The risk of buying a low-quality or simply unsuitable product is quite high. Consider when buying:
- Compound. The label must be marked "100% Coconut oil", without extraneous additives.
- Aroma. The oil should smell like coconut or be odorless. If the aroma is chemical, it means that fragrances were used in the production.
- Color. The shade of the product varies in the liquid state from transparent or straw. When frozen - from milky to pale yellow. Yellow color will tell you that you have poor-quality refined oil.
- consistency. If the oil does not harden at room temperature, it means that there are impurities in its composition.
- Best before date. This product does not exceed 18 months after opening the package.
- Place of purchase. Buy only in specialized stores. If it's an internet site, then look for reviews of their products.
- Package. Although glass jars are heavier than plastic, they are more environmentally friendly. Plastic packaging must be labeled "BPA Free" or a triangle with the number 1.
Advice! Refuse to buy oil in opaque packaging through which you can not see its color.
Storage rules
Coconut oil is a non-capricious product. But there are a few nuances, observing which the oil will retain its freshness for a long time.
- Protect from sunlight and store in a dark place.
- Oil doesn't like cold. He needs room temperature. But if you have to store it in the refrigerator - put the bottle on the lower side shelf where the temperature is not lower than + 5 ° C
- The bathroom is not suitable for storage due to temperature fluctuations.
Advice! At room temperature, the butter thickens; to melt it, it is advised to heat it in warm water or in the microwave. You don't have to do it all the time - it will get messed up. It is better to warm it up in small portions.
Differences: real coconut oil and fake
To check the fake before you or natural product pay attention to the consistency of the product. As already mentioned, at temperatures below 25 ° C, it hardens and loses its transparency. Put it in the fridge for a while and if it's real butter, it will thicken. Also on the package should be the inscription "100% coconut oil". If the composition contains water and fragrances, this oil can hardly be called real.
Varieties
Ready oil is a product of processing and there is nothing you can do about it. The quality of the oil depends on how pure it came out and whether the beneficial substances were preserved during the processing of coconuts.
The best is the first cold pressed oil - virgin coconut oil. There is also refined and unrefined, hot and cold pressed.
Cold and hot pressing
Cold Pressed Coconut Oil made from fresh green coconuts, in which there is little oil. Nuts are processed under pressure (cold-pressed) or in a centrifuge (centrifuge). The result is an oil with a delicate smell and taste of coconut, with fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. When solidified, it is white; when liquid, it is transparent. Most often with a heterogeneous texture.
Hot pressing can get more oil, because it is made from dried copra. The oil is extracted by chemical extraction or hot-pressed. Less fragrant and simpler in taste, with less useful substances, it is inferior to cold-pressed oil. The texture is uniform, with a golden hue.
Cold pressed oil is used for food- they can be seasoned with salads, made sandwiches, added to pastries and used as a dietary supplement. Hot-pressed oil is more often used for the body and how.
Reference! Only 10-15% of the world's coconut oil is mined cold.
Unrefined and refined
Refining is the process of removing impurities. Most often, the oil is simply filtered. Refined oil (refined) is also called bleached, deodorized. The finished product has little or no taste and odor.
Unrefined (unrefined) - cold-pressed oil with a rich smell and taste. It can be used as a cosmetic and for cooking.
Coconut oil in cosmetology
Coconut oil perfectly moisturizes, nourishes and protects the skin. Therefore, it is used for the preparation of cosmetics. It is good in its pure form, but using it you need to know some of the features of this product.
For face
The oil is used as a component of masks, creams and mixed with other oils. Apply to well-cleansed skin.
Important! Unrefined oil has a comedogenic effect.
For sunbathing
This remedy is considered a natural sunscreen that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. Helps with sunburn. Evens out tan.
Important! Doesn't completely replace sunscreen.
For hair
Coconut oil is considered one of the most suitable for hair. It gently coats the hair shaft, reducing protein loss during shampooing. The best effect is achieved if you apply the oil before washing your hair and after, during combing. You can apply the product only on the ends of dry hair.
For eyelashes
Strengthens eyelashes, making them thick and lush. The oil is applied at night with a soft brush. The excess is removed with a cotton swab.
Important! Avoid getting oil in your eyes.
For eyebrows
Similarly, oil is used to strengthen and grow eyebrows. The product is applied to the hairs, lightly massaged, rubbing the oil into the skin, and remove the excess. Do this for 2-4 weeks and your eyebrows will grow thicker.
For nails
Coconut oil is good for strengthening nails and cuticles. Use it neat or add it to your hand cream.
Rating of manufacturers of coconut oils for body and hair
Coconut oil is produced in Asia and even in the USA. You can buy this product both during trips and order in the online store. Consider the most popular brands of coconut oils. Below is a rating of popular oils with a price per 100 ml in terms of price / quality ratio - whether it can be used in food, ease of packaging, smell, how well it is applied and absorbed.
