Coconut oil is edible oil that is extracted from the meat of a matured coconut and is widely used in various forms of food, medicines and the industry. Coconut oil is heat stable and oxidizes slowly. This quality makes it resistant to rancidity and suits to the methods of cooking. However, being oil with high levels of saturated fats, it has to be consumed in a very little amount. Coconut Oil contains lauric acid in high quantity. Lauric acid is a saturated fat that raises the cholesterol level in the blood by increasing the amount of high density lipoprotein cholesterol that is present in the sebaceous gland secretions. Due to this quality it not only builds a good cholesterol profile but is also considered as an alternate to the normal vegetable oil that we use. The lauric acid present in coconut oil is converted by our body in to monolaurin that fights with viruses and bacteria causing influenza, cytomegalovirus and even HIV.
Common uses of coconut oil in the household:
Asian households use coconut oil mainly for frying but also as a curry flavour. It has a nutty, vanilla kind of flavour that balances well with the Asian spices and even in baked sauts and pastries. Hydrogenated form of coconut oil is used in non-dairy creamers, snacks, popcorn chocolate crackles etc.
Common uses of Coconut oil in the industries:
As an industrial ingredient coconut oil is used in soap making. Also it can be used to power generators, diesel engine fuel for running automobiles, trucks and buses. This is being practiced in Philippines and other tropical countries. This oil is soluble in hard water and salt water
Healthy benefits of Coconut Oil:
The presence of lauric acid along with properties like antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial etc make coconut nut healthy oil for use.
Using the coconut oil for regular hair massage can help removing dandruff, lice and scalp dryness ensuring healthy shiny hair. It has conditioning properties that can even re grow dead damaged hair due to its protein content. As a skin care moisturiser one can get rid of flakes, skin dryness, wrinkles and skin sagging. Skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema etc can also be treated with coconut oil. This is why it’s a common ingredient in many soaps, lotions and creams.
The presence of lauric acid helps in preventing many heart diseases, issues of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increased LDL levels and atherosclerosis. Excess weight can be removed as it is easy to digest and aids the natural functioning of enzyme systems. It increases the metabolism that burns out more energy and reduces excess weight.
The saturated fats in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can fight against bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause indigestion and aids in absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Applying this oil on infected or wounded areas, a chemical layer forms over the area and protects it from dust, air, fungi, bacteria etc. it speeds up the healing process and repairs the damage quickly.
Generally coconut oil can prevent liver and kidney diseases, relieves stress, controls the blood sugar level, strengthens the bones, stops tooth decay and prevents cancer and HIV.