Which is more effective and healthier: Olive oil or coconut oil?
While both may have countless benefits, which is the best to use if you’re trying to slim down?
Many people would agree that olive oil is absolutely the healthiest oil out there. But, coconut oil is steadily growing in popularity.
Both kinds of oil contain healthy fats (also known as monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs) which lower total cholesterol levels.
Having less cholesterol reduces a person’s risk for heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke. Furthermore, MUFAs can improve insulin sensitivity—a great benefit for those with type 2 diabetes.
Including any of these two oils into your diet can also help hasten weight loss. But, is one more effective than the other?
Olive oil is packed with five times more “healthy fats”, making it the better option in terms of nutritional benefits.
photo: Pixabay
To find out, we must first look at them closely from a nutritional perspective.
The daily recommended intake of fat is between 33 and 55 grams.
For saturated fat, however, one’s daily intake shouldn’t exceed 16 grams.
Coconut oil contains more saturated fat than Olive oil but, it’s mostly auric acid; this is a type of fat which is easy to burn. Because it increases both good and bad cholesterol, many experts agree that coconut oil should be consumed sparingly.
Olive oil, on the other hand, is packed with five times more “healthy fats”, making it the better option in terms of nutritional benefits.
Next page: Which is more effective in speeding up weight loss?
Incorporating healthy fats into your diet can help you feel fuller, which naturally helps you consume less calories. A MUFA-rich diet has been known to reduce belly fat.
Some studies even claim that coconut oil helps trim down waist size.
Though Olive oil promises more MUFAs, coconut oil has less calories—which could prove more beneficial over time.
photo: Google
While both oils are great for cooking as well as whipping up salad dressings and sauces, olive oil works best for recipes that require higher heat—like, stir-frying or roasting.
As for recipes that involve light sautéing and baking, coconut oil is your best bet.
For vegans, unrefined virgin coconut oil is an excellent substitute for butter; it promises to give baked goods similar taste, and consistency.
But it’s important to know that neither coconut nor olive oil are instant magic fixes for weight loss. Deep frying french fries in coconut oil will not cause you to drop 10 pounds.
Both of these calorie-dense oils should be used in moderation.
READ: 8 Beauty benefits of Argan oil that will make you naturally gorgeous
Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.