11th place: Zeitoun, Jordan
Price/Quality: 5/5
450 r. - 100 ml
The production still uses manual labor and does not use preservatives.
- Products are quite expensive.
+/- The oil itself is odorless, refined. Perhaps you like unscented oil, so we will leave a neutral rating.
The product is packaged in plastic dark vials with a capacity of 100 ml. The neck is wrapped in green paper and tied with twine. There is solid oil 50 gr in a plastic jar. It is more convenient than a bottle in which the color of the product is not visible and from which it is inconvenient to squeeze out the frozen oil.
10th: Alaffia, USA 6/5
843 r. - 325 ml
Organic, unrefined oil in a 325g flat jar.
The label states that the product does not contain GMOs and is not tested on animals.
- The smell is artificial, but there are no marks on the packaging about the used fragrances.
— The consistency is dense, even, absorbed for a long time.
- / + According to reviews - the product is too oily for hair, but it suits the body perfectly - it makes the skin velvety, moisturized, and gives a fragrance that lasts for several hours.
- The manufacturer indicated that the oil should not be added to food.
9th place: Parachute, India 6/6
170 r. - 100 gr
Very popular due to its affordable price and last but not least - packaging from 100 ml to 1 liter. Packaged in a jar with a wide neck or a bottle of blue color with a notch in the form of a drop and a logo on the lid.
The oil is unrefined, not deodorized with a sweet aroma.
- Only suitable for the body.
Important. The package must have a sticker with Russian text about the composition, importer and method of application.
8th place: Tropicana, Thailand 7/7
2360 r. for 1 liter
100% pure, unrefined, cold-pressed oil in a clear plastic bottle or rectangular box with a dispenser.
The tool is easy to squeeze out of the jar.
The smell of real coconut, sweet, does not remain on the skin.
+/- The consistency is pleasant, in liquid form it is absorbed slowly. Therefore, it is best applied in a semi-solid state.
7th: Nutiva, USA 7/7
2255 r. - 1.6 l
This company is distinguished by strict control over finished products and for raw materials. All oils meet the high standards set by the US Department of Agriculture. Therefore, Organic labels can be trusted. High quality Organic Extra Virgin oil - organic unrefined cold and first pressing.
The most useful, suitable for both the body and food.
Smells like coconut.
+/- The consistency is dense, crumbles in the hands into lumps that are quickly absorbed.
May be too oily for hair.
6th: Now Foods, USA 7/8
Cold pressed - 1891 p. for 591 ml, refined - 846 rubles. for 207 ml
Under this brand, not only organic products and superfoods are produced, but also two types of coconut oil:
Unrefined cold pressed oil is packaged in a 355 ml jar.
The protective film on the packaging will not allow the product to leak.
- The mass itself has a yellow tint and a light aroma of coconut.
It is easy to apply, the absorption rate is average, but the effect of moisturized skin remains for a long time.
Refined is sold in heavy glass jar with iron lid, volume 207 ml.
+/- Odorless, milky white color.
If the first - can be used for food, then the second, refined - only for external use.
5th place: Life Coco, Vietnam 8/8
260 r. for 250 ml
Cold-pressed oil in a plastic or glass bottle made of glass with a capacity of 250 ml. This cheap and high-quality oil has earned the love of customers.
There is an instruction in Russian.
Appetizing coconut scent.
It can be used for food and as a cosmetic.
It is well absorbed, moisturizes the skin, gives it a fragrance.
Suitable for hair.
4th place: Blossom, Thailand 8/9
390 r. - 100 ml
Packed in a plastic "washer", a jar, a bottle with a dispenser. Available in volumes of 100, 200, 400 ml.
Unrefined, non-deodorized, cold pressed.
The smell is subtle, sweetish, non-chemical.
Delicate texture, melting in the hands.
Easy to apply on both skin and hair.
Can be added to food.
3rd: All Good, Elemental Herbs, USA 8/10
857 r. - 222 ml
Another good edible oil. Unrefined, organic oil in a handy 222g glass washer jar.
The scent is subtle and fresh.
It is quickly rubbed in the hands and absorbed, leaving the skin moisturized for a long time.
Doesn't weigh hair down.
2nd place: Baraka, Sri Lanka 8/10
890 rub. - 500 ml
This is a well-known and time-tested brand. The manufacturer approached the packaging in a very original way. You can buy standard plastic and glass bottles, as well as portioned bags with 10g of the product or a canister of 5, 10 liters. The line includes refined and unrefined oils.
The smell is bright, without foreign impurities. Hue - depending on the type, from white to yellowish.
Consistency is uniform.
