Feb
24
Roy J Walker asked:


Coconut oil which has been used extensively in the Indian sub-continent for several centuries is now identified as a super product that can be consumed and applied topically. More and more experts are taking efforts to explain the health benefits of coconut oil. Unlike other food products, saturated fats in coconut oil prevent various diseases and promote good health of essential organs in the body.

Because of this reason, many people are interested in buying coconut oil. In the market, you can find several coconut oil products and some of them contain virgin label on them. You need to know he difference between ordinary coconut oil and virgin oil so that you buy the best product.

Normally, coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut meat which is called copra. This copra is obtained by drying fresh meat under sun or any other process. Drying process may catch harmful bacteria and fungi. Extraction of oil from the copra results in an impure coconut oil that cannot be used without refining. The refining process involves applying heat and other processes to the extracted coconut oil. After this process, you will get ordinary coconut oil with a bland taste and smell.

Virgin coconut oil is obtained from fresh coconut meat. The fresh meat is not dried using any method. In one method of extraction, oil is extracted from coconut milk in a natural way. Other methods quick dry fresh coconut meat and extract oil from it quickly. Sometimes, the oil may be heated to a very low temperature to remove all moisture. Virgin and organic coconut oil are obtained from fresh coconuts that are produced organically without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

Virgin and organic coconut oil contains fresh coconut taste and smell. The extracted oil need not be refined as the oil will be as clear as water naturally.

To get best health benefits, you have to buy virgin and organic coconut oil. All vitamins, minerals and other essential acids in coconut are maintained only when oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat. Ordinary coconut oil contains chemicals and other impurities that are passed on to the product during refining process. Unlike olive oil, there is no industry standard to qualify virgin coconut oil. Some companies even add extra virgin label which means nothing more.

When it comes to composition, ordinary coconut oil and virgin and organic coconut oil contain same components, but virgin oil contains something more and fresh.

When you buy virgin and organic coconut oil, you cannot expect any standard to define the oil quality. Though virgin oil should be very clear like water, most of the products will have some coloration due to the actual process used in the extraction of oil. To stay away from scams, buy products that are produced in the tropical areas in the world where fresh coconut is readily available. If the oil tastes and smells like fresh coconut, you can ensure that the virgin and organic coconut oil is real.



DALTON
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Roy J Walker asked:


Coconut oil has great healing power and health benefits. Many experts have approved the use of coconut oil for treating various ailments. By taking a few table spoons of coconut oil everyday, you can get all the health advantages of coconut oil. Many companies sell virgin and extra virgin coconut oil apart from ordinary coconut oil. Though these oils have no significant difference in terms of composition, buying virgin coconut oil is always better because you get all healthy nutrients only in virgin oils.

There is no standard in case of coconut oil products, so nothing more can be expected from extra virgin oil. When you buy coconut oil products, make sure that it is virgin and organic.

For skin care and hair care, several coconut oil products can be found on the internet. For several years, coconut oil in its natural form has been used in the Indian sub continent to maintain healthy and nourishing looks. Now, you can find the benefits of coconut oil in the coconut oil products. Science and nature when combined together can give you great benefits.

So, modern day coconut oil products may help you greatly if you choose the right products. For hair care, many products including shampoos and hair oils can be found containing coconut. Skin care creams and soaps contain coconut oil to give a soft glowing skin.

Among the several coconut oil products, weight loss products are particularly more popular. Modern claims state that fats in coconut oil are converted directly into energy and they are not stored as fats. This ensures that you get enormous energy from coconut oil and you won’t accumulate more fat.

When you are energetic, your metabolism works much faster providing you more opportunities to burn fat faster. The legitimacy of coconut oil products greatly depend on the manufacturers. Even though coconut oil products can be used for weight loss, you should not trust everything found on the internet.

Finding the right coconut oil products has always been difficult with so many manufacturers in the market. Some manufacturers even sell ordinary coconut oil with virgin label. In the case of olive oil, there are certain standards that have to be followed for using virgin label. But for coconut oil, there are no standards and hence, consumers are unable to differentiate good products from bad ones. Generally, coconut is available readily in tropical areas and buying coconut oil products from tropical countries can be far more beneficial.

There is no need to preserve and protect coconut oil products because coconut oil has greater shelf life naturally. When you buy good quality products, you can keep the oil under room temperature for several months. Some virgin coconut oil products can be kept for even one year.

When the smell and taste of coconut oil products are similar real fresh coconut, then you can certainly believe that the product is virgin. Ordinary coconut oil products will have a bland taste and smell as the refining process removes natural smell and flavor.



