How much vegetable oil should you consume per day? Between five and seven teaspoons.
Not only do they enhance the flavor of food, but they’re also packed with nutrients. Take corn oil, for example, it contains heart-healthy compounds such as linoleic acid, which can lower your risk of heart disease.
What about coconut oil and olive oil? Do they have any health benefits? Which one should you use?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about coconut oil vs olive oil below!
The Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of mature coconuts (read more here). There are two main types: refined and unrefined. Refined oils are made by crushing and pressing dried coconuts while unrefined oils are made from fresh coconut kernels.
While the former is more tolerant to high temperatures, it has no distinct coconut taste or aroma due to the processing involved. Unrefined coconut oil, on the other hand, has a strong coconut flavor.
Despite being a type of saturated fat, it’s rich in medium-chain triglycerides, which can help reduce the metabolic load on the liver. Not only that but consuming coconut oil can also improve levels of HDL (good cholesterol).
The Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is the natural oil that’s extracted from olives; it’s made by pressing fresh olives into a paste and separating the liquid from the pulp.
Similar to coconut oil, it falls into two distinct categories: refined (e.g. light olive oil) and unrefined (e.g. extra-virgin olive oil), the former having a neutral taste.
Not only is it rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce blood pressure, but it’s also associated with a lower risk of diabetes, depression, and some types of cancer. On top of that, it’s been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Plus, it contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil: Which Is the Healthiest Type of Oil?
While coconut oil does offer some health benefits, olive oil is the better choice for cooking. For one thing, there’s more scientific evidence to support its benefits.
It also has a higher smoke point (the temperature at which an oil undergoes chemical changes) of 410°F, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking. For example, you can use it for deep-frying.
Cooking with coconut oil is also possible, however, it has a lower smoke point, which makes it more appropriate for lower-heat cooking.
Understanding the Differences Between Coconut Oil and Olive Oil
And there you have it—a guide on the differences between coconut oil vs olive oil. While they both have potential health benefits, the latter is the clear winner if you’re looking for cooking oil.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll be happy to know that we have more articles like this in our health section. Check it out today!