Since reading about Coconut oil I’ve been curious how it compares with other oils, which also have many benefits for human health. For example, Flaxseed (Linseed) oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, which may help to lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure.

So, while searching, I came across an article where researchers compared Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) qualities with Peanut Oil (GO) and Coconut oil (CO) extracted from dried coconut (Food Chemistry, Volume 99, Issue 2, 2006). Virgin Coconut Oil is directly extracted from fresh coconut meat at 50 °C temperature and was tested for its effect on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and on the fat reduction in male rats, compared to dry coconut oil and peanut oil as the control. After feeding oils to rats for 45 days along with a semi-synthetic diet, the various biochemical parameters were set. Researchers concluded: “These results showed that VCO is superior in antioxidant action than CO and GO. This study has proved that VCO is beneficial as an antioxidant.”

There is more to it! Apparently, Coconut oil extracted under cold and hot conditions differ in qualities. It is the common belief that virgin coconut oil extracted under cold conditions preserves several thermally unstable antioxidants and, as a result, better beneficial qualities can be expected from the cold virgin coconut oil. “However, high temperatures used in the hot extraction of coconut oil favour the incorporation of more thermally stable phenolic antioxidants into coconut oil.”  (Food Chemistry, Volume 114, Issue 4, 15 June 2009). It seems, we need to aim to consume Coconut Oil extracted at higher temperature to improve antioxidant related health benefits. How? Not really sure. I have only used Macro Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, which is “Unrefined Cold Pressed”.

Coconut Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180C/356F.

2. Equally and evenly distribute the almond meal in the bottom of ramekins.

3. Combine sugar, cinnamon and cloves in a dry mixing bowl. Peel, core and coarsely cut the apples into the sugar mixture, mix to make sure all apple pieces are covered evenly. Divide apple mixture between the ramekins or lay out in a single form.

4. Combine flour and sugar in a dry mixing bowl. Add coconut oil and incorporate using the tips of your fingers until mixed like coarse breadcrumbs. Shake the bowl to resurface the unincorporated coconut oil.

5. Mix flaxseed oil and water and add to the crumbs, thoroughly mix again using your fingers. To check if the crumb mixture is ready, squeeze the crumbs in your hand. Then, if the mixture stays together, It is the correct consistency.

6. Use the above technique to transfer Crumble pieces to cover the apples. Bake in the oven with no fan for 25 minutes for ramekins or 30 minutes for a single baking form, or until the Crumble starts to brown.

7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then serve with coconut ice cream.

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