Unrefined cold-pressed oil can be cooked and added to food.
1st place: Artisana, USA 10/10
565 r. - 397 gr
Produces "raw" or unrefined organic cold-pressed coconut oil in a 397g glass jar.
Suitable for eating.
On the label there are marks of marks of quality and compliance with standards.
After removing the protective membrane in jars, you can feel a slight coconut smell.
The mass itself is white, dense consistency.
It is rubbed quickly, perfectly melts and is absorbed.
Doesn't make hair greasy.
Coconut oil is a wonderful protectant that nourishes hair and skin. Be sure to get this for your makeup bag. Among budget oils there are worthy rivals to expensive products. We hope this rating will help you choose the right one. Tell us about your experience with one of these oils in the comments.
This article is very long, even more than you think, but worth the time. Why?
The author of this article, Brian Shilheavy, lived with his family in the Philippines for several years. And next to the habitat was the production of coconut oil. He is the bestselling author of "Virgin Coconut Oil: How It Changed People's Lives and How It Can Change Yours!"
When my wife and I shipped the very first "virgin coconut oil" from the Philippines to the US in 2001, there were only two other similar products labeled as edible for sale in the US market. Coconut oil was not popular 13 years ago, which is why there was little choice. If you used it as a dietary supplement in those days, then most likely you received information about fats and oils from Dr. Mary Enig (Dr. Mary Enig). Dr. Enig has championed saturated fats and denounced trans fats long before anyone else booed misinformation coming from the US edible oil industry. Many of her statements have been featured in Weston Price Foundation publications over the years, and we have also published her research on CoconutOil.com.
Today, at the beginning of 2015, when it comes to buying coconut oil, there are already plenty to choose from. And here's what I'm going to do: I'll give you an insider's look at the current market, without mentioning any specific brands. This wonderful product is not made in the same way, and therefore you need to choose it based on how you plan to use it.
But first, in order to decide which coconut oil is best for you, you should find out what it is and how one differs from the other.
So let's get started!
Refined Coconut Oil vs. First Press
There are two main categories of coconut oil: those that are mass-produced at an industrial level and simply need to be refined, and those that start with fresh coconuts and are lightly refined. Yes, you read that right - it is also refined.
Coconut oil is naturally refined because it doesn't grow on a tree - coconuts do. As such, it must be extracted from whole coconuts, so technically speaking, the only true "unrefined" coconut oil is the one still found inside the pulp of freshly picked nuts.
The term that is used to refer to the least refined type of it is "virgin coconut oil". In the early 2000s, this terminology began to be used to denote the least refined product, since it was also used in relation to other edible oils.
The definition of "virgin" was originally developed in an internet discussion group we hosted, and various people have contributed to this definition, including industry insiders, academic leaders, and others. The definition we all agreed on at the time was that only those coconut oils would be categorized as "virgin" that were not made from dried "copra".
"Copra" is the industry term used in the Philippines for dried and shelled coconut, which is inedible on its own and therefore must be further processed to produce coconut oil. Copra can be made in a number of ways, including smoke drying, sun drying, or oven drying, and various derivatives of any of these methods or combinations thereof. The only thing they have in common is that the product at that point is not suitable for human consumption and therefore must be further processed. It smells of smoke, it is dirty - in general, while the product is in the form of copra, it does not look like food at all. Copra is also a commodity, with its own market price, with its own niche separate from coconuts, or coconut oil (finished product). Coconut producing countries have merchants and dealers who specialize specifically in copra and sell it to coconut oil producers. Copra is also exported to different countries, including in the USA, where it is then processed for production purposes.
Consider the types of refined coconut oil that are on the market today.
Refined coconut oils
In coconut-producing countries, refined copra-based coconut oils are usually referred to as RBD, which means: refined, bleached, deodorized (refined, bleached, deodorized). "Bleaching" is generally not a chemical process, but a filtration to remove impurities. For this filtration, a special "bleaching clay" is used. If the oil was originally obtained from copra, then it is deodorized with steam. The resulting product thus has very little flavor and minimal or no odor.
One of the common misconceptions on the Internet is that only virgin coconut oil is healthy, while refined coconut oil is not, and that they can even be harmful to health. In fact, this is not true, with a few exceptions, which I will discuss later. RBD grade coconut oils have been on the market for many years. They are essential edible oils for billions of people living in tropical climates around the world. The RBD purification process does nothing to change the fatty acid profile of the product, so that all medium chain fatty acids remain intact.
What the refining process does is remove some of the nutrients. Virgin coconut oils show more antioxidants in tests, for example. But this fact does not make its RBD counterparts "unuseful".
