Facts About Coconut Oil

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is the oil extracted from the meat or kernel of the coconut when it is harvested.

What is in Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids such as Lauric Acid. It also contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K and minerals such as iron.

Why is Coconut Oil solid?

Coconut oil, unlike many other oils, has a high melting point (approximately 24-25 degrees Celsius). This means that it remains solid at room temperature and only melts when the temperature is raised considerably (i.e. during cooking). When you buy coconut oil, it will normally appear solid in the jar or bottle and should not be stored in the fridge.

What are the different types of Coconut Oil?

Pure Coconut Oil - this is coconut oil in its purest form, extracted from dried coconut kernels (copra). It is unrefined, with no additives present. It can be eaten or used for massage oils, cosmetics and even medicinal purposes.

Refined Coconut Oil: Sometimes referred to as R.B.D (Refined, Bleached and Deodorised) coconut oil, this oil is obtained through chemical and/or mechanical refinement. The crude coconut oil is then bleached and deodorised, making it thin, odorless and colourless. This leaves behind only the saturated fats, without the proteins normally found in pure coconut oil.

Virgin Coconut Oil: virgin coconut oil comes from the milk of fresh coconut meat, not from copra. It is produced through fermentation, enzyme action or centrifugal separation. As little heat as possible is used in the extraction of the oil, preferably none at all.

Produced in this way, the oil tastes and smells the best and is laden with antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids. It also has remarkable anti-microbial properties. This is one of the most respected and trusted varieties of coconut oil.

Organic Coconut Oil: The coconut oil that has been extracted from coconuts obtained from coconut palms raised only on organic manure and no synthetic fertilizers or insecticides. The production of organic coconut oil is also completed without involving any chemical in its extraction or processing. This is another well-respected variety of coconut oil. Organic coconut oil forms an integral part of a number of organic cosmetic products such as organic soaps, organic skin creams and lotions, organic snacks and thousands of other similar products. Some of the organic programs and authorities that certify organic coconut oil include Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), USDA National Organic Program (NOP), European Organic Regulations (EU 2092/91), Export Certificates for Japan (JAS Equivalent), Indian National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), Quebec Organic Reference Standard (CAAQ), Bio Suisse Standards, IOFAM Basic Standards, ECOCERT.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This type of oil is basically virgin coconut oil produced from the organic coconuts, in an organic way. This is perhaps the best and purest form of coconut oil one can imagine, but it is rare.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Among all the varieties of coconut oil, this is the most challenged and controversial variety, as its very existence is doubtful and the name hardly makes any sense. Furthermore, there are no set standards for virginity of coconut oil. Moreover, reputed firms and governmental bodies are still hesitant to say anything on the matter, nor are they selling it. Basically, further research is definitely required.

The properties of coconut oil do not differ much with their varieties and remain more or less the same. So, think well and make a wise decision before you decide to purchase one of the varieties.

How can Coconut Oil be used?

Coconut oil can be melted down and then rubbed into the hair as an intensive moisturising treatment for dry or damaged hair.

It can also be used on the skin to treat acne, eczema, dermatitis and even fungal infections such as candida (thrush).

It is also an excellent alternative to regular cooking oil in recipes, or a dairy-free alternative to butter and spreads in baking. When used as part of a balanced, healthy diet, it can assist weight loss and help to lower cholesterol, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.