually promote fat burning.

The secret of its weight-lowering effect lies in the fatty acid composition of cold-pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil provides energy, speeds up metabolism, boosts immunity and helps lower bad cholesterol. Per unit of weight, it contains fewer calories than any other dietary fat – one gram of coconut oil contains only 6.8 kcal, while other oils average 9 kcal.

Coconut oil supports pancreatic function, improves the body’s use of blood sugar and enhances the absorption of potassium, magnesium and fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut oil is the only oil that activates the thyroid gland. Burned quickly in the body, it stimulates the production of thyroid hormone and, as a result, boosts metabolism. It is advisable to consume coconut oil every day.

Coconut oil helps the body absorb and digest other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It improves the absorption of Ca and Mg and thereby supports the formation of strong bones. It promotes the absorption of certain B vitamins, the fat-soluble vitamins K, E, D and A, beta-carotenes and amino acids. It gives athletes strength and energy, and in chronic fatigue syndrome it helps both by providing energy and by strengthening the body’s defenses.

Coconut oil is good for your hair; thanks to its extremely fine structure compared with other oils, it is absorbed into the hair completely. It speeds up hair growth, gives a superb shine and works against dandruff. For acne, it has strong antibacterial properties. It deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin and can also be used as a massage oil. Applied topically, it helps protect the skin against infections, reduces the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis, supports the skin’s natural chemical balance, prevents skin damage and age-related changes, relieves dry skin and protects against damage from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It has been used for cuts and burns and for fungal infections.

Coconut oil does not raise bad cholesterol. It is advisable to replace your everyday dietary fats with cold-pressed coconut oil, on the one hand for its beneficial properties, and on the other for its stability – it does not go rancid. Coconut oil withstands heating relatively well, so it is also excellent for baking. Note: frying is not recommended!

Coconut oil has no known side effects and is completely non-toxic to humans. Today, coconut oil is counted among the ten superfoods.

Author: Veronika Otter

Source: WHO – physical activity.

Come and train! ArtGym