Can you eat coconut oil without a gallbladder?

In this short article, we will answer the question “Can you eat coconut oil without a gallbladder?”, and provide information about coconut oil, along with its numerous benefits.

Can you eat coconut oil without a gallbladder?

Yes, you can eat coconut oil without a gallbladder, as it is easy to digest. Once consumed, it gets broken down in the mouth by lingual lipases, so no bile from the gall bladder is required to emulsify it. Hence, coconut oil is easily absorbed into the bloodstream directly and used to provide energy, making it the perfect oil for people without gallbladders.

What is the use of the gallbladder for eating coconut oil?

The gallbladder is used for the digestion of fats, via the secretion of bile after eating coconut oil, and other food. When some people have excess cholesterol, they may experience gallbladder conditions such as gallstones, bile duct stones, or acute inflammation. Sometimes, the gallbladder may need removal if the condition is serious.

What are the benefits of coconut oil?

Coconut oil has many benefits:

• Reduces high blood sugar

• Reduces stress

• Adds shine to hair

• Makes skin healthy

• Antimicrobial effects

• Reduces inflammation and arthritis

• Prevents high blood pressure and cholesterol

• Treats UTIs and kidney infections

How is coconut oil extracted for eating?

Coconut oil can be extracted for eating via wet or dry processes:

• Wet process: Raw coconut is used to extract the oil, and the process is difficult due to oil and water emulsions that form from the proteins in the coconut milk. A combination of steps including steam distillation along with salts, enzymes, and chemicals are used to break the emulsion and recover the oil.

Coconuts should be harvested properly, and at the right age, as it plays a significant role in the efficiency of oil extraction. If the coconuts are immature, they are difficult to work with, the product contains a lower yield, and the coconut oil is of low quality. 

• Dry process: The oil is extracted using the meat from the shell, which is dried in the sunlight or using fire. The copra is pressed to extract the coconut oil, and a high-fiber mash remains as a byproduct, which is used to feed cows and other cattle. The dry process is easier to carry out compared to the wet process.

Can coconut oil cause gas and bloating after eating?

Yes, coconut oil can cause gas and bloating if it is consumed on an empty stomach. The oil is digested faster on an empty stomach, increasing the movement of the intestinal muscles. This leads to stool movement and the release of trapped gas. The oil will also act as a stool softener, which leads to more gas being released.

What are the uses of coconut oil?

Coconut oil has many uses:

• Protects the skin from UV rays: Coconut oil can be applied to the skin, to prevent the harmful effects of UV rays. UV rays are responsible for many skin cancers among people, and although coconut oil does not provide the same protection as sunblock, it is a cruelty-free alternative product.

• Increases metabolism: Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), which are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, unlike other oils with long-chain fatty acids. Studies have shown that these fatty acids help burn calories in the body, due to boosted metabolism. More information about coconut oil and its effect on metabolism can be found here.

• Safest oil for cooking or frying: Since coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content, the fats retain their structure during cooking or frying. Oils such as safflower oil, on the other hand, turn into toxic compounds when fried, making them unsafe for humans.

• Improves dental health: Coconut oil is widely used in oil pulling, where it is swished in the mouth for a few minutes. This has been shown to reduce inflammation, plaque, and other harmful bacteria residing in the mouth, that cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

• Relieves skin irritation: Since coconut oil has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, skin irritations caused due to dermatitis and eczema reduce significantly if applied to the skin. It acts as a moisturizer, by protecting the skin barrier from moisture loss, and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. 

• Protects hair from damage: Coconut oil applied to the hair acts as a protective barrier against sun damage and damage from the chemicals in shampoo. It prevents the loss of proteins from the hair strands during shampooing, and the lauric acid present in the oil penetrates the hair, moisturizing it from within.

Can people without gallbladders be allergic to coconut oil?

Yes, some people without gallbladders can be allergic to coconut oil, and reactions upon contact are called contact dermatitis. Several mild symptoms such as skin rash or blistering occur, although anaphylactic reactions are rare. Individuals allergic to coconut oil should not consume it, or apply it to their skin.

Other FAQs about Coconut that you may be interested in.

What does coconut water taste like?

Can you reheat coconut milk curry?

What is the pH of coconut water?

Conclusion

In this short article, we have answered the question “Can you eat coconut oil without a gallbladder?”, and provided information about coconut oil, along with its numerous benefits.

References

29 Clever Uses for Coconut Oil (healthline.com)

Foods to Avoid After Gallbladder Removal (verywellhealth.com)

Coconut Oil Allergy Symptoms | livestrong