| Coconut Oil |
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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Coconut oil is rich in Lauric Acid , a medium chain saturated Fatty Acid . Virgin coconut oil melts at 20-25°C. It is among the most stable of all Vegetable Oil s, has a high Smoke Point - higher than Butter - and is resistant to light oxidation and rancidity. HEALTH EFFECTS Coconut oil is considered by some to be a very healthy oil. Consumption of virgin coconut oil (unhydrogenated) is claimed to cause increased metabolism and an improved immune system, compared to diets rich in other polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as Sunflower or Canola Oil s. Coconut oil is high in Saturated Fat , which is commonly held to promote cardiovascular and Heart Disease as well as Diabetes . However, populations consuming large quantities of coconut oil, eg Sri Lanka , Kerala and the Philippines , have far lower rates of heart disease than Westerners eating polyunsaturated oils. Like other oils, when (partially) hydrogenated it forms Trans Fat s, which have been associated with heart disease. Coconut Oil is made up of Medium Chain Fatty Acids, like those found in Breast Milk , making them very different to other fats which are predominately Long Chain Fatty Acids. OTHER USES Coconut oil has also been tested for use as a Biodiesel Engine fuel, though the high melting point makes its use difficult. In India, coconut oil is used as an oil for styling hair. It is also excellent as a skin moisturizer. A study shows that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer, with absence of adverse reactions. {Link without Title} Some people have reported improvements in skin conditions such as Eczema when using coconut oil. EXTERNAL LINKS
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