7 Benefits of Coconut Oil | From Heart Health To Less Stress

Did you know that coconut oil is a healthy fat with a lot to offer? This post will explore seven benefits of coconut oil and why you should use it more often! You'll also get tasty recipe suggestions.

Woohoo! It's Healthy Tip of the Week time again.

Today, I'd like to talk to you about an ingredient I use nearly every day in my kitchen. And that's...coconut oil! It's one of my choice oils for enjoying a clean lifestyle. 

You can use it to fry, bake, sauté, grease baking dishes, even harden (just like I did in my dark chocolate peanut butter cups).

There's been a lot of buzz and controversy on coconut oil. Yes, it is indeed a saturated fat – BUT it doesn't work the same way in our bodies as other types of saturated fats.

Coconut oil helps increase our metabolism, improve our cholesterol, and boost brain function, among many other benefits. Ready to learn more about its many virtues? Keep reading!

Why Is Coconut Oil So Popular?

In recent years, coconut oil has grown in popularity and is widely marketed as a healthy ingredient. Specific diets like paleo, clean-eating, and weight loss programs have taken to VCO (virgin coconut oil) as part of their staple fats and fave oils.

From bulletproof coffee, meal prep to protein balls--the health and wellness industry has put it back on the map! Or shall I say grocery list…

Coconut oil is particularly popular across the US as cooking oil, shortening, a beauty product, antimicrobial agent, etc.

What Are The best Ways To Eat Coconut Oil?

You can use coconut oil in place of butter for frying. Or you can use it as shortening in most (if not all) of your baking.

Remember, though, coconut oil will solidify if added to cold ingredients (i.e., eggs and milk) so it’s best to make sure all elements in the recipe are at room temperature before you add it.

Here are some recipes and ways you can enjoy the benefits of coconut oil:

• Replacement for butter when making stovetop popcorn 
• Substitute for butter in no-bake recipes
• Use it for baking cakes 
• As a greasing ingredient in baking or to grease your pan 
• Drizzle it over food to add a boost of nutrients
• Add it as a thickener 
• Use it as filling in baking

Can I Eat Coconut Oil Everyday?

You can use coconut oil every day in moderation. Remember, the kind and amount of coconut oil you use is crucial as well. To enjoy the health benefits of coconut oil, you need to use organic virgin coconut oil – NOT refined stuff.

BUT, if you don’t like the taste of coconut, you can use expeller-pressed coconut oil instead. 

Is Eating A Spoonful Of Coconut Oil Good For You?

Using coconut oil in moderation has its health benefits but be careful to limit your intake daily.

Coconut oil, when consumed in higher quantities, is rich in calories (so stick to no more than the recommended two tablespoons (tbsp) per day). Some studies have shown this is a good amount such that you can maximize its benefits without having too much that it becomes unhealthy. 

According to the USDA, every teaspoon of coconut oil includes: 

Calories	40
Fat	4.5g
Sodium	0mg
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Protein	0g

What Are The Benefits Of Coconut Oil?

When it comes to health goals, coconut oil makes a difference. Here is a closer look at seven wonderful benefits...

1. Increased Metabolism 

While coconut oil is a saturated fat – it’s relatively high in medium-chain fats. These medium-chain fats may help boost your metabolism more than long-chain fats found in food such as butter. So replacing your usual fats with coconut oil could be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.

2. Good Cholesterol

Early studies have found that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a compound in coconut oil, may help increase your good cholesterol levels or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Like I said, a healthier fat!

3. Coconut Oil Reduces Stress

“The more, the merrier” might be the case with VCO. Research has shown that it can help reduce stress and is beneficial in treating certain kinds of depression. How can you not love it already??? Click here to learn more about foods that reduce stress.

4. Moisturized Skin

Eating clean is one of the best ways to maintain your healthy glow. VCO improves skin moisture and helps to relieve symptoms of rash. Other studies suggest it has antimicrobial properties when topically applied.

5. Improved Hair Health

I used to keep a dozen coconut hair products in our bathroom, ask Dustin! It's known for hair growth and scalp health, and I was keen to try. With favorable results, I might add! The vitamins and fatty acids found in VCO can help nourish your scalp (and absorbs better than mineral oils). 

6. Coconut Oil Boosts Heart Health

Studies show that coconut oil can help increase good cholesterol in your blood which, in the long run, can help reduce heart disease risk!

7. Reduced Hunger Pains

Coconut oil contains compounds called MCTs, which are known to reduce hunger. When broken down, MCTs convert to ketones which can lower your appetite. If you’re looking to keep your calorie count in moderation, this could help a bunch. 

More Recipes With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil will always be a superfood you can find in my kitchen. Now that you know why and how to use it, grab yourself a bottle of organic virgin coconut oil and try it out in the following recipes!

• Parmesan & sea salt popcorn 
• Dark chocolate covered coconut bites
• Strawberry shortcakes
• Apple cinnamon oat bran pancakes
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Dark chocolate peanut butter cups
• Mini no-bake cheesecakes
• Healthy banana chocolate chip muffins
• Healthy carrot cake recipe

This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.