A Look At Coconut Oil

 

It’s you’ve heard coconut oil called a ‘superfood,’ you’re not alone. It’s an ingredient that seems to be cropping up everywhere…..From skincare products to haircare products and countless recipes. This ingredient’s got staying power as a popular addition to almost anything. And for good reason! It’s chock full of health benefits you can enjoy whether you consume some or use it topically. Here’s everything you need to know about baking with coconut oil.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Is it a superfood? Does it live up to all the hype? While it’s hard to definite exactly what should be considered a ‘superfood,’ we have to give coconut oil credit. It definitely fits the bill. It’s versatile, it’s nutrient-rich and it can be used both topically and consumed in food. If that’s not a superfood, what is?

Coconut oil comes from the ‘meat’ of the coconut. It can be dried and extracted from coconut kernel, or squeezed from the raw, uncooked coconut. Coconut oil is solid when cool and liquid when heated. Most coconut oil is mild in taste and can be used in recipes to replace the fat source. 

Is Coconut Oil Healthy?

Coconut is exceptionally good for you. It touts countless health benefits and can be used topically, as well. And while it is high in fats, like other baking staples butter and oil, it may offer a healthier alternative because of the specific type of fat in its makeup. 

Coconut Oil Is Jam-Packed With Healthy Fat

Fat is an important part of any diet and coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy fat. It contains shorter fatty acid chains that your body utilizes to give you energy. These are called medium-chain triglycerides, or MCTs. And while that may be a mouthful to say, to put it simply, they’re typically considered to be better-for-you fats. 

Coconut Oil Is Rich In Antioxidants

Coconut oil is an excellent source of antioxidants. And while ‘antioxidants may be a buzzword in the health food industry, they are very real and make a big difference when it comes to immune system health.

Antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause oxidative stress...aka premature aging. And, they help your body detox from all the bad stuff you come into contact with each day. They support the immune system, which is your body’s first defense against disease, so you know they’re beneficial! 

Coconut Oil May Help WIth Weight Loss

While it’s certainly no magic diet pill, no such thing exists, coconut oil has been shown to support weight loss. Because it contains MCTs, the body processes them a little differently than other types of fats. Your body is less likely to convert them into body fat. That said, keep in mind that coconut oil is high in calories, so you should consume it in moderation if you’re looking to lose weight! 

Coconut Oil Benefits Hair & Skin

If you’re looking for luscious locks and glowing skin, consider adding coconut oil to your morning routine. But, you don’t necessarily need to et your coconut oil fix through topical products. It’s beneficial for your hair and skin when you consume it in food too! It supports skin health and can help hair grow strong.

Coconut Oil Is Heart-Healthy

When it comes to heart health, cholesterol is key. And coconut oil supports healthy cholesterol levels. It’s even been shown to help transform harmful cholesterol into healthy cholesterol your body needs, 

Coconut oil can also be beneficial for your blood pressure! It supports healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Now that sounds like a substance you may want to consider adding to your diet! 

Coconut Oil Can Be Good For Digestion

Healthy digestion isn’t a topic most people enjoy discussing, but it’s essential for overall health and wellness. Coconut oil helps with healthy digestion by supporting the good bacteria in your gut. It helps your body kill off any harmful creatures in your GI tract and, in turn, makes way for the good guys. 

How To Use Coconut Oil When Baking 

Coconut oil is so versatile in the kitchen. It can be added to almost any recipe. If the instructions call for liquid fat, simply heat it up a bit. Or, if you need solid fat, leave coconut oil at room temperature before you get baking to ensure it’s solid. Plus, it adds very little flavor, and won’t overpower your baked goods. Yes, it’s made from coconut, but that doesn’t mean it takes tropical! Instead, it’s similar in flavor to any fat you’d add to a recipe. 

Swap out the Fats for Coconut Oil

As mentioned, you can use coconut oil to replace nearly any type of fat in a recipe! It’s great when used to replace butter. Ghee, olive oil, vegetable oil, lar nad any other baking fat you can think of. Plus, the swap is simple. 

But, why would you want to swap out the fat? If the health benefits of using coconut oil aren’t enough reason to convince you, consider also that it’s vegan and an allergy-friendly way to transform any recipe into something that doesn’t include dairy! 

You typically don’t need to do any math it’s just a 1:1 replacement when you’re substituting in coconut oil. But don’t stop at the recipe! You can use coconut oil in place of any and all fat when baking. Use it to line your baking sheets before cooking as well! 

At Fresh From the Heart, we love coconut oil and include it in many of our recipes. Our best-selling classic Chocolate Chip Cookies? Yes! Our low-carb Thin Almond Chip Cookies? But, what about our delicious Sprinkle Cookies Snack Bag? Yes, yes, yes!

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Shop our coconut oil cookie recipes here to taste-test for yourself.