Hydrogenated coconut oil is different from the pure or virgin coconut oil. A virgin coconut oil is produced from fresh coconuts while hydrogenated coconut oil is produced when the oil is treated with solvents, chemicals and bleaches etc.
How coconut oil is hydrogenated?
A hydrogenated or saturated coconut oil is prepared by passing hydrogen into the oil under high pressure. This process converts the unsaturated fatty acids into the partial saturated fatty acid and this changed fatty acid is called as Trans fats.
Advantages of hydrogenation of coconut oil
- It makes oil firmer.
- It increases the age of oil.
- It prevents oil from turning rotten.
Where hydrogenated coconut oil is used?
Hydrogenated coconut oil is used in:
- Pastries
- In cooking vegetables
- And some other baked food.
What are the Disadvantages of a hydrogenated coconut oil?
A hydrogenated coconut oil, despite benefits, carries some disadvantages. These are:
- Heart diseases: hydrogenated coconut oil causes high cholesterol which results in heart diseases. Hydrogenated oil or Trans fats not only raises the low density lipoprotein, but also lessens the high density lipoproteins.
- Cause obesity: Hydrogenated coconut oil contains more calories. So, consuming hydrogenated coconut oil in bulk will cause unnecessary weight gain.
- Brain stroke: Using high amount of hydrogenated coconut oil will influence the blood vessels of our heart. Due to this it can have an effect on our brain also as it could also block the vessels of brain. This results in brain stroke.