Here are the types of refined coconut oil you can find on the market today:
Expeller-pressed Coconut Oils
This is usually an RBD grade coconut oil produced in tropical countries through mechanical "physical refining" of copra. Physical processing is considered "cleaner" than chemical processing, which uses "hexane" type extractive solvents.
In practice, the production method "expeller pressed" is often indicated on the packages of the virgin product. Expeller is, as I understand it, something like an auger in juicers, that is, the extraction is done in a screw way. And they can squeeze both copra and fresh coconuts. - approx. "Useful Shopping".
Coconut oil
If there is no specification and the term "coconut oil" is simply used, then it is most likely RBD. It should be noted that copra is a product that is exported to the United States, where companies process it for non-food purposes - most often for the production of cleaners and detergents, for example. Now, with the new rise in nutritional popularity of coconut oil, some of these big US manufacturing companies are starting to package their product as food. It is safe to say that these cheaper oils are produced using extractive solvents. We don't know if any of these solvents are retained in the finished product, but if you want to be sure they aren't there, it's best to buy coconut oil that has been refined without them.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil (hydrogenated)
This is one product that is best to stay away from. A small portion of unsaturated fatty acids are hydrogenated to form trans fats. It also allows the coconut oil to remain solid at higher temperatures. We have not come across such a product in the US edible oil market yet. If it exists now, then it is probably used as an ingredient in confectionery industry in tropical countries. Standard RBD coconut oil is in the solid state up to 24-25 degrees Celsius, while in the tropics the ambient air temperature is higher most of the time. Therefore, in order to remain in a solid state at higher temperatures, it is hydrogenated before being added to sweets or bakery products, or make margarine out of it.
Liquid Coconut Oil (liquid)
A new product that hit grocery stores in 2013 was “liquid coconut oil,” marketed as “one that stays liquid even in the fridge.” And although it looks like a novelty in the edible oils department, this product is by no means new. It is a "fractionated oil" from which the lauric acid has been removed. It is also called "MCT oil". In the past, it was commonly used in skin care products, but more recently it has gained popularity as a food additive. It is a refined product currently being promoted as an edible oil. In fact, it is a by-product of the production of lauric acid. Lauric acid is known to be a strong antimicrobial agent and is therefore widely used as a preservative in many industries. Being a saturated fatty acid, and making up about 50% of coconut oil, once it's removed, you're left with a much lower melting point liquid oil. So if you stumble upon this product online or in a store, just know that it's highly refined and lacks coconut oil's star ingredient: lauric acid.
Virgin coconut oils
As I mentioned above, the common denominator by which the virgin class is determined is that the oil was obtained from fresh coconuts, not copra. However, there is no certifying organization anywhere in the world that defines or certifies coconut oils as "virgin" or "non-virgin", so anyone can use the term and put it on their label if they so desire. The first thing to look for when choosing extra virgin coconut oil is whether it was pressed from copra or not. If it is based on copra, then this is not a virgin class product, but a regular RBD-refined version with a smart label.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
You can often see the name or term "extra virgin coconut oil". What is the difference between "virgin" and "extra virgin"?
Not with anything. There is no generally accepted definition for the "extra" virgin class, as is the case for the olive. It's just a marketing term and nothing more.
So when we analyze the virgin coconut oils currently on the market (some of which are labeled “extra virgin”), we can see two main methods of production:
1. Derived from dried coconuts. With this method, fresh coconut pulp is first dried, and only then the oil is squeezed out of it. This method makes it possible to simplify the mass production of this product. Since the drying industry has become well established in coconut producing countries, many of the companies in the industry have added coconut oil to their product lines.
This is the most common type of coconut oil labeled "virgin" and "extra virgin" that you will find online and in stores today. It is mass-produced but is of higher quality than the RBD grade as it starts with fresh coconuts rather than copra.
2. Obtained using the process of "wet grinding (wet-milling)". With this method, the oil is extracted from the pulp of fresh coconuts without prior drying. First, "coconut milk" is obtained by squeezing it out of fresh, moist pulp. The oil is then separated from the water. Methods that may be used include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, the use of enzymes, and mechanical centrifugation.
Fortunately, in the past few years, coconut oil producing countries have done some research. They began to realize that the advice from the West regarding dietary fats, which had led to the demonization of their traditional fats and oils such as coconut oil, had mostly a political basis rather than a scientific one.
In recent years, most of their research has been in the area of cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, as this is the area that is the main target of attacks from Western countries. They realized that their traditional fats and oils were actually healthier than the newcomer soybean and corn, two crops heavily subsidized by the US government, which artificially lowers prices. We showcase much of this research on our website page. CoconutOil.com. This study confirmed that not only did coconut oil NOT raise blood cholesterol levels, but that it lowers it.
