In our daily cooking, we often rely on olive oil or coconut oil, and both have great health benefits, but which one is better for cooking?
In a report published by the American New York Times (NYtimes), writer Sophie Egan says that in terms of health effects, it is preferable to cook with olive oil, as a tablespoon of coconut oil contains about 6 times the amount of saturated fat found in a tablespoon of olive oil, which is what It is close to the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 13 grams.
Eating large amounts of saturated fat is associated with increased levels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Olive oil, a major component of the Mediterranean diet, contains beneficial monounsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats.
"Olive oil is a better option (compared to coconut oil), as monounsaturated fats have a good effect on the heart when eaten in moderation and when eaten instead of saturated and trans fats in your diet," says Anissa Shumbley, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.
Earlier this year, the organization issued a guide that included directing consumers to replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats to prevent heart disease, with the need to adhere to a healthy eating pattern in general.
Some research has shown that the main type of saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, lauric acid, causes an increase in HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, but this does not negate that it raises levels of bad cholesterol.
However, coconut oil may be a better option than some other sources of saturated fat.
A recent study in this regard found that lauric acid does not increase the risk of heart disease like other types of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid.
Supporters of the use of coconut oil point out that it is rich in phytochemicals that have healthy antioxidant properties, and virgin coconut oil - such as virgin olive oil - contains phytochemicals, and most of the coconut oil on the market is refined, so it provides Little antioxidant, according to Harvard Medical School associate professor of medicine Dr. Chi Sun.
But even if the coconut oil you're using is virgin, "the effects of saturated fats knock out any beneficial effects of the antioxidants," he says.
In conclusion, the writer says that coconut oil is not the best solution for healthy cooking as some claim, but there is no need to avoid it completely, especially if it is used instead of butter or ghee, or to flavor some meals such as curry. But overall, olive oil remains the best choice for healthy cooking.