Is Coconut Oil Good For Diabetes?? Is It A Healthy Choice?? Let’s Find Out!!

Have you ever considered offering coconut oil preparations to your diabetic relatives or loved ones but wondered if it is safe? Well, coconut oil is known to boost skin and hair health, but is coconut oil good for diabetes control?

How to use coconut oil for diabetes? What is the link between coconut oil and diabetes?

Let’s explore the benefits of coconut oil as an essential cooking ingredient and its effects on people with diabetes. 

 

Coconut Oil: Nutritional Profile

Coconut oil is widely used as a base in most kitchen preparations with its unique, wholesome flavor. A tablespoon of coconut oil offers about 117 calories and 14g of fat; approximately 12g is saturated fat. A rare plant source of saturated fat, coconut oil, is derived from the meat of coconut fruit. 

100 ml of coconut cooking oil contains the following nutrients:

 

Protein: 0 g

Sugars: 0 g

Calories: 40

Sodium: 0 mg

Fat: 4.5 g

Carbohydrates: 0g

Fiber: 0 g

 

It has a relatively low glycemic index (GI) of 42 and is a perfect choice for cooking preparations if you have high blood sugar levels. Besides, it is enriched with lauric acid, which is supposed to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. 

Advantages of Coconut Oil For Diabetes

Coconut oil gets metabolized quickly, provides instant energy, and causes a slow and gradual release of sugars in your blood. Its low glycemic index ensures that it doesn’t spike blood sugar. Moreover, here are some of its other health benefits for diabetics. 

• Boosts immunity
• Prevents blood sugar spikes
• Reduces risks of insulin resistance
• Aids in weight loss
• Protects hair
• Nourishes skin
• Prevents dental problems

Ways To Consume Coconut Oil For Diabetes

1. Cooking: 

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to sauté or stir-fry vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, and even deep-fry cutlets or chips.

2. Baking:

Bake your favorite cookies, brownies, or cakes using coconut oil.

3. Drinks or Food: 

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to your favourite smoothy, tea, or coffee. You can also drizzle it over popcorn instead of butter for its unique richness.

Best Time To Consume Coconut Oil For Diabetes

Compared to other oils or ghee, coconut oil is quickly and easily digestible. Therefore, you can incorporate it into any snack or meal at any time of the day, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, it must be consumed in moderation, especially at night, as it has high levels of saturated fat.

Curious about which oils are best for diabetes? Discover how coconut, mustard, and ghee impact blood sugar levels, heart health, and more in a diabetes-friendly diet.

Which Oils Are Best for Diabetes? Let’s Find Out!

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Risks of Over Consuming Coconut Oil For Diabetes

Although coconut oil is relatively healthy, it still contains saturated fats. Overconsumption of food high in saturated fat can raise LDL (bad cholesterol) cholesterol levels thus increasing your risk of heart attacks or stroke. Also, excess coconut oil may cause stomach problems like cramps or diarrhea. So, ensure to consume coconut oil preparations in moderation.

Other Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Thanks to coconut oil’s rich MCT content, especially lauric acid, it has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
• MCTs in coconut oil give instant energy and raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
• Coconut oil MCTs also support weight loss.
• Its fatty acid and polyphenols make it an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair.
• It betters brain function and the immune system.
• It is loaded with antioxidants.

Don’t Have Time To Read?

• Coconut oil is one of the best plant-based sources of saturated fats.
• As it has a low glycemic index (42), it doesn’t spike your blood glucose levels and is highly recommended for diabetes.
• Lauric acid, present in coconut oil, offers antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
• You can include coconut oil in all your food preparations if you have diabetes.
• You can use it as a base for your vegetable curries, bake your cakes or brownies using it, or simply drizzle it on your popcorn.
• However, since it is high in saturated fats, ensure to consume it in moderate quantities.

Also Read: Is Black Rice Good for Diabetes

Common FAQs

Is Coconut Oil Good For Diabetes?

Yes, research suggests that taking coconut oil for diabetes may help reduce insulin resistance. Its low Glycemic Index ensures that it doesn’t spike blood sugar. 

Does Coconut Oil spike insulin? Does Coconut Oil reduce blood sugar?

Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest that coconut oil increases insulin levels and favorably affects glycemic control. Its MCTs help regulate your blood sugar levels and lower your cholesterol levels.

Is Coconut Oil Bad for diabetes?

No. In fact, it is pretty beneficial for diabetes, and it helps improve glucose tolerance in people with diabetes. However, excess consumption of coconut oil may lead to an increase in bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and your overall weight, indirectly affecting diabetes.

How much Coconut Oil should I consume in a day?

Considering that coconut oil is rich in saturated fat, you should not consume more than two tablespoons or 25 to 30ml (28g) of coconut oil daily.

Does Coconut Oil raise blood pressure?

No. Instead, studies suggest that coconut oil has no effect on blood pressure and may even help reduce it in some cases.