How to Use Coconut Oil in Cooking for Health

Coconut oil, a tropical alternative to butter and vegetable oils, may carry significant health benefits. According to biochemist and nutritional doctor Mary G. Enig, a component in coconut oil helps boost the immune system by producing a disease-fighting substance called lauric acid. Meanwhile, coconut oil's high saturated fat content has caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and some dietitians to caution against consuming the ingredient. The choice is yours, as long as you know the facts about coconut oil and how to cook with it.


Instructions

1. Substitute unprocessed, virgin coconut oil for vegetable oils such as canola or olive oil while frying foods such as taco shells or fried meats by adding 3 to 4 tbsp. of coconut oil to a frying pan. Allow the oil to melt completely before frying.

2. Add 1 tbsp. of coconut oil to help flavor South Asian curry dishes or Caribbean recipes while the dishes are simmering on the stove.

3. Grease a pan to be used for baking with coconut oil instead of butter or margarine, to add a subtle coconut flavor to your baked treats.

4. Mix in 1 tsp. of coconut oil with your hot oatmeal for breakfast to add a subtly sweet taste without using sugar, or add the coconut oil to oatmeal pancake mix. The oil holds the oatmeal together, as well as adding flavor.

5. Pop popcorn kernels using coconut oil, for a sweet spin on the snack. Place 1 tbsp. in a pot or kettle, add the kernels, cover and cook over high heat to pop.