People swear up and down that coconut oil is the greatest thing since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Fights will get started over the oily sheen it provides your skin and how it’s such a good alternative to lotion or cocoa butter. Coconut oil is pretty awesome, no doubt. I mean, you can cook with it, use it as an antioxidant and it helps promote weight loss. However, despite what you may have heard coconut oil isn’t completely healthy. A recent article put everyone’s favorite oil on blast. Here's a few ways coconut oil isn't so good for you, and some healthier alternatives.
READ: 7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Coconut Oil On Your Hair
Raises Cholesterol
Coconut oil contains healthy fats that lower your cholesterol. The enzymes inside of virgin coconut oil help break down lipids (fats) and increases production of bile (fluid that breaks down food) which helps to remove fats from your body. Although coconut oil raises your good cholesterol levels (HDL-high density lipoprotein) it also raises your bad cholesterol levels (LDL-low density lipoprotein), which is good and very bad news. High LDL levels lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Calories and Fat
Coconuts are high in calories, so if you’re going to be eating spoonfuls of it day by day you’ll want to cut back in some other areas as well. One tablespoon of coconut oil has more calories (117) and saturated fat (17 grams) than a tablespoon of butter which has 102 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat. Don’t let the hotep’ers fool you into believing that you can just eat coconut oil like it’s going out of style without consequence. High calorie diets lead to weight gain, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
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Cooking Alternatives
To replace your love of coconut oil as a cooking additive consider using healthy plant fats such as: macadamia nut oil, red palm oil, olive oil or avocado oil.
Beauty Alternatives
Fellas, you might appreciate your lady laying off the coconut oil a tad. Ladies, some of y'all have destroyed a good pillow or two by lathering all that coconut oil on your head. Here are some substitutes to curb the habit. Jojoba oil and avocado oil can be used on your skin and hair in place of coconut oil. Coconut oil is mad heavy and can lead to your hair being dry despite the extra soul glow it adds when you first put it on.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is replete with vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It will provide a better alternative to the extra dense coconut oil. This oil is great for mostly all skin types, but especially those with acne and sensitive skin. You can also use it to soften your cuticles and treat split ends.
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Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is great for cooking and as a skin and hair moisturizer. It contains a lot of vitamins (A, B, D and E), minerals and antioxidants that serve as perfect scalp and skin conditioners. Avocado oil is also helpful for dandruff. Coconut oil has been known to dry out hair with prolonged use.
Pure Almond Oil
Pure almond oil won’t clog your skin's pores like coconut oil. It contains vitamins A, B, D and E and high amounts of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. You can use this oil on your entire body. This oil will leave your hair and skin with the perfect finish. Not too greasy and not too light.
