Producing virgin coconut oil does not normally involve other mechanical processes, only the natural process of separating oil from the milk.  Also known as RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized) oil, refined coconut oil does not only go through industrial methods, certain chemicals are also applied altering some composition of the coconut oil.  This is to sanitize the oil since in the procedure of drying the copra, it can be exposed to flies, dirt, and others.

 

Other things are the taste and smell.  All natural, the virgin coconut oil tastes sweet and aromatic.  The RBD coconut oil is tasteless and colorless.

 

2.) So am I supposed to avoid refined coconut oil?

 

Not at all.  As a matter of fact, refined coconut oil is common and suitable for cooking because it has higher smoking point and does not burn easily in high amount of heat.  More so, this is the type of oil that is used in many beauty care products such as shampoo, conditioner, bath and bleach soaps, and lotion.

 

3.) What are the other different types of coconut oil?

 

Hydrogenated coconut oil is one where hydrogen bubbles are passed through the oil.  With this, coconut oil will not melt easily even with higher temperatures.  This is also the type of oil which must be avoided because hydrogenation produces trans fats that are not good for the body.  Take note that heating alone does not make oil hydrogenated, contrary to what have been misconceived.

 

Another kind is the fractionated oil wherein the low amount of long chain fatty acids are completely removed from the oil so only the medium chain fatty acids remain.  This has the longest shelf life, thus, the most stable oil.

 

4.) What is coconut butter?

 

It is merely the solidified form of coconut oil.  Fit for bread spread and also for cooking purposes.

 

5.) What is the best type of coconut oil?

 

By far, the most popularly used is the organic virgin coconut oil. Because it is raw and natural, you can get most of the benefits from it that are not removed in bleaching, deodorizing, or hydrogenating.  This oil smells and tastes sweet that make great cookies, smoothies, and other goodies, and healthy ones at that.

 

6.) What is extra virgin coconut oil?

 

There is no such product as extra virgin coconut oil because the process of extracting the virgin coconut oil is already in its most natural and rawest form.  The term “extra” is rather borrowed from the olive oil industry and they have a standard for that “extra”.  Those who sell and offer extra virgin coconut oil are actually offering the same virgin coconut oil.  You would only get to pay for the extra but not gain anything more from it.

 
7.) Is coconut oil bad for us because it is saturated fat?

 

Contradicting to what had been said by other vegetable oil industries, coco oil does not give adverse effects on our health, instead we can only get countless benefits from coconut oil. Saturated fats prevent spoilage and rancidity making coconut oil last longer among other oils.

 

The kind of saturated fat in coconut are medium chain fatty acids that improve absorption of nutrients in our body and digestion as a whole.  MCFAs help solve malnutrition problems among babies and some adult patients that have metabolism disorders.

 

The MCFAs in coconut oil are 48% lauric acid (having recognized healing properties since early times), 8% caprylic acid, 7% capric acid, and other healthy fatty acids.

 

People in remote tropical areas did not experience heart problems and certain cancers when all they had were organic foods including coconuts which are plenty in their land.  More so, they have good physiques.

 

8.) What are the uses of virgin coconut oil?

 

There are a lot of virgin coconut oil health benefits; here are some of the coconut oil information. 

• It is a great moisturizer for your face and skin when applied externally or even taken internally.
• It is said that coconut oil prevents acne and pimples for it helps unclog your pores.
• It strengthens your skin holding your skin tissues together and it protects you from the harmful UV rays of the sun making it a natural sunscreen.
• Eating coconut oil can help transform fatty acids into powerful antimicrobials.  It can prevent and cure fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, rashes, ringworms, etc.
• Coconut oil hair care is also a known fact.  Coco oil is a popular conditioner that nourishes your hair and scalp.  It does not only give shiny hair, but also lessens dandruff.
• Virgin coconut oil does not increase your bad cholesterol level so it does not encourage heart problems, diabetes, and other metabolism disorders.

 

9.) Is coconut oil cure true when it comes to thyroid malfunction?

 

It does not really cure it but may help improve thyroid activity when included in your diet.  For more information, see Coconut oil thyroid article.

 

10.) Are coconut oil and weight loss really connected?

 

Coconut oil improves your metabolism for it contains medium chain fatty acids which are more soluble and are more easily transported to cells as energy and nutrient.  Unlike the long chain fatty acids in other oils that are more likely to become body fat.  Some people are even practicing the coconut diet nowadays.

 

11.) How to use coconut oil?

 

• The virgin coconut oil can be applied as body lotion or oil massage before or after a good bath.  With this, you would experience no drying of skin the whole day.
• Spread an ample amount on damp hair or massage on scalp.
• Change your usual polyunsaturated cooking oil with coconut oil, you will realize that even without cutting short your daily eating of fried foods, you are still losing pounds.
• One person needs a dose of 3 ½ tablespoons of coconut oil in a day.  Virgin coconut oil can be sweet, so there are no worries if you take it internally.  However, do not follow the dosage yet when you are still starting this new routine.  A tablespoon a week can start it all off and gradually increase the intake as weeks come until your body can adjust to the regular dosage.

 

12.) Where to buy coconut oil?

 

If you want to get the best quality and enjoy the coconut oil health benefits, only go to reputable dealers, manufacturers, or health stores.  Coconut oil products may be sold online as well, but you can trust more if you go to stores yourself to see the product.