Coconut’s great in a coconut cream pie or macaroons, but chefs and nutritionists have found a new way to use this tropical nut—coconut oil! While it is not commonly thought of as one of the healthiest cooking oils in the world, it does have its benefits. Studies show that it can help your body metabolize fat, and can even lower your cholesterol levels. Read on to find out more.
Coconut oil was once the most common cooking oil. However, people thought that it wasn’t healthy, and switched to canola oil and olive oil. But recent research has found that coconut oil can also benefit the body.
Studies show that coconut oil helps to stimulate the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland helps to convert cholesterol to produce chemicals that can boost your immune system. That is why there are some research that coconut oil can lower your risk for infection. That’s because lauric acid makes up 40% of coconut oil. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that can fight protozoal, bacterial and viral diseases. In fact, lauric acid is found in breastmilk!
Since thyroid problems can result in obesity, coconut oil can help make it easier for you to lose weight. Some people believe It may even help you manage your wrinkles, since it slows down the aging process.
Thyroid problems have also been connected to a higher incidence of cancer. So, because of coconut oil’s role in maintaining thyroid function, using it daily (in appropriate amounts, of course) can help boost your protection against this dreaded disease.
Of course, coconut oil must be used in moderation. Even healthy oils are still oils. You can lower your intake of oil by changing your cooking method. Don’t fry every meal: grilling, steaming, and of course stews use very little oil and bring out the flavor of the food. Use a non-stick pan. And if you are to fry food, drain it on paper towels before serving. The food will be less greasy and more healthy.
Remember, too, that most of the fat intake doesn’t come from the cooking oil but the meat! Choose lean cuts and limit your portions. Doctors and nutritionists recommend that your meat serving should not exceed the size of a credit card. Read our tips on cut fat from your diet without cutting back on flavor.
Photo from ifood.tv.