The nutritionist explains how coconut oil can prevent disease, improve intestinal health and provides recipes for incorporating it into everyday life
Coconut is a typically tropical fruit rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Contains in its composition nutrients such as vitamin C, E, B6, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and manganese, it is an excellent ingredient for health.
While fiber offers greater satiety to the meal and slower absorption of carbohydrates, the presence of fatty acids ensures that it is easily digestible, offering energy quickly and healthily to the body. Therefore, fruit is a great choice for a balanced diet.
Extracted from coconuts, coconut oil is also an important health ally. Clinical and functional nutritionist Andrea Ferrara explains that the saturated fat content is similar to that of human milk, meaning it is easily digestible, offers immediate energy and has a positive effect on the immune system.
What are the health benefits of coconut oil?
Regarding its composition, in addition to the numerous nutrients, more than half of the fat present in coconut oil is made up of lauric acid, which has unique characteristics such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic action. But, after all, is it safe to say that coconut oil can prevent diseases? The answer is yes.
“Consumption of coconut can prevent cardiovascular diseases, since the fats present in it can increase the levels of HDL cholesterol (considered “good cholesterol”) and reduce those of LDL cholesterol (popularly called “bad cholesterol”). Furthermore, being rich of potassium, can help regulate blood pressure,” says the nutritionist.
Is coconut oil good for the intestines?
Additionally, coconut oil is good for your gut, as the lauric acid found in coconut has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, while also promoting healthy skin and hair.
As for losing weight, “coconut can also help with weight loss, since, in addition to being rich in fibre, it helps correct intestinal functioning, stimulates the metabolism and also promotes a greater sense of satiety”, highlights Andrea Ferrara.
How to choose the best coconut oil?
Ideally the oil should be extra virgin and cold pressed with a maximum acidity of 0.5%, to maintain its characteristics and functional, preventive and immunological action in the body. Look for these characteristics on the label of the product you intend to purchase.
Can you take coconut oil every day?
Coconut oil can be incorporated into the diet as part of a balanced and varied diet, but it should not be the only source of fat. The ingredient should be consumed in small quantities, the expert’s suggestion is a pre-workout strategy using a level spoon before training, which can be consumed pure or added to a cup of hot coffee to increase energy.
Regarding the ideal time to consume it, the recommendation is to evaluate what your main goal is with this consumption. If you want a boost of energy in the morning, consume it as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach. For those who want to use it as a source of satiety throughout the day, it is recommended to take it during the day in some preparation.
But be careful: taking it before bed can interfere with sleep, as coconut oil temporarily increases your metabolism.
What happens if I take one tablespoon of pure coconut oil a day?
The nutritionist reveals that consuming a spoonful of coconut oil a day can be a convenient and effective way to include it in your diet. With this daily consumption, you can achieve the potential health benefits associated with the oil, such as improving your lipid profile, promoting satiety, and sustaining energy acquisition.
How to include coconut oil in your diet?
Coconut oil is quite versatile and can be consumed on its own, as a pre-workout or salad dressing, or in sweet or savory preparations. To help you with healthy and delicious recipes, the nutritionist has taught you step by step how to make three dishes that use coconut oil: a gluten-free vegetable savory pie in the blender, for those who are part of the savory team, and for lovers some desserts, a quick banana brownie and a chocolate muffin with cinnamon.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
