[ARTIKEL] 11 Jan 2025
Hello, Indonesian culinary lovers! Who among you doesn't know coconut oil? This versatile cooking ingredient has become a favorite in household kitchens. Well, this time we will discuss more about RBD coconut oil, coconut oil that has been specially processed.
There are many myths circulating about coconut oil, one of which is the opinion that coconut oil is unhealthy because it contains high levels of saturated fat. Hey, don't just believe it! RBD coconut oil, with all its processing, turns out to have many health benefits.
What is RBD Coconut Oil?
Before we discuss the benefits, let's get to know RBD coconut oil first. RBD is the abbreviation of Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized. This means that this coconut oil has gone through a processing process which includes:
Refined: Purification process to remove impurities and unwanted substances.
Bleached: The bleaching process removes the natural color of coconut oil.
Deodorized: The process of removing the natural smell and taste of coconut oil.
The result? The resulting RBD coconut oil has a clearer color, more neutral odor, and a milder taste.
Now, let's look at 5 reasons why RBD coconut oil is safe and can even provide health benefits:
1. Good Energy Source
RBD coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids (Medium Chain Triglycerides/MCTs), especially lauric acid. Well, lauric acid is very easy to digest and the body immediately converts it into energy. So, if you need quick energy, for example before exercising, RBD coconut oil could be the right choice.
How do MCTs work?
These MCTs do not need to be processed by the liver like other fatty acids. They are directly transported to the liver and used as an energy source. This is very useful for those who are on a diet or want to improve physical performance.
2. Increase metabolism
As previously explained, the MCTs in RBD coconut oil can increase the body's metabolism. This means your body becomes more efficient at burning calories.
How does it work?
MCTs can increase body heat production (thermogenic). This process is called thermogenesis. By increasing body heat production, your body will burn more calories to maintain body temperature.
Side effects?
Some people may feel a slight increase in body temperature after consuming foods or drinks containing RBD coconut oil.
3. Increases Good Cholesterol (HDL)
Even though it contains saturated fat, several studies show that RBD coconut oil can help increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This good cholesterol plays an important role in carrying bad cholesterol (LDL) out of the body.
Why is this important?
High HDL levels are very important for maintaining heart health. Bad cholesterol (LDL) can build up on the walls of blood vessels and cause blockages, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How does it work?
The exact mechanism by which RBD coconut oil can increase HDL is still being researched. However, some research suggests that the lauric acid in coconut oil may play a role in increasing HDL production.
4. Has antibacterial and antifungal properties
The lauric acid in RBD coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. This means RBD coconut oil can help fight certain bacterial and fungal infections.
How does it work?
Lauric acid is converted into monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin has strong antimicrobial properties.
Does this mean coconut oil can cure all diseases?
Of course not. RBD coconut oil cannot replace medicines prescribed by a doctor. However, its antimicrobial properties can provide additional benefits for body health.
5. Resistant to Oxidation
RBD coconut oil is more stable at high temperatures than other cooking oils. This is because the saturated fat in RBD coconut oil is more resistant to oxidation.
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction process with oxygen. When cooking oil is heated at high temperatures, an oxidation reaction occurs which can produce free radicals. These free radicals can damage body cells and increase the risk of chronic disease.
Why is this important?
The stability of RBD coconut oil at high temperatures makes it safer to use for frying. Apart from that, RBD coconut oil which is not oxidized is also more durable and does not go rancid easily.
Read Also: Characteristics of RBD Coconut Oil
How to choose quality RBD coconut oil?
Choose RBD coconut oil which has a halal and BPOM label.
Pay attention to the production date and expiration date.
Store RBD coconut oil in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
RBD coconut oil bottles must be tightly closed to prevent contamination and oxidation.
Conclusion
RBD coconut oil, even though it goes through processing, still has many health benefits. Its high lauric acid content provides various benefits, from increasing energy to increasing good cholesterol.
However, keep in mind that consumption of RBD coconut oil must remain in reasonable amounts. Excessive consumption can cause weight gain due to the high calorie content.
So, don't hesitate to include RBD coconut oil as one of the cooking oil choices in your daily cooking menu. But remember, consume everything wisely and according to your body's needs!