If you're a health enthusiast, you may already be familiar with the wonders of coconut oil. It's not just a cooking oil— it's a superfood that can boost your health in numerous ways. From its distinct flavor to its impressive list of benefits, it's no wonder why coconut oil has gained so much popularity worldwide. In this article, we'll delve into the many benefits of cooking with coconut oil and how it can transform your overall health for the better.
Coconut Oil For Cooking
Many love to use coconut oil for cooking for many reasons. The unique flavor it adds to any dish is divine and will add a nice variation to any meat, fish, veggie dish, or baking good from your everyday flavors.
Not only is it a delicious addition to any dish, but it's also a perfect fit for those following a keto or vegan lifestyle. And the benefits don't stop there - incorporating coconut oil into your diet can provide numerous health benefits. If you are looking to add tropical flavors to any dish or bring flavors from South Asian cuisine into your kitchen, coconut oil is one of the easiest ways to achieve that. It is also a good option for people following a keto lifestyle or a vegan diet.
Apart from that, adding coconut oil to the diet can contribute to many health benefits, which we will share in a bit.
Is It Good To Cook With Coconut Oil?
Yes, and here are a few reasons why.
High Melting Point
Extracted from the meat of mature coconuts, the oil has a high melting point, making it a great option for cooking. The oil's melting point is 78 degrees FI, which is the temperature at which it changes state from solid to liquid. This means you can easily use it in both solid and liquid forms.
High Smoke Point
Coconut oil has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without burning and won't create those harmful compounds. Whether you're frying, sautéing, or baking, coconut oil stays stable until it reaches an impressive 350°F - 450°F, depending on the type you use.
Compacted With MCT
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil facilitate easy digestion and provide a quick source of energy. This makes it a great choice for athletes or anyone looking for a quick energy boost.
Coconut Oil For Sautéing
Looking to add a hint of the tropics to your stir-fries and other sautéed dishes? Look no further than coconut oil! With its subtle sweet flavor, coconut oil is the perfect addition to your vegetable sautés and meat or fish pan-frying adventures. And don't worry about which type to use - expeller-pressed, cold-pressed, or centrifuged virgin coconut oil all work wonders.
Coconut Oil For Baking
Coconut oil is not just a great substitute for butter in baking recipes, it can also add a unique and delicious flavor to your cakes, cookies, and other baked treats. Moreover, with its high smoke point, coconut oil can withstand the high temperatures of baking without breaking down or losing its beneficial properties. So why settle for plain old butter when you can add a touch of the tropics to your baked creations with coconut oil?
Coconut Oil For Frying
Coconut oil is also a great option for frying as its rich saturated fat content makes it a stable oil even in high temperatures. However, it's best to use refined coconut oil for deep frying as refined coconut oil has a smoke point of 400 to 450 F. You can use it to fry chicken, fish, and other food. However, refined coconut oil might not have that unique coconut oil flavor as it's more refined.
Coconut Oil For Salad Dressing
The oil also creates a great base for salad dressings. If you like a plain base to build your flavors on, choose a more refined product. If not, you can add a regular product that comes with a typical coconut oil flavor which pairs well with citrus and vinegar-based dressings.
Benefits Of Cooking With Coconut Oil
Another main reason many people are now turning to coconut oil for cooking is the many health benefits it offers, which include improved heart health.
Many believe that coconut oil is high in saturated fat and can increase the risk of heart disease. However, there are studies that show the type of saturated fat found in coconut oil may actually be beneficial for heart health.
Apart from that, it can also help with the following.
- Better brain function
- Weight loss
- Improved digestion
- Better skin health
How Is Coconut Oil Prepared?
Coconut oils are made from the flesh of the coconut fruit, which is a very popular crop in tropical regions of the world. There are different types of coconut oils categorized by how it's processed and refined. There are various methods that are used to process coconut oil which include traditional boiling method, cold pressing, centrifuged method, etc.
If you are looking for high-quality coconut oil, Coconut God products might be for you. Our products are 100% organic and raw and do not contain hexane or GMOs.