Researchers from universities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India have explored various ways to extract coconut oil. At first, it was difficult to see what could be measured in the lab to determine if a virgin grade product was truly superior to its conventional RBD refined counterparts. They soon discovered that there was one metric that could be measured that made one oil vastly superior to another: antioxidant levels. The amount of antioxidants was much higher in virgin coconut oil, especially in the “wet milled” method described above.
Research on wet-ground virgin coconut oil
As mentioned above, in the “wet milling” process of producing coconut oil, it is extracted from a wet emulsion, or “milk,” rather than being pressed from dried coconuts.
So which type of “wet milling” produces the highest quality virgin product? According to a number of studies, this is a "wet milling" fermentation process that uses heat. This is the simple method of extracting coconut oil that people living in the tropics have been using in their kitchens for hundreds of years.
During the fermentation process, coconut milk is first obtained from freshly grated coconuts. Then it is left to ferment for some time (apparently, it means to ferment - approx. "Useful Purchases"), usually for one night. The heavier water gradually sinks to the bottom of the container, leaving a crystal clear layer of oil with coconut particles on the surface. After that, it is collected and placed in a pot that looks like a large wok and heated for some time until the coconut particles sink to the bottom of the pot. Then it is filtered.
The first study examining methods for producing virgin coconut oil was conducted in 2008 in Malaysia and published in the International Journal of Food Science Nutrition. This was the first study to report that the enzymatic “wet milling” method produced the highest amount of antioxidants.
In 2011, research conducted in Sri Lanka by Professor Kapila Seneviratne of the University of Kelaniya also showed that traditionally made "wet-ground" coconut oil has the highest levels of antioxidants.
What was surprising about this study was that it was actually the heat that increased the amount of antioxidants. Then (and still now - approx. "Useful Shopping") it was widely believed that allegedly high temperatures adversely affect coconut oil, and therefore many manufacturers indicated on the packages that it was "raw (raw)" and "cold-pressed (cold-pressed). pressed)", and was not subjected to any heating (no heating). Here is what they wrote in The Sunday Times of Sri Lanka:
“More surprises awaited the research team. It is generally accepted that the quality of the oil deteriorates during the process of cooking at high temperatures. But, as it has come to be known, this does not apply to coconut, as it is thermally stable. “Fortunately, most of the phenolic antioxidants present in coconut oil are also thermally highly stable,” he noted, explaining that the reason for more antioxidants is that, due to the long high-temperature boil, more of them dissolve in the oil. (Posted in The Sunday Times Sri Lanka October 16, 2011 - "Coconut Oil: After All It's Still Good for You" by Kumudini Hettiarachchi and Shaveen Jeewandara).
In 2013, another study in India also found that "wet-milled" and heated coconut oil contained higher levels of antioxidants. The study compared "cold-extracted virgin coconut oil" (CEVCO) with "hot-extracted virgin coconut oil" (HEVCO) and standard refined (CCO) and published the results in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology. . Testing showed that "antioxidant activity in the HEVCO group was at 80-87%, 65-70% in CEVCO, and 35-45% in CCO." The researchers went further and commented on why heating is necessary to get the highest amount of antioxidants in extra virgin coconut oil:
“The increased levels of polyphenols in the HEVCO group may be due to the increased release of bound polyphenols that occurs on heating. Coconut milk is an emulsion of water and oil that is stabilized by protein. To extract oil from coconut milk, the protein bond must be broken by heating in a double-walled boiler known as a VCO cooker (a steam vessel developed at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute), while heating must be done slowly so that the protein coagulates and releases oil.
This study clearly shows us that "wet milled" coconut oils that are sold labeled "unheated" or "raw" or "cold pressed" actually have lower levels of antioxidants.
Conclusions
So we have considered different kinds coconut oil on the market today. The last point remains: what about organic?
Obviously, any claim of adherence to organic standards that is inspected by a third party is a bonus. But is it necessary?
Apparently not.
There are no GMO varieties of coconut, and there are very few pesticides used on coconut trees, although there are some. Coconuts grow very tall, so they are never sprayed with anything. Pesticides can only be added to the soil around the tree to be absorbed by the roots, or injected directly into the tree sap through the trunk.
Organic certification is an expensive process, and if you choose only certified organic coconut oils, you may be missing out on some of the very best products that don't have this certification. For example, bearing in mind that traditional way the fermentation described above showed the highest levels of antioxidants, if you were in the tropics, which would you prefer: certified organic virgin coconut oil, pressed from dried coconuts and available for purchase in a store, or one that you can make in your own kitchen with fresh, non-organic certified coconuts? Based on research, the butter that you make yourself in the kitchen from fresh coconuts will turn out to be the most excellent!
When considering coconut oil on the market today, your choice will largely be determined by how you intend to use it and your budget. If you're looking for the highest quality first pressing, use the table below, which ranks the different types on a scale of 1 to 10.
