Millie Padula - Accredited Practising Dietitian
What are the health benefits of coconut oil?
Accredited Practising Dietitian, Nutritionist and Founder of Dietitian Edition dietitianedition.com, Millie Padula, takes a closer look at the benefits of coconut oil.
Coconut oil is a source of pure fat, which means it is an incredibly rich energy source that’s high in calories/kilojoules.
It’s important to understand that coconut oil is also high in saturated fat. We know from research that consuming excess amounts of saturated fat may increase our bad blood cholesterol levels. This is why us health professionals advocate for the consumption of coconut oil to be moderated as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
It is interesting to note though that the most abundant saturated fat present in coconut oil is called lauric acid. This impersonates the functioning of unsaturated (healthier) fats and may help to enhance the good cholesterol levels in our blood. The presence of lauric acid makes coconut oil somewhat superior and potentially less concerning from a health perspective when compared to other oils, such as palm oil, which are high in saturated fat.
At the end of the day, all dietary sources of fat should be consumed with consideration to portion size, frequency of consumption and as part of a healthy diet that prioritises the five core food groups.
Become a label reader and look for these things…
To guarantee you’re purchasing the highest quality coconut oil, always look for varieties that are certified organic, cold-pressed, 100% natural and contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
How can coconut oil best be used?
