Coconut is a dietary staple in the Indian subcontinent, but is considered exotic in the Western world. Its oil is made from the dried fruit (nut) of the coconut palm tree. Coconut Oil is used extensively in tropical countries - especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. Like most oils, it is a blend of fatty acids; it contains short and medium chain fatty acids, primarily Lauric (44%) and Myristic (16.8%) acids. The controversy on the health benefits of Coconut Oil is due to its high saturated fat content. Unlike most oils, it has a high melting point of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius (76-78 Fahrenheit). Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperature rises considerably.
Contents: Saturated fatty acids - most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well in the body’s systems; Lauric Acid is the chief contributor. Polyunsaturated fatty acids - Linoleic Acid. Monounsaturated fatty acids - Oleic acid. Polyphenols - Gallic acid, also known as Phenolic Acid; these polyphenols are responsible for the fragrance and taste of Coconut Oil.
Health Benefits
It is said that Coconut Oil posses several antioxidant, anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. It provides good skin and hair care, and helps in stress relief and digestion. It helps in the healthy growth of hair; it provides essential proteins for the nourishment of hair follicles and the healing (regrowth) of damaged hair. Many Indians apply Coconut Oil on their hair every day after a bath or shower; it is an excellent conditioner. Coconut Oil is also an excellent massage oil for the skin. It acts as an effective moisturiser for dry skin – it helps prevent flaking of the skin. The Oil’s high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. Coconut Oil also helps in treating various skin problems - including psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin infections. It helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and the sagging of the skin, as we age. It strengthens the immune system, due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It provides relief from the inflammation caused by Candida (fungus) - both externally and internally. Coconut Oil is a purely natural product, free from any animal products, and is great for vegans. Instead of the bad trans fats found mainly in processed foods, Coconut Oil contains good fats. Consuming it in moderation is unlikely to harm your health, but it will not help you lose weight either.
Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the most respected and trusted varieties of Coconut Oil. It is derived from the milk obtained from fresh coconut flesh, and not from copra using chemical processes like fermentation, centrifugal separation or enzyme action. It tastes and smells the best among all the Coconut Oil varieties. Though Virgin Coconut Oil is cholesterol-free and laden with antioxidants, the saturated fat content of this Oil remains high. Pure Virgin Coconut Oil, which does not undergo any hydrogenation (the process of adding hydrogen to make a liquid fat hard), contains 92% saturated fat. Therefore this Oil should be used in moderation while cooking.
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