Three Reasons Why You Should Integrate Healthy Fats Into Your Diet

Understanding the role of vitamins is paramount to maintaining a healthy body. Among these essential nutrients are fat-soluble vitamins, a group that includes vitamins A, D, E, and K. (3)  

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which dissolve in water and pass through the body, fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through dietary fat and are stored in fatty tissues for future use. These vitamins play a pivotal role in various bodily functions, from supporting vision and bone health to bolstering the immune system and protecting against oxidative stress. (2) 

Without dietary fats, the absorption of these vitamins would be significantly hindered. 

When you consume fat-soluble vitamins, they dissolve into the dietary fats in your digestive system. This fat-soluble complex is then transported through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, where it can be used by different cells and tissues in the body. In essence, fats act as carriers, ensuring the effective delivery of these vitamins to where they are needed most. 

Enter the humble yet versatile coconut, a natural source of healthy fats that can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut, in its various forms —be it coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut flesh or even coconut yoghurt —contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is easily digested and quickly converted into energy. (1)  These MCTs can help create an optimal environment for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and help the body easily transport vitamins across the intestinal wall. (5)  

Not only does coconut provide the necessary fats for vitamin absorption, but it also offers a myriad of health benefits on its own. Rich in antioxidants, coconut aids in combating oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage and aging. Additionally, the MCTs in coconut are believed to contribute to weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and boosting metabolic rate.