Measuring

• Coconut oil is a soluble fat when stored in temperatures lower than 76 F and becomes liquid oil when stored in higher temperatures. Coconut oil may be refrigerated; however, it will harden into a solid state that is unsuitable for baking. Coconut oil should be at room temperature to simulate the texture of butter and make it suitable for measuring.

Health Benefits

• Coconut oil has more saturated fat than butter. It also contains a healthy type of fatty acid that a body quickly burns into energy, possibly boosting metabolism. However, Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky reports that, although consuming coconut oil on a short-term diet is not harmful, it may not promote weight loss.

Fat Exchange

• You can substitute 2 tbsp. of coconut oil as one fat exchange. However, Mayo Clinic staff members recommend limiting the amount of saturated fats used daily to avoid heart related health issues.