Organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil is an uncommon and often underrated oil. It is high in saturated fat, which on first hearing may surprise you. It offers many health benefits, however, which aren't present in other fats and oils. It can be used for many purposes, including as a moisturiser, but it is best used in cooking.
Stability
The fat in coconut oil is around 92 percent saturated, although these are medium-chain fatty acids, quite different from the long-chain saturated fatty acids, found in meats and dairy products, that are predominant in the American diet. According to nutritionist John Meadows, when heated, the atoms making up a saturated fat are extremely stable, unlike those in unsaturated fats. When an unsaturated fat is heated, it can turn rancid due to this instability, which creates a toxic effect within the body. Saturated fats remain stable, however, making coconut oil an excellent choice for cooking.
Energy
Around half of the saturated fat found in organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil is composed of medium-chain trigylcerides, or MCTs. When you consume these, your body breaks them down very quickly in the liver, meaning that they provide a quick source of energy. An increased MCT intake is often recommended to athletes with high energy needs on a low carbohydrate diet.
Immune Function
The saturated fat in coconut oil may increase the levels of free testosterone in your body, which can help with muscle growth, tissue repair and immune system health. Coconut also contains lauric acid, which has a powerful antimicrobial effect and acts as a disease fighter. According to nutritionist Mary Enig, consuming coconut oil may help to protect you from certain bacteria, infections and viruses.
Fat Burning
Because the MCTs in coconut are used to quickly provide energy they are less likely to linger in the body and be stored as body fat, as other types of fat might be. Nutritionist Lyle McDonald believes that MCTs can increase fat loss slightly during a dieting phase and that they also act as a natural appetite suppressant.
References
- Health Report; The Truth About Saturated Fats; Mary Enig, PhD and Sally Fallon
- T Nation; The Truth About Saturated Fat; John Meadows; November 2010
- Nutrition Review; Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs); Ward Dean, MD and Jim English
- Weston A. Price; A New Look at Coconut Oil; Mary G. Enig; January 2000
- Body Recomposition; Fat Loss for Athletes: Part 2; Lyle McDonald
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