Coconut Oil Good/Bad?

arizonaladybug

I started using allot of coconut Oil and spread in place of all oils and butter. but today someone told me that it is bad for you due to saturated Fat.? I thought it was better. Any opinions on organic Coconut oil.?? I just love earth balance coconut spread. My mom is gluten free and has lots loads of weight and swears by fish oil pills. coconut oil and maybe olive oil but no other oils. I know everything in moderation but I have been using a trader joe's coconut spray that is 0 calories and I LOVE it!

criscindymalosh

People seem to fall into two categories: either saturated fat is good, or it is evil.

The question is, how do you feel when you eat coconut oil? Do you feel better? Are you better able to accomplish your goals? Do you feel energetic, content?

Or do you feel sluggish, yucky, hungry all of the time?

Eat what feels right to you, and don't worry about what other people say.

Purpleice18

Saturated fats and trans fats are known as the “bad fats” because they increase your risk of disease and elevate cholesterol.
coconut oil is good for your hair and "oil pulling"

Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as the “good fats” because they are good for your heart, your cholesterol, and your overall health.
the best type of oil to eat is olive or grape oil. I prefer olive oil. you can also use olive oil for hair, and grape oil for your skin.

Laurenmp16

I love coconut oil to get some healthy fat in for small things like eggs. I also use it in my hair and dry elbows.

For larger things, I go with EVOO.

Mr_Cape219

Fun fact, coconut oil is great for the bedroom too!

Wife and I accidentally left the bottle out in the kitchen and a friend was frying eggs with it.


...didn't have the heart to tell them what it was used for. But the eggs were GREAT! So since then I apply it to my cooking.

super_J73

I love coconut, never used coconut oil though.

jahowell

I think it's good for you inside and out, suppose to help you lose weight and good for your thyroid? Whether its true or not??? I read the book Coconut Oil Miracle, its a a lot of good info on it!

shadus

From my understanding (which is moderate-low research level) it's better than many other oils for you to ingest... but, it's also the cause of much rainforest removal to plant coconut trees... so its bad for the environment. Meh. I've only done a bit of research on it though so don't take that as gospel in either case.

Laurenmp16

The beginning of this article is a lot of medical terms, but the end is a good summary if you don't want to go through the whole thing

http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/integrative-medicine/health-topics/healthy-cooking-oils.html

cwolfman13

It has many nutritional properties...chief among them would be a particular saturated fat called lauric acid (not all saturated fats are created equal)...lauric acid has shown to increase levels of HDL cholesterol (which is good). Studies also indicate a number of other health benefits as well.

That said, people take this type of information and then stupefy what they are doing..."oh...it has nutritional properties that are good for you...guess I should start eating it by the gallon then." It's still fat...it's still calorie dense...it can most definitely be included as a healthy part of a balanced diet...just don't fail on your other nutrition and buy into "coconut is magic" bull ****.

GetSoda

Saturated fats and trans fats are known as the “bad fats” because they increase your risk of disease and elevate cholesterol.
coconut oil is good for your hair and "oil pulling"

Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as the “good fats” because they are good for your heart, your cholesterol, and your overall health.
the best type of oil to eat is olive or grape oil. I prefer olive oil. you can also use olive oil for hair, and grape oil for your skin.

Saturated fat isn't neccisaril ybad for you (and in some cases, very beneficial)
plus oil pulling is a total hoax.

iWillGetCrowSomeday

Fun fact, coconut oil is great for the bedroom too!

Wife and I accidentally left the bottle out in the kitchen and a friend was frying eggs with it.


...didn't have the heart to tell them what it was used for. But the eggs were GREAT! So since then I apply it to my cooking.

:laugh: Oh my god, dying here! lmao

We keep two separate containers....

iWillGetCrowSomeday

There's a lot of debate around tropical oils - palm and coconut oil, specifically. They are considered saturated fats because they are solid at room temperature. However, most plant based saturated fats are made from medium chain fatty acids (which are easier for your body to use and it uses them more quickly), versus animal sources of saturated fats which are made up of long chain fatty acids (which are harder for your body to use, and get stored as fat). It's dependent too upon the type of fatty acids. About half of the saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, which increases HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol), and increasing HDL will help to decrease LDL ("bad" cholesterol) because HDL is responsible for transporting LDL back to the liver to be broken down and "recycled."

I oil pull, but not for "detoxing" or whatever. I like the way it makes my teeth feel, it seems to help prevent plaque from building up during the day, and coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, so it can improve breath and help prevent dental caries. It also seems to make flossing easier lol.

coreyreichle

Coconut is totally fine, IIFYM.

Of course, eating 2 lbs of it per day probably isn't.

JisatsuHoshi

Butter or coconut oil.... Hmm?? Doesnt matter to me.

Coconut oil in respect is no different from cooking your food with EVOO. Still a healthy fat...

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Great!

CelebrateLife

I've been using coconut oil in all my food preparations I definitely see all the benefits and absolutely love it my tummy is flat I've lost weight my energy levels have increased my cholesterol has lowered the list goes on but all in all it is nutritional
and beneficial -- You need healthy fats to break down stored unhealthy fats.

