The Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains a higher saturated fat content (92%) versus other oils such as, olive oil (at 15% saturated fat). So WHY is there an increasing trend toward the use of coconut oil?

The answer to this question lies behind triglyceride content.

What is a triglyceride? This is a type of fat that is found in your blood. High triglyceride content in the blood leads to an increase risk of developing heart disease.

Coconut oil contains smaller triglyceride chains in comparison to other oils. It is made up of ~60% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and 40% long-chain triglycerides(LCTs). In other oils, the majority of triglycerides found are of the long-chain form. LCTs are more likely to be stored in adipose tissue (fat tissue) as they circulate throughout the body.

What is the benefit of medium-triglyceride chains in coconut oil?
The medium triglyceride chains are transported directly from the intestinal tract to the liver where they are more likely to be burned off as FUEL (e.g. during exercise)!
Therefore, less fat circulates through the body and deposits in your adipose tissues.

BUT don’t forget – coconut oil is still a fat and should be used in moderation.

Uses for coconut oils besides cooking: may be used as a facial moisturizer, to remove make-up, can be used as a lip moisturizer, and help with moisture retention in damaged hair.