Coconut oil is rich, hazelnut and slightly sweet and, although rich in saturated fats, it can be healthy in moderation. It is mainly used as a cooking oil or as a substitute for a range of ingredients in cooking with low heating.
If you are not yet on board Express coconut oil – or if you are looking for new ways to appreciate it – read the rest to know why cook with it.
How coconut oil is made
There are two types of coconut oil: unrefined and refined.
Unrefined coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil is made by urgent coconut meat. This means the fruit of coconut – also known as Nuts, seeds or drupe If you really want to be technical – is never subject to heat. Therefore, the oil retains more flavor and nutrients from coconut.
Refined coconut oil
Refined coconut oil comes from Treatment of dried coconut meat (called Copra) and is often bleached and deodorized. This eliminates impurities but also eliminates a large part of the flavor of coconut, aroma and nutritional advantages.
Certain refined coconut oils are also hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen molecules to its unsaturated links. This changes the structure of fatty acid to increase its melting and smoke point, which makes it more solid at room temperature. However, it also turns unsaturated fats (healthy fats) in saturated fat (less healthy fats).
How Coconut Oil could help you lose weight
We have already mentioned how coconut oil can Help people lose weight And help maintain healthy weight. But how is a fat – in particular a higher in saturated fat than other fats like butter – can it do this? The short answer: not all fats are created.
According to Kris Gunnars, BSC, “unrefined coconut oil is rich in very healthy fatty acids called medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which have many advantages for your body and brain.”
Although research is thin, some studies suggest that MCT can reduce abdominal fats and Increase HDL cholesterolalias “good” cholesterol.
“MCT oils Increase energy expenditure Since they must be used by the body and cannot be stored, ”explains Dr. Heli J. Roy, RD, auxiliary professor at the University of Connecticut.
How to cook with coconut oil
It is important to note that unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly lower than that of extra virgin olive oil, which can vary from 400 degrees to 350 degrees (depending on its quality ).
If you cook your food in a healthy way (that is to say that you do not fme it), it should generally not be a problem. That said, if you notice that your coconut oil smokes uncontrollable – or if it becomes dark or black gray – it’s a good idea to throw it away and start again.
If you use the containers of Fix Fix Portion diets, 1 tsp. Extra virgin coconut oil is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of oils and nuts.
10 ways to use coconut oil
If you want to incorporate coconut oil into your kitchen, use these advice for inspiration.
1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat one to two teaspoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or sauté. Add the vegetables (avoid overloading the pan) and cook until tender.
2. Pois with a pan
Heat a teaspoon of coconut oil per medium-high heat. Place the fish fillet inside the pan and season as you wish. Return gently after a few minutes (the cooking time differs for the type and size of the fish), season the other side and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Rouier the eggs
Heat a teaspoon of coconut oil in a low -medium fuel pan. Pour the whipped eggs into the pan and cook for about 30 seconds. Use a rubber spatula to gently move the eggs on one side of the pan to the other. Cook at your favorite cooking.
4. Arranging on the baked potatoes
Cook the potatoes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 55 to 60 minutes. Drizzle a teaspoon of coconut oil based on potatoes. You can flavor oil with herbs and spices or with cinnamon and maple syrup for baked potatoes.
5. Grease kitchen utensils and cooking utensils
Use coconut oil founded to coat a mold or waffle iron.
6. Soups and stew of flavors
Many Thai soups are already calling for coconut oil, but you can add this flavor booster to almost any soup for more wealth.
7. Make dressings and marinades
Mix the coconut oil with your herbs, fruit juice, spices, vinegars or favorite natural sweeteners and whisk until combined. Stay with small lots because a coconut oil vinaigrette will solidify at lower temperatures.
8. Popcorn pop
Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add one to two teaspoons of coconut oil. Once the oil has melted, put a few tester grains in the pan. Once these grains have broken out, add half a cup of popcorn and cover grains.
Once they start to break out, slowly shake the pan from front to back to prevent the popcorn from burning. Remove the pan from the heat when the jump slows down a pop every second, let cool and enjoy it.
9. Add to the smoothies
Slowly pour coconut oil with a mixer with your fruits, vegetables, nuts, favorite seeds, and your favorites Shakeology (You can also add a ball of massive coconut oil if your mixer is powerful enough). Coconut oil thickens smoothies with frozen ingredients when it takes place.
10. Replace butter in pastries
Coconut oil is a large substitute based on plants for common cooking fats such as butter, shortling, margarine and vegetable oil. It is common to replace with a 1: 1 ratio, but you can use a little less if the coconut flavor is too pronounced to your taste.
Tips on storage and purchase of coconut oil
Ready to dive into the advantages of coconut oil? Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Choose unrefined coconut oil
Virgin and unrefined coconut oil will help you harvest the above -mentioned advantages more.
Buy in bulk
To save a little dough, buy your coconut oil in bulk. Coconut oil has a shelf life of about two years. If your favorite brand is on sale, collect a few pots at a time. If you are a member of a warehouse club, invest in a bulk pot, which can reduce the cost by half compared to the average grocery store.
Remember that coconut oil is pure / grease oil, so be sure to use it sparingly.
Log from sunlight and heat
Coconut oil melts at around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is solid below this temperature and liquid above. It is normal to store like a liquid or a solid in your pantry, and it does not need to be refrigerated. But store coconut oil in a fresh place in direct sunlight (that is, not just above or next to your stove).