Coconut fats have special fats called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It has been shown that breaking down these types of healthy fats in the liver leads to efficient burning of energy. Consuming (about 2 tablespoons) of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks you do not gain more weight, but actually had lowered amounts of abdominal fat, a type of fat that is difficult to lose which contributes to heart problems etc.

Here are some benefits of coconut oil;


Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease 
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects 
against heart disease 
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay 
Functions as a protective antioxidant 
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease 
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do 
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation 
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome 
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) 
Reduces epileptic seizures 
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections. 
Dissolves kidney stones 
Helps prevent liver disease 
Is lower in calories than all other fats 
Supports thyroid function 
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate 
It Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats 
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems 
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection 
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis 
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin. Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking 
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots 
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion 
Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun 
Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses 
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases 
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candida, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections 
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites 
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy 
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance 
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids 
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose 
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body 
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis 
Helps relieves symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes 
Reduces problems associated with mal-absorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis 
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth. 
Helps protect against osteoporosis 
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease 
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers 
Improves digestion and bowel function 
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids 
Reduces inflammation 
Supports tissue healing and repair 
Supports and aids immune system function 
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers 

Hope this helps ... If you need more info let me know!

Shirley61

Wow, that is a lot of information and good to know.
Thanks for writing all that. :bigsmile:

I just use coconut milk in my smoothies and coconut oil for our popcorn.
It tastes really yummy!

AmykinsCatfood

The saturated fats in it are good fats. Not all saturated fats are bad. Coconut oil is good for you and I use it for everything from stir-fry's and eggs to conditioning my hair and as lip balm.

ZionArtis

Thanks going to share
CelebrateLife

ced1389

This is SO out of left field but its also really good for your hair and skin!! Just sayin

VorJoshigan

I eat it. It's yummy.

Mitzimum

Coconut oil is fantastic! I add it to hot chocolate (with stevia not sugar) and also use it in cooking. I suffer from eczema a bit and find it really helps that too. Don't worry about it being a saturated fat as it is the good type (as mentioned above). Also trans fats are really the ones you need to watch out for not saturated fat.

babbgirl1975

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

HSokol

People seem to fall into two categories: either saturated fat is good, or it is evil.

The question is, how do you feel when you eat coconut oil? Do you feel better? Are you better able to accomplish your goals? Do you feel energetic, content?

Or do you feel sluggish, yucky, hungry all of the time?

Eat what feels right to you, and don't worry about what other people say.

I wish there was a like button for posts because i couldnt agree with you more.

Mitzimum

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

I was wondering about this too..

Laurenmp16

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

I use it as an oil treatment. Heat up a few tablespoons and put all through my hair, including the scalp. I leave on an hour...two..overnight...however much time I have to not have to go out and look presentable. Then I take a shower and use a mild shampoo. No conditiioner and it leaves my hair super silky. If I do it once a week it seems to keep it from drying out in between. Definitly wayyy to oily to not rinse out in most hair types.

ced1389

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

I was wondering about this too..

Hey ladies, are you washing your hair after? My grandmother is a beautician so I have heard a lot of tips and tricks. Get your hair a tiny bit wet first (either mist with squirt bottle or get a comb wet and just comb through) then massage it in starting directly at the scalp!!! Let it set 20 to 30 minutes (longer if you have time) and then wash your hair. When you apply directly to scalp, massage it all the way down so its not sitting in one place. And don't do it too often, twice a week should be sufficient.

Lovdiamnd

<~~~I put it in my hair

norahwynn

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

You literally just need enough to coat your fingertip...I'd say maybe a 1/16 teaspoon, the only heat you need to apply is by rubbing it between your hands, then apply it to the ends of you hair. Then brush your hair to distribute it through the length of your hair. There will be no oily residue and your hair will look healthier.

Also, it's great to use it for a hot oil treatment. Take a generous amount (depending on your hair length...I used about a tablespoon), and coat your hair (dry, not wet), try to get every strand from root to tip. Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or put on a shower cap and keep it on for 20-30 minutes. Wash, condition and dry you hair as per usual. This makes you hair soft and more manageable with less breakage.

I usually do the hot oil treatment once a week and put the coconut oil on my ends about 2x a week (but my hair is very, very dry).

:flowerforyou:

babbgirl1975

Thanks!

This may be a silly question, but what is the proper way to use these oils on your hair? I have very dry, brittle type hair naturally and I tried the coconut oil. I was told to heat it a bit and rub into hair not getting on the scalp (which is pretty dang near impossible to do). It left my hair so extremely oily & I hated the texture! I've used mayonnaise before & actually love the texture it leaves my hair but ugh so messy! Thanks

I use it as an oil treatment. Heat up a few tablespoons and put all through my hair, including the scalp. I leave on an hour...two..overnight...however much time I have to not have to go out and look presentable. Then I take a shower and use a mild shampoo. No conditiioner and it leaves my hair super silky. If I do it once a week it seems to keep it from drying out in between. Definitly wayyy to oily to not rinse out in most hair types.
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