Coconut Oil Versus Olive Oil: A quick comparison
When it comes to cooking oils, choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this guide, we provide an in-depth comparison to help you understand the benefits of Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil. There happen to be several points for each of these oils and that is why choosing the right oil for you could be quite the challenge. We hope therefore that this guide helps you make an informed decision.
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Fat quantity and quality
While both coconut and olive oils have a similar number of calories (about 120 calories/tablespoon) and grams of fat (14 gm/tablespoon) this means little when you compare the type of fat this amounts to. There are two types of fat; saturated and unsaturated fats. Of these two we are often advised to avoid saturated fats. When it comes to the healthier unsaturated fats, there are two types; monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. When it comes to unsaturated fats, olive oil, especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil has Virgin Coconut Oil beat, with a count of 11 grams of unsaturated (both poly and mono) fats to 1 gram per tablespoon for coconut oil. Polyunsaturated fats include Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which help in fighting oxidative stress and are good for your heart.
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Comparing the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil.
The numbers don’t lie and here’s where you can make an informed decision.
| Virgin Coconut Oil (1 tablespoon) | Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) |
| Calories: 120
Total Fat: 14 grams Saturated fatty acids: 13 grams Monounsaturated fatty acids: 1 gram Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 0 grams Cholesterol: 0 |
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 14 grams Saturated fatty acids: 2 grams Monounsaturated fatty acids: 10 grams Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 2 grams Cholesterol: 0 |
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Coconut Oil does have a few surprising health benefits
The saturated fats contained in virgin coconut oil are called MCTs or Medium Chain Triglycerides, and while most saturated fats have gained a reputation for ‘causing’ heart disease, MCTs are actually known to increase levels of good fat known as HDL (high density lipoprotein) which is good for heart health. Virgin coconut oil is also known to bring sheen to the skin and strengthen the roots of hair, making it resilient to damage.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil the king of cooking oils
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known to be chock-full of unsaturated fats. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are universally recognised as heart-healthy fats. These fats decrease the levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein), which if left unchecked can cause clogging of the arteries, contributing to heart blockages and multiple sclerosis. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is also full of antioxidants which are known to stave off oxidative stress, the root cause of chronic illness.
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Smoking Point
Virgin Coconut Oil smokes at a temperature of about 176 to 177 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Extra Virgin Olive oil smokes at a temperature of 190 – 207 degrees Celsius (374 – 405 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil is considered the healthier oil
There are many studies to indicate that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the healthier of the two options. This particular ingredient is a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which most experts agree is the healthiest diet especially when it comes to being heart safe. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this diet is full of antioxidants and unsaturated fats, making it the healthier choice.
Both Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Virgin Coconut have their own merits and use cases. At Chenab Gourmet you can begin your exploration of both these cooking oils. We have some of the world’s best Extra Virgin Olive Oil and some of India’s best Virgin Coconut Oil.
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Light Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹3,315.00.₹2,652.00Current price is: ₹2,652.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹1,865.00.₹1,585.00Current price is: ₹1,585.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Pure Olive Oil
₹1,474.00 – ₹2,652.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Light Olive Oil
₹2,818.00 – ₹12,068.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil
₹499.00 – ₹12,296.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
