"Hello everyone, today we are going to talk about coconut oil - this topic that has made countless families fry. It seems that every family has a 'coconut oil believer' and a 'coconut oil skeptic', just like our mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Mother-in-law, a big fan of coconut oil, she regards coconut oil as synonymous with health. Once, while preparing dinner, she decided to use coconut oil instead of regular cooking oil. The old man looked suspicious: "Are you sure?" Is this thing really edible? But the mother-in-law did not hesitate: "That's a must, don't they all say on the Internet that this coconut oil is a healthy oil!" ”
After a few months, the mother-in-law found herself healthier, weight loss, and smoother. Now it's okay, and the old man has begun to slowly accept coconut oil. However, just as they were about to switch the family to the coconut oil camp, the father-in-law found that his cholesterol was elevated. The doctor said, "Reduce coconut oil, this thing is not for everyone." See, the 'one-size-fits-all' strategy in health has never been reliable.
At this moment, the mother-in-law and the father-in-law began to be unable to sit still. They asked me how to eat a more balanced diet. Dear friends, in order to understand coconut oil more deeply, let's see what is said about coconut oil on the Internet, shall we?
Benefits of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCTs): Coconut oil contains a lot of medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed and metabolized by the body and can be quickly converted into energy, helping to increase metabolic rate and**.
Increases cholesterol levels: Some studies have shown that coconut oil can raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, which can help with cardiovascular health.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects: Certain ingredients in coconut oil such as lauric acid have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help boost immunity.
Arguments against coconut oil
Risk of high saturated fat content: Coconut oil is very high in saturated fat, and long-term high intake may increase the risk of heart disease. Some health organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA), recommend limiting saturated fat intake.
Lack of long-term, large-scale studies: While there are some small-scale studies supporting the health effects of coconut oil, there is a lack of long-term, large-scale scientific studies to fully assess its long-term health effects.
May cause elevated cholesterol: Some studies suggest that coconut oil intake may raise total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the "bad" cholesterol) levels, which may adversely affect cardiovascular health.
Moderate intake: Even healthy fats should be consumed in moderation. Coconut oil can be used as one of the many fats in the diet**, but it should not be excessive.
Individual differences: Different people may react differently to coconut oil, so an individual's health and constitution should be considered when ingesting.
Integrative dietary patterns: The health effects of coconut oil also need to be considered in the context of overall dietary patterns and lifestyles, rather than being viewed in isolation.
There is no unified conclusion about the health effects of coconut oil. Consumers should take these different perspectives into account when using it and make reasonable choices based on their health conditions and needs.
Cold-pressed coconut oil: High-quality coconut oil is usually cold-pressed, which means that no high temperatures are used in the extraction process, which is able to better preserve the nutrients and natural flavor of coconut oil.
Certified organic: It is more desirable to choose certified organic coconut oil, which indicates that the coconut is grown in an environment free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Appearance and texture
Color: High-quality coconut oil should be clear and transparent in liquid form and pure white in solid form. Any yellow or other color may indicate poor quality or expired oil.
Texture: High-quality coconut oil should be smooth and not grainy. If there is sediment in the oil, it may indicate improper storage or quality issues.
Aroma and mouthfeel
Natural scent: Good coconut oil has a slight coconut scent and is not overly strong or artificial. If the oil smells like chemicals or has a burning smell, it may be of inferior quality.
Palate: The palate should be smooth and should not be pungent or off-flavor.
Packaging and labeling
Dark glass bottles or opaque packaging: High-quality coconut oil is often packaged in dark glass bottles or opaque packaging to protect from light, which can affect the quality of the oil.
Label information: Read the label carefully to understand the origin, production date, shelf life and other information. Make sure the product is labeled with the words "cold pressed", "organic", etc.
Brand and producer reputation
It is often more reliable to choose a brand that is well-known and has a good reputation. You can search for brand reviews online to see what other consumers are saying.
You get what you pay for. While ** grid does not necessarily mean high quality, coconut oil that is too cheap may compromise on quality.
Teacher Zhong said: Regarding the intake of edible oil, there are many suggestions.
Change. Among them, the reference intake of saturated fatty acids SFA, monounsaturated fatty acid MUFA, and polyunsaturated fatty acid PUFA is recommended to be consumed according to the guidelines, and special attention should be paid to infants and young children who are essential for human beings and lack of essential fatty acids that will affect health, as well as infants and young children who are highly dependent on dietary fat.