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Nutrients in Coconut Oil

Coconut oil boasts many health benefits. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil decreases chances of acquiring cancers, slows the process of aging and degeneration, blocks bacteria and virus from infecting the body, regulates diabetes, energizes the body, burns calories, flavors food, moisturizes and restores skin tissue, purifies the liver, promotes healthy metabolism and satiates the body quickly so that the tendency to overeat is reduced.

  1. Nutrients

    • The composition of coconut oil is 92% saturated fat; therefore, the majority of the fatty acids listed are derivatives of either saturated, monosaturated, or polysaturated fats. The fatty acids in coconut oil are comprised of: lauric acid (50 percent), capric acid (7 percent), linoleic acid and oleic acid (6 percent), caproic acid (0.5 percent), caprylic acid (8 percent), myristic acid (18 percent), palmitic acid (7.5 percent), stearic acid (3 percent). Additional nutrients include arachidic acid (negligible), vitamin E, vitamin K, gamma tocopherol and iron.

    Nutrition

    • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that hinders the proliferation of free radicals (carcinogens) during metabolism. Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and healing skin. Iron is a nutrient component found in hemoglobin-rich red blood cells. Iron is essential for growth and menstruation. The saturated fats in coconut oil contain the good HDL (high-density lipid protein) or good cholesterol. Good cholesterol prevents blocked arteries, which ultimately lead to cardiovascular disease.

    Processing

    • Unless you have a coconut tree in your backyard, the only coconut oil supplies are made available by manufacturers, including Indogulf Company, Cibaria International, BioChemical International, Coconut Peat Limited, Liberty Natural Products Inc., Connecticut Coconut Company, Enviro-safe Consulting LLC, Columbus Foods Company, Gateway Food Products Company and Natural Sourcing LLC. Coconut oil comes in two forms: refined and virgin. Many prefer the virgin oil over refined coconut oil because it is less processed. Virgin coconut oil has no added chemicals or high-temperature refining. Moreover, virgin coconut oil is purer and can be stored for longer periods than refined coconut oil.

    Skin Care

    • Coconut oil has nutrients that are beneficial outside of being eaten. For instance, many people in developing countries utilize coconut oil as treatment for getting rid of lice or as hair grease for softer, healthy hair. When bruised or sunburned, coconut oil is an excellent emollient for skin restoration and softening. Many soap and perfume industries use nutrients in coconut oil for their products. Besides the conditioning benefits of coconut oil, the majority of the saturated acids found in coconut milk contain ingredients which emit a pleasant fragrance.

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