Don't expect all these details to be printed on labels. In addition, it is unlikely that people working in retail grocery stores will know the answers to specific questions about production methods.
Therefore, firstly, do your own research on the Internet, and also ask sellers for the information you need to make an informed buying decision. They should be able to contact their suppliers and find answers for you.
And it’s better to ask all your questions directly to the manufacturer (note “Useful Purchases”).
about the author
Unlike many people who write about coconut oil just by reading about it, Brian Shilheavy lived with his family in the Philippines for several years. Marianita Jader Shilheavy grew up on a coconut plantation in the Philippines, and just in a culture that contains a significant amount of coconut fat in the diet. She later earned a degree in nutrition and worked as a nutritionist in the Philippines. Brian Shilheavy and his wife Marianita, while living in the Philippines with their three children, have seen first hand the differences between the nutrition and health of the younger generation and those of the Marianita parent's generation who still eat traditionally. This led to several years of living in a rural farming community, during which Brian learned about the Filipino diet. Brian is the bestselling author of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: How It Changed People's Lives and How It Can Change Yours! ("Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives and how it can change yours!").
Healthy coconut oil is obtained from the copra (dried pulp of a nut) of the coconut palm. The hardened pulp of coconut in the production of oil is first separated from its shell, then the peeled copra is dried, crushed, and only after that oil is obtained from it by pressing.
The most commonly used method for coconut oil is hot pressing. Although it is also used for its production and cold pressing, which allows you to get the highest biological and nutritional value of coconut oil.
This product has a characteristic sweetish, delicate aroma and a pleasant nutty flavor. Today they produce refined and unrefined oils. Also, the oil is food and cosmetic.
To date, the world's main producers of coconut oil are India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
How to choose
It is best to choose unrefined cold-pressed oil, which is considered the most useful and high quality.
How to store
Edible coconut oil is advised to be stored at a temperature of no more than +20 degrees or in the refrigerator.
The cosmetic product can be safely stored in the bathroom, where it will thicken less. Well, if you want to use the thickened oil, then you can also store it in the refrigerator or a cool place. You can use this oil as a cream.
In cooking
Coconut oil will also not lose its beneficial properties and palatability when heated to high temperatures, it is not prone to rancidity, therefore, unlike other oils, it can be used for frying and deep-frying, and it does not become carcinogenic.
Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter in cooking. For more economical use, you can cook a dish on ghee or vegetable oil, and add some coconut at the end of cooking. This oil can turn ordinary and simple food into a gourmet dish.
This product is used to prepare a wide variety of hot dishes: soups, pasta, cereal side dishes, vegetable dishes, sauces and hot appetizers. It can also be added to confectionery and baked goods. With coconut oil, they acquire a pleasant aftertaste of cookies, cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, pancakes, cottage cheese casseroles and fritters. Baking with this oil retains splendor and freshness much longer.
With coconut oil, you can stew vegetables and cook any vegetable stews. Ordinary pilaf or rice cooked with this oil will be transformed and become an unusual, refined dish.
Coconut oil is great to add to breakfast cereals such as millet, oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, wheat, and corn. It can also be added to milk soups, milkshakes and hot chocolate. Coconut oil can be spread on toast and bread. With coconut oil you can cook very tasty candy and sweet balls of dried fruits and nuts.
In summer, you can cook fruit and vegetable salads with coconut oil. Only vegetables should not be cold, but have room temperature otherwise the oil may crystallize.
calories
The calorie content of coconut oil reaches 892 kcal. It is completely absorbed without being deposited in body fat, which means it is especially useful for those who play sports and lead an active lifestyle.
Nutritional value per 100 grams:
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Composition and presence of nutrients
The composition of coconut oil includes saturated fatty acids (almost 83%), including lauric, caproic, caprylic, oleic, capric, palmitic, myristic, stearic.
These saturated fats are not harmful to health because they are different from saturated animal fats.
Coconut oil also contains phytosterols, vitamins (K, choline, E) and minerals: calcium, zinc and iron.
Useful and medicinal properties
Lauric acid is the most powerful component in mother's milk, which is needed to strengthen the baby's immunity. It is very useful to consume 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the morning on an empty stomach and at bedtime. This will help strengthen the immune system, have a beneficial effect on digestion and can improve the overall well-being of adults and babies.
Lauric acid has pronounced antiseptic, antimicrobial and bactericidal properties. Oleic acid will help activate lipid metabolism and maintain water balance in the skin. Caprylic acid is needed to restore and maintain the balance of bacteria in the intestines.
Coconut oil will improve the cardiovascular system, prevent the development of thrombosis, coronary disease and arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis. Vitamin E, which is part of coconut oil, will help reduce high blood viscosity and strengthen the walls of the arteries.