CASEY
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Erin Elster asked:


Anyone who has travelled to the Mediterranean can tell you about the wonderful, healthy food in that region. Much of the health benefits and flavor are due to the generous use of olive oil on salads, pasta, vegetables, fish, and almost anything else. Researchers are learning that people who consume olive oil regularly - especially in place of unhealthy fats such as animal fats, hydrogenated oils, and vegetable oils like corn oil - have much lower rates of heart disease, athersclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and asthma.

Olive oil is made from the crushing and then the subsequent pressing of olives. It is a natural juice that preserves the taste, aroma, and nutrients of the olive fruit. Extra virgin olive oil - derived from the first pressing of the olives - has the most delicate flavor and the most health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

1. It protects against heart disease. Studies show that two tablespoons of olive oil per day decreases total- and LDL cholesterol. It decreases atherosclerosis and protects the lining of our blood vessels, thus preventing high blood pressure.

2. It protects against ****** cancer. Oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, has been shown to reduce the expression of certain oncogenes related to aggressive ****** cancer tumor growth.

3. It reduces abdominal fat and insulin resistance. Diets high in olive oil, as compared to those high in saturated fat, prevent belly fat accumulation and insulin resistance, which are associated with type 2 diabetes.

4. It decreases rates of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are used to decrease inflammation in the body, thereby reducing inflammation involved with asthma and arthritis.

5. It decreases osteoporosis. Polyphenols in olive oil greatly decrease the inflammation-mediated bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

6. It has anti-oxidant properties. Polyphenols in olive oil protect DNA from free radical damage.

7. It protects against colon cancer. The olive oil polyphenols protect the lining of the colon, blocking the carcinogenesis pathway.

Practical Tips

* To get the most health benefits and flavor from your olive oil, add olive oil to foods immediately after cooking.

* Instead of serving butter, fill a small bowl with olive oil and use as flavoring for your whole grain bread.

* Along with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, rely on olive oil as your first choice for dressing salads.

* Drizzle olive oil over steamed vegetables, soups, grains, beans, and potatoes to enhance the flavor of your food.

* Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your morning eggs.

Purchasing and Storing Your Olive Oil

Because olive oil can become rancid when exposed to air, light and heat, there are some important guidelines to follow when purchasing and storing your olive oil. Look for olive oils that are sold in dark, tinted bottles since the packaging will protect the oil from oxidation caused by light exposure. Make sure the oil is displayed in a cool area away from any light or heat sources. Instead of choosing the bottle in the front of the store’s display, choose the bottle in the back that has been protected from light exposure. At home, store your oil in a dark, cool place, such as a cabinet or pantry, instead of leaving it on the kitchen counter or table, which will lessen the oil’s health benefits. Keep your olive oil bottle tightly sealed. Be sure to buy only cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil for the best health benefits.

Make a positive choice for your health by incorporating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil. Especially when replacing unhealthy fat sources, olive oil will help you to live longer by decreasing the risk of many diseases. To enjoy the taste, aroma, and nutrients of the Mediterranean, grab yourself a bottle of cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil today!



CHRISTIAN
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Roy J Walker asked:


If you have not used coconut oil so far in your diet, start using coconut oil as a cooking oil. Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oil in the world which has several health benefits. The same virgin and coconut oil can be consumed orally and you can also apply the oil topically. By massaging coconut oil, you can get healthy hair and skin. You can also heal wounds and bruises with the help of coconut oil.

By taking coconut oil orally, you can lose fat, become more energetic, and improve your overall immunity. Coconut oil secrets which were known only to people in the Indian subcontinent are now exposed to the whole world.

For everyone, coconut oil is a healthy diet addition. The acids in coconut oil maintain appropriate blood glucose levels. Those people who are diabetic can consume coconut oil orally to control their problem. Moreover, coconut oil maintains blood pressure. High blood pressure patients can also take coconut oil to maintain good health. Lauric acid in coconut oil promotes heart health. Saturated fats in coconut oil help lower bad cholesterol in the body.

If you are thinking that coconut oil is not good for your cholesterol problems, change your mind and start taking coconut oil. You can use coconut oil as cooking oil and use it in salads and other recipes. However, coconut oil is not suitable for deep frying because the oil has high smoking point.

