Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Coconut oil has been a controversial supplement for many years. Due to the fact that it is high in saturated fat, it has been seen as an unhealthy oil. On the other hand, Coconut Oil is rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) - and these are seen as very healthy fats. So, do the health benefits of coconut oil outweigh the dangers? This is the question we will address in this articles.
The Old View of Coconut Oil
Years ago consumers were urged to switch to Olive Oil, which is very low in saturated fats. While it is true that Coconut Oil is high in saturated fats - it is not true that all saturated fats are the same. Animal fat have saturated long chain fatty acids. Long chain fatty acids are very hard for the body to digest and absorb and most people would agree that too much animal fat is not healthy.
Coconut Oil on the other hand is made up of mostly Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs). MCFAs can be absorbed by our mitochondria and can be converted into energy. In fact, Lauric Acid - a MCFA is a very healthy and really only found in two places - Coconut Oil and Breast Milk!
In the end, there is a big difference when it comes to saturated fats and any health benefits or health risks. MCFAs have strong potential health benefits while Long Chain Fatty Acids, are more harmful fats and should not be consumed in large quantities.
Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Today you can purchase Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and this is the best way to received the health benefits from the nutrients that are in coconuts. It is very important that consumers use only unrefined, cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil - as this has not been exposed to high heat ot chemicals. High heat and chemicals can destroy the MCFAs and Lauric Acid in the coconut oil and therefore greatly decrease any potential health benefits.
Coconut Oil for Weight Loss?
It may seem strange to think of a fatty oil as a weight loss aide - but studies show it is possible. Coconut oil can increase energy levels and decrease our appetite. If we are able to burn more calories than we take in, we can see real weight loss. It is important note that this is not a magic weight loss supplement - rather, it is a food that can help you achieve your weight loss goals when used in combination with diet and exercise.
A Word About Eating Healthy
There are many different theories on what type of diet is the most healthy. There are literally thousands of books that have been written on eating healthy and diet. It is well beyond the scope of this article to come up with a specific eating plan consumers should follow, but we can offer this advice - there is no one right answer to what you should eat.
There is a great deal of debate and controversy when it comes to what foods are healthy and what are not. For years, alcohol was seen as unhealthy, now it is considered by many to be unhealthy NOT to drink a glass of red wine per day. This is due to the discovery of resveratrol in red grapes and their health benefits. Yes, there is a negative to wine, but in moderation, the positives of the resveratrol in red wine out weigh the negatives.

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