Also, this oil can reduce the risk of developing diseases of the digestive system: ulcers and gastritis. Coconut oil, among other things, activates the healing of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore especially useful for patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Coconut oil has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and antifungal effect, which strengthens the immune system. The oil can be used in the complex treatment of fungal infections, candidiasis, herpes, viral infections, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, influenza, diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems.
Walnut oil is able to activate and accelerate metabolic processes, preventing the development of obesity, restore normal glucose levels in diabetes. In addition, this product prevents the development of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, fatty degeneration of the liver. The oil also has a beneficial effect on the state of the thyroid gland.
Coconut oil also has an antioxidant effect, preventing premature aging, can reduce the risk of developing cancer and Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, it also has a calming, anti-stress and relaxing effect.
Coconut oil prevents the development of caries and osteoporosis, reduces the risk of joint diseases. This product is able to increase the efficiency of the absorption of magnesium and calcium, which are necessary for the formation of tooth enamel and bone tissue.
It is good for women to use coconut oil during breastfeeding. This oil has a rather high content of lauric acid, which is a component of breast milk.
When used externally, coconut oil accelerates the healing of various skin lesions and treats many dermatological diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema.
Use in cosmetology
Coconut oil is excellent for daily care of flaky, dry, irritated, rough, inflamed, aging or mature skin of the body and face. The oil can be used for constant care of sensitive skin around the eyes, as well as for the skin of the décolleté and bust area. It is not recommended to use coconut oil for oily or problematic skin care, as it can provoke the appearance of comedones on the skin.
The melting point of coconut oil is about +25 degrees. If the product has thickened, then this only confirms its naturalness. To melt coconut oil, you need to place the container with this product in a glass with hot water or heat its oil in a water bath.
The oil is also a universal remedy and is suitable for the scalp, décolleté, neck, face, feet and hands.
Coconut oil can also be used as a nourishing and regenerating agent for damaged, thin, split, brittle or dyed hair.
In addition, this herbal product can be used for massage, make-up removal and skin cleansing.
It is advised to use coconut oil as a mouthwash, after-shower cream or lip balm.
Coconut oil will also protect against the harmful effects of frost and wind on the skin, so it can be applied to the face before going outside in winter.
Coconut oil can also be used to care for the nail cuticle and skin of the hands, as a soothing and softening agent for the skin after a pedicure, manicure, shaving, epilation.
Coconut oil is also used as a sunscreen "before" and "after" tanning, as well as for gentle care for sensitive skin of children, as this product is hypoallergenic and has a softening and anti-inflammatory effect.
Cosmetic properties of coconut oil:
- Tones the skin, giving it firmness and elasticity, helps to smooth out wrinkles.
- It is quickly absorbed, while leaving no shine and sticky feeling, nourishing and softening the skin.
- Prevents the appearance of acne and pimples.
- Helps to retain moisture in the skin and restore its protective functions, prevents peeling and drying, helps to restore the acid-base balance.
- Accelerates the process of skin regeneration.
- Prevents the appearance of age spots and skin aging.
- Restores the lipid-protein balance of the skin, disturbed due to the frequent use of low-quality soaps, gels and shampoos.
- Soothes inflamed or irritated skin.
- Protects against excessive UV exposure.
- It can soften rough skin on the legs.
Coconut oil is also considered an excellent restorative treatment for thinning, damaged, dull, brittle, split ends or over-colored hair. With the constant use of coconut oil, the hair becomes shiny, strong, soft, manageable and silky.
The oil creates a good protective film that prevents protein from being washed out of the hair structure, moisturizes and nourishes the skin well, activates hair growth and prevents hair loss. This botanical product also helps to restructure and protect against split ends, soothing skin irritation and helping to fight dandruff with its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
Coconut oil will protect hair from the bad effects of frequent dyeing and washing, from mechanical damage when combing, from overdrying and frequent curling. Also, the oil protects the hair from exposure to sunlight, sea wind and salt water, so it is advised to apply it to the hair before taking sea or sunbaths.
Coconut oil is evenly and easily distributed over the entire length of the hair, quickly absorbed by the skin and leaving no greasy shine on the hair.
This product is also used as a mask before washing. So, the oil is applied from roots to ends with massage movements. During washing, it is washed off with shampoo. In addition, you can apply a little oil to already clean hair: lubricate the tips and roots.
Unrefined coconut oil should be avoided on the scalp due to its comedogenicity. True, everything is individual and it cannot be said with certainty that a remedy called comedogenic will be equally harmful to different people. Therefore, you need to check the effect of the product on yourself.
