Leading health food supplier, Grape Tree, echoes advise from health experts that we should be cooking with coconut oil instead of olive oil. This is partly because heat, along with light and oxygen, can actually destroy the beneficial fats in some oils - such as those containing polyunsaturated, like olive oil.However, coconut oil, being mainly a saturated fat, is able to withstand higher temperatures than other oils, making it one of the best for cooking - particularly at high temperatures. The super food also has a number of other health benefits: not only does it raise HDL levels (a healthy type of cholesterol) but it also contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are used to energize the body.
Coconut oil can also be an efficient weight-loss aid as it works to satiate our appetites after a meal. This prevents overeating and allows us to properly recognise when our bodies feel full.
But is all this simply too good to be true? And, given its many reported benefits, why aren’t we all replacing our olive oil for this super-healthy alternative?
“Some people are reluctant to cook with coconut oil because they think it will impact the flavour of the dish they’re cooking, or else they don’t enjoy the taste of coconut,” says Nick Shutts, Managing Director of leading UK health food store, Grape Tree. “But much like olive oil, it loses any strong flavour in the cooking process and is actually an incredibly neutral ingredient that can be used in sweet and savoury dishes alike.”
A recent survey indicated that many people considered coconut oil in its original form to be too expensive, whereas others were put off by the fact that the oil came in a solid form.
“Below 24°C, the oil solidifies, but above this temperature it will turn to liquid,” continues Shutts. “This is a natural characteristic of coconut oil due to its fatty acid profile and does not affect the quality or integrity of the product. It is safe and healthy to use in either state, however it is incredibly easy to melt for cooking purposes - all you need to do is stand the bottle or jar in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.”
“As for the price tag - it may be a little more expensive than your average supermarket olive oil, but it is a far superior product. Plus, a little goes a long way with coconut oil. Our raw virgin coconut oil is certified organic, non-GM and chemical free, so it is certainly the better alternative for your body. And you can’t put a price on health.”
For more information about Grape Tree’s raw organic coconut oil, visit the company’s website.
About Us: Launched by the business partners behind popular food store, Julian Graves, Grape Tree is now one of the UK’s leading health food shops. With over 78 retail stores all over the country and a popular online site, Grape Tree is proving to be a top seller to health-conscious customers. The company sells a variety of health foods such as nuts, seeds, dried and crystallised fruit, snacks, confectionery, baking ingredients and nutritional supplements. Grape Tree also offers their customers free delivery on all orders over £35, so it is now possible for health food-lovers to get their favourite products delivered straight to their door.