Coconut oil

In addition to carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, a healthy diet also includes fats. It is considered particularly healthy Coconut oil. The oil is said to have various healing properties.

What you should know about coconut oil

Coconut oil is beneficial to health in a number of ways. Despite its high content of saturated fat, it is considered one of the most valuable fats to use in the kitchen.

Coconut oil is made from coconuts. The color of the oil can take on different tones, but it usually fluctuates between white and yellow. At room temperature, coconut oil has a firm consistency, it melts when heated or in summer.

As soon as the temperatures drop, it hardens again. It is used on the one hand in the kitchen and on the other hand for various cosmetics. Overall, coconut oil is particularly characterized by a high proportion of saturated fatty acids. Coconut oil smells and tastes mildly like coconut. Coconut palms could already be found 3000 to 4000 years ago. But it was not until the 19th century that their cultivation became economically relevant. At this point the Dutch started building plantations on Ceylon. Nowadays the cultivation of coconut palms is mainly reduced to tropical areas. Plantations can often be found near the coast and on river banks.

The Philippines, India and Indonesia carry the largest share of coconut production. A significant part of the coconuts is still processed on site. Overall, coconut production has increased 100 percent since 1980. The fat, which is obtained from coconuts, covers the global oil requirement by 8 percent. Coconut oil is mainly produced in France, Germany and the Netherlands. The countries mentioned import the pulp in order to process it into coconut oil in domestic industries. To do this, the pulp is first dried and then pressed. In order to sell it as edible oil, there are usually further processes in which the oil is refined.

Importance to health

Coconut oil is beneficial to health in a number of ways. Despite its high content of saturated fat, it is considered one of the most valuable fats to use in the kitchen. Coconut oil remains stable under various influences such as light, temperature and oxygen. Other fats, however, form toxic substances due to these factors.

The ingredients in coconut oil make it a suitable fat for cooking and baking. But coconut oil is not only healthy because it does not break down into any toxic substances. In addition, the oil is said to alleviate Alzheimer's disease, soothe skin irritations and regulate blood lipid levels. The capabilities of the oil have been proven in studies. Coconut oil also increases the amount of antioxidant enzymes in the body. These can trap free radicals and thus prevent cancer from developing. However, for such a purpose, the oil must be ingested regularly. The same goes for preventing diabetes with coconut oil.

The organism does not need glucose to break down the medium-chain molecules of coconut oil. Accordingly, the oil does not affect insulin levels and lowers the risk of developing diabetes. Externally, coconut oil can be applied to the skin. This way, it avoids mosquito bites and makes warts and fungi go away. The ingredients of coconut oil are antibacterial and antifungal. This makes it suitable for treating complaints caused by bacteria or fungi. These include, for example, herpes, tooth decay or candida.

Ingredients & nutritional values

Coconut oil consists mainly of triglycerides. In addition, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, sodium, copper, iron, phosphorus, amino acids and lactones can be found in the oil. However, through refinery processes, coconut oil loses large parts of its vitamin Es.

It also contains around 850 calories per 100 grams. Coconut oil does not contain carbohydrates and proteins. Of the 92 grams of fat, 86 grams are saturated fat. Lauric acid, which makes up the largest proportion of fatty acids, plays a special role. Furthermore, caprylic acid and capric acid are found in the oil. Coconut oil does not contain cholesterol. It is therefore also suitable for people who suffer from ailments in the cardiovascular system.

Intolerances & allergies

Intolerances due to the use of coconut oil only occur very rarely. So far, no allergies have been found. People who are allergic to nuts usually do not experience any symptoms from consuming coconuts. Overall, the consumption of coconut oil is considered safe.

Some people experience side effects from topical use of the oil. These include, for example, dried out areas of skin and a feeling of tension. If the coconut oil is found to be unpleasant when used externally, it can be washed off with warm water and soap. As a rule, stronger irritations do not remain. However, undesirable side effects due to coconut oil are very rare overall. Usually the oil is well tolerated.

Shopping & kitchen tips

Unrefined coconut oil is considered a healthier option. The high level of processing can destroy some of the nutrients in the fat. That is why it makes sense to use a less processed product. Coconut oil that is sold after the first cold pressing is considered particularly healthy.

Organic coconut oil is made without any other additives such as bleach. Accordingly, it is recommended to use coconut oil from organic production. The storage of the oil determines the consistency. The oil retains its solid form at room temperature. If, on the other hand, it is stored in warmer places, the fat liquefies. Overall, the consistency of coconut oil says nothing about the quality, it is only about the property of coconut oil with its low melting temperature.

At best, however, coconut oil is stored in a cupboard or refrigerator, where it is protected from direct sunlight. This way it can be kept for about one to two years. Coconut oil only burns at temperatures above 288 degrees. Accordingly, it can be used for frying and deep-frying without any problems.

Preparation tips

The taste of coconut oil is very mild to neutral and is therefore suitable for all dishes. In its solid form, it can be removed from the glass with a clean spoon and placed in the pan. Heating the pan will melt the coconut oil. After the coconut oil has liquefied, for example onions can be fried in the oil or other vegetables can be added.

The temperature of the stove top can be increased without hesitation. In contrast to most other oils, no harmful substances are created due to strong heating. In order for the coconut oil to last as long as possible, it should only ever come into contact with clean objects. Otherwise, bacteria will spread in the glass, which will reduce the quality of the oil. No further preparation is necessary for the external use of coconut oil. Instead, the fat is removed and, under certain circumstances, briefly heated between the palms of the hands. In the liquid state, the coconut oil can be easily spread on the skin.