CONCLUSION
Dietary fats are broken down into bioactive molecules, which are stored in our body’s cell membrane. These fat molecules help hormones and enzymes in blood to communicate with each cell and complete the function. Consuming fats in a form that is not possible to metabolise can disturb the body’s chemistry, resulting in metabolic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, stroke and diabetes.
Studies until date have shown that unprocessed oils like coconut oil and olive oil are easily metabolised and better utilised by the body in their virgin forms.
Refined coconut oil is processed and lacks fatty acids in it health-claiming form.
For therapeutic reasons, consuming two teaspoons (10ml) of virgin coconut oil per day as part of a balanced diet is definitely considered safe within limits — less the 7 per cent of calories from saturated fat as per American Health Association Guidelines. Nevertheless, refined coconut oil can be occasionally used for deep cooking methods while enjoying its distinct flavour. Coconut oil, whether processed or in its virgin form, still proves to be a healing and rejuvenation agent for skin and hair care.