Coconut Oil
has recently being marketed as a “health” food. Is this plant based oil really
“healthy”? There are two types of
coconut oil; Virgin and Refined. “Virgin”-This term
means the oil is unrefined and not extracted from the coconut using high
temperatures or chemicals. “Refined”- This term means the oil comes from dried
coconut meat. Refined coconut oil is often bleached and/or chemically
bleached. Both “Virgin” and “Refined”
Coconut Oil are high in saturated fat. In fact, there more saturated fat is
found in Coconut Oil than in butter! Many Processed foods contain coconut oil
that is processed that is called Partially Hydrogenated Coconut Oil. Processing
of coconut oil transforms some of the unsaturated fats into trans fats. Trans
fats are associated with increased total cholesterol (LDL) “bad” cholesterol.
These fats are also associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Coconut oil is a plant based oil and therefore contains no cholesterol. It also
has some antioxidant properties from its phenolic compounds. Coconut Oil may be
beneficial with helping your cholesterol levels, however, more research is
needed.
What’s
the take home message?
When choosing coconut oil it is recommended to pick
“Virgin” coconut oil and consume it in moderation.
Virgin coconut oil is high in lauric acid which is a
saturated fat that can help raise “good”(HDL) cholesterol but it can also raise
“bad” cholesterol as well.
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