Virgin and organic coconut oil has longer shelf life. You can preserve the oil in room temperature and there is no need to refrigerate the oil. If you want to lose weight, include coconut oil in your diet. Coconut oil increases your metabolism and helps you burn more fat. The components of coconut oil are converted into energy and it is not stored as fat. Bodybuilders and athletes use coconut oil because the oil gives them instant energy. By including coconut oil in your daily diet, you can feel more energetic. Coconut oil also improves your libido and immune power.

This oil has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help prevent infections. Regular intake of coconut oil improves digestion process and this can cure various ailments related to stomach, kidney, liver and bowels.

Women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome can have great relief by including coconut oil. Further, coconut oil aids absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. The oil strengthens bones and teeth. Women who are susceptible to osteoporosis can prevent the problem completely by taking coconut oil regularly for a few years. You can eat about 3 tablespoons of coconut oil to get health benefits. As the oil does not become rancid soon, you can keep the oil for several months in room temperature without worrying about preserving the oil.

Coconut oil can be applied topically on wounds and bruises and can be used as a home remedy for wounds. By applying coconut oil regularly on your skin, you can get a glowing skin that has no wrinkles. Further, coconut oil can be applied on hair to prevent hair fall and dandruff problems.



CORDELL
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Roy J Walker asked:


Coconut oil is a gift from nature that has many health benefits. For years in India, coconut oil has been used extensively for skin care and hair care. Moreover, many south Indian recipes include coconut oil for cooking. After several years of research, it has been identified that coconut oil aids weight loss and improves immunity. Further, stress relief is also provided by coconut oil.

The coconut oil maintains cholesterol levels and provides relief from heart diseases. Various diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer and much more can be controlled with regular use of coconut oil in diet.

The components of coconut oil are easily absorbed by the body and these components fight against virus and bacteria. The acids in coconut oil such as lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid have antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. These properties make coconut oil useful for healing wounds and other external problems. Coconut oil has 90% of saturated fats, but these fats do not increase bad cholesterol levels in the body. The remaining percentage is made up of unsaturated fatty acids which are also good for health.

Coconut oil provides natural nourishment to hair. It is generally applied topically on hair. By applying coconut oil regularly on hair, you can get a shiny complexion. Further, damages in hair are also naturally cured by coconut oil. Many people have found coconut oil to be excellent for stress relief. A smooth and gentle massage on head after application of coconut oil relieves stress and cools the body. Massaging coconut oil on skin provides excellent benefits.

For a smooth and wrinkle-free skin, apply some coconut oil and massage for a few minutes everyday. It repairs chopped skin and moisturizes the skin. Many body care and skin care products contain coconut oil in some form.

The antioxidant properties of coconut oil prevent premature aging. Degenerative diseases are avoided by regular intake of coconut oil in the diet. Many people think that coconut oil is bad for heart because of the presence of large amounts of saturated fats. These fats present in coconut oil contain lauric acid which is beneficial for heart. Also, the saturated fats do not increase LDL cholesterol levels and hence, they are edible.

Coconut oil aids digestion problem and prevents stomach problems. Moreover, health of vital organs such as kidney and liver is improved by the acids in coconut oil. In the tropical areas in the Indian sub continent, coconut oil is widely used in several recipes.

To improve immune system naturally, you can use coconut oil as cooking oil. The antimicrobial properties of the oil fight against internal infections and promote immunity. When coconut oil is topically applied on infections and wounds, you can quickly recover from the infection. Bruises are healed and repaired quickly with the application of coconut oil.

The antifungal property of coconut oil stops infection from spreading. Yeast infections can also be cured effectively with the application of coconut oil. Doctors suggest women who are more prone to osteoporosis to include coconut oil in the diet as it helps strengthening the bones.



FRANCIS
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Dec
25
Filed Under (Nutrition) by oil
oil
Janne Clarke asked:


There are various ways of consuming food. We have conventional methods of cooking our food item like baking, steaming, frying, boiling, toasting, roasting and stewing. Among them, cooking with edible oil is quite a popular one. Edible oil comes in myriad varieties and tastes. Each of them has specific flavors which make certain food items like meat and vegetables all the more palatable. However, not all cooking oils are good for your health. In fact, the saturated fat content of particular oils is known to have adverse effects on the heart. But that does not mean you have to give up your oil-based recipes as healthy oils are also available.

There is no one way of defining healthy oils. However, most health experts agree that those oils which are low in saturated fat and high in monosaturated fat are healthier than others. Examples include olive oil, almond oil, canola oil, whipped margarine and rice bran oil.

Olive oil and canola oil are considered the best among healthy oils. Olive oil helps in lowering cholesterol level and reducing the risk of cancer. It also contains antioxidants and has a long shelf life. Canola oil is recommended by health experts as it contains the best fatty acid composition among all edible oils. It also has a mild flavor which does not affect the taste of the main ingredients.

Now, healthy oils are most advantageous when your application of them is appropriate. For instance, canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil are more suitable for deep frying as they have a high smoke point. Oils low in saturated fat like olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil are also more feasible for stir-frying and salad dressing.

Edible oils are responsible for a large chunk of the world’s most delicious cuisines and as such, your kitchen cannot obviously do without them. Healthy oils therefore help you enjoy many dishes without causing havoc on your health. You can shop for them online and avail low prices and home deliveries. You can thus easily buy the best cooking oils for your meals. However, make it a point to use them sparingly.



CALVIN
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oil
Laura Ng asked:


Why do we use olive oil ?

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), which, unlike saturated fats, do not adversely affect blood cholestrol levels and may even help to lower them slightly. For those suffering from constipation, take more olive oil often as it helps to lubricate the intestines and eliminate waste from our bodies, thereby curing your constipation.

Olive oil also provide natural antioxidants (called polyphenols) which help to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Why are there so many kinds of olive oil ?

The flavor of olive oil varies, depending on the source, the variety of olive, the soil conditions, weather, etc. Some of the primarily source comes from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey Portugal, Tunisia, Morocco, and California. Some olive oils is from a single variety of oils, others, like most Italian oils, are blends of oils from different types of olives and different countries.

What is the difference among “Virgin”, “Extra virgin”, “Fine” and “refined” olive oil?

Oil extracted from the first pressing of ripe olives is classified as virgin. Extra virgin simply means an oil from the first pressing that is particularly low in acid - less than 1%. Virgin olive oil may have as much as 4% acid. Fino or fine olive oil is a blend of extra virgin and virgin olive oils, with an acid content not above 3%.

After the first pressing, more oil is extracted in subsequent operations using a combination of pressure, heat, and chemical solvents. These refined oils may be blended with virgin oil to replace some of the flavor lost in the processing, and are sold as pure olive oil or just olive oil.

In some countries, you may also stumble upon light olive oil, which is not lower in calories, but which has been so finely filtered as to remove most of its color and fragrance (and flavor). It has a higher smoke point than the other types of olive oil, though, so it is well suited to high-temperature frying

For the best qualities, we should go for the “Virgin” or “Extra virgin” olive oil because they have a fruity and rich flavour, wouldn’t turn rancid so fast and are more easily digestible than refined oil.

For nutritional values, they are the same. However, lower acidity oils, such as extra virgin, tend to have more antioxidants.

Where is olive oil used?

Compared with other vegetable oils, only olive oil has enough flavour to replace butter and margarine for a healthier choice. Because of its pure state, extra virgin oil is often used as a dressing in salads or as a dip for breads.

Refined or light olive oil is suitable for deep frying. It may seem pricey to use it to fry food but the fact that such oil is four to five times more heat resistant than vegetable oil would mean you can reuse it to fry foods many more times before the oil begins to break down.

Will olive oil loses its nutritional value when heated ?

Olive oil, when heated at high temperature, will cause its alcohols and esters to evaporate. The esters are what make up the olive oil delicate taste and fragrance. So heat will only change the flavor of olive oil but not its nutritional contents. We recommend you use a cheaper olive oil like refined/light oil for frying and then add a more flavorful olive oil after cooking.

Will cooking in olive oil reduces the nutritional value of the food when heated ?

Heating food will break down its nutritional value. High heat such as frying is worse than moderate heat such as steaming, which is worse than eating vegetables raw. It is not the cooking oil per se, but the high heat of frying.

Most nutritionists recommend lightly steaming vegetables or eating them raw. A touch of a flavorsome olive oil added at the table will add taste and healthful anti-oxidants. This is what “Mediterranean diet” is about, which has been shown to help prevent coronary disease and have other health benefits.

How to store Olive oil ?

Keep away from heat, ie the stove, to prevent ageing of the oil. Better to keep a large container in a dark, cool cupboard and pour a small amount into a dispenser for everyday use. The container can be made of plastic, stainless or tinted glass.

Alternatively, you can store oil in the refrigerator or freezer, which will greatly extend its shelf life. Do not worry about the crystallized waxes in the oil when chilled. All you have to do is to warm the oil back to room temperature to re-liquefy it.

Find out how to keep your health in tip-top condition at http://www.ionehealth.com



DENVER
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