Dangerous properties of coconut oil
You can not use coconut oil with individual intolerance. It is also worth remembering that a high fat content can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis and
For skin and hair care. The perfect product. And yet… just as not all yogurts are the same, not every coconut oil has the same characteristics. Let's understand the types of coconut oil before the savvy producers start to fool us.
To begin with, a small educational program - oils are obtained in several ways:
Expeller-pressed
Means that the oil was obtained by direct pressing of stones, seeds, fruits, legumes or grains. The oil may have been extracted using high pressure, but in any case, no solvents were used in the process.
cold-pressed
The oil was obtained by the previously described method, but everything happened at a temperature below 50 degrees.
heat extraction
Means that when receiving oil, the raw material was heated. This method increases the yield of a useful component.
Chemical extraction
It involves the use of chemicals, solvents in the process of obtaining oil. For example, hexane, which simplifies the process of extracting oil from raw materials.
Unrefined virgin coconut oil
An ideal product containing all the benefits of coconut oil. It is obtained from the pulp of coconuts pressed at low temperatures (up to 48 degrees Celsius). It is this oil that is recommended for food and cosmetic purposes. It is ideal for use raw. It can also be fried and used for baking (the smoke point, that is, the temperature above which the oil begins to form carcinogens, is 177 degrees Celsius).
If such an oil bears the international “organic” mark (not a fake, like on the Russian plagiarism of the Nutiva brand, but a real one, provided with a certificate), then this is the best version of coconut oil, better than which only bounty heavenly delight can be. Such oil necessarily has a delicately sweet coconut aroma, which means that dishes cooked with it will also smell a little bit of coconut. LookBio talked about organic coconut oils available in Russia,.
Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil
Like unrefined virgin coconut oil, this oil is obtained from the pulp of coconuts. However, the technology used is different - screw press machines. With this extraction, the raw material is heated up to 90-100 degrees Celsius, which provides a greater yield of oil. Therefore, the oil obtained by pressing is cheaper than the oil of the first cold pressing. Also, this oil has slightly fewer useful micronutrients, but it is slightly more resistant to heat (smoke point - 182 degrees). Pressed coconut oil has a more neutral taste. It already has less of the sweet aroma of coconut, but a light nutty flavor is added. Such oil is still a healthy product. It is ideal for cooking: for frying and use in the oven.
Expeller Pressed Refined Coconut Oil
The same as previous version, only the oil is refined. Still a healthy product, perfect for roasting and frying as it has almost no taste. However, you need to be careful with this option. To be sure that the oil is obtained by pressing, it is safer to choose the organic version (there are many such oils on iHerb).
Refined coconut oil of unknown origin
Inexpensive refined coconut oil has already appeared in Russia and, as a rule, in this case, the oil production method is not indicated on the packaging. On the product under the Delicato brand (150 rubles per 450 g), which we found in HyperGlobus, it is indicated in small print that the oil is “refined bleached deodorized”. The last two words mean that this oil is obtained by extraction with hexane (or gasoline - this is also possible). Next, the oil is bleached using special clays and distilled for deodorization, which should remove all unpleasant odors.
As a rule, cheap refined coconut oil is not obtained from the flesh of the coconut, but from what is left after the cold pressing of the coconut. Or from coconut shells, which are usually dried on the street, in the sun, and then driven into extraction. Yes, the shells also give oil, but in this case we are talking about a completely different product, which in its composition is far from unrefined virgin coconut oil. It is also important that the extraction process takes place at very high temperatures (about 200 degrees), which impoverishes the initial micronutrient composition of the raw material. Such oil does withstand high temperatures, so it is recommended by the manufacturer for frying, however, experts in healthy nutrition (in particular, a nutraceutical specialist, a specialist in holistic medicine and our
Coconut oil contains beneficial lauric acid, vitamins E and K, and has antimicrobial, antifungal and moisturizing properties. A real treasure trove of beauty and health! But let's talk about everything in order.
Beauty and care
1. Cuticle care. With coconut oil, you can get rid of dry and flaky cuticles by simply rubbing it into the skin around the nail beds. In addition, during this you will also moisturize the skin of your hands.
2. Moisturizing hair. Coconut oil is a natural alternative to pre-made hair conditioners. The fatty acids that it contains soften the strands and do not contain additional chemicals that are part of conditioners. Quick Recipe hair masks: mix coconut oil with honey, apply to hair, leave on for 40 minutes and wash off with your regular shampoo. You can also prevent split ends by applying a little coconut oil to your hair before every shampoo.
3. Styling. If your hair is prone to frizz in humid weather, apply just a little bit of coconut oil to problem areas. It will create a protective film that does not allow moisture to pass through.
4. Care for dull skin. Coconut oil will also restore color and shine to your skin. Just mix some oil with baking soda(baking soda is a great natural scrub) and apply to the skin of the face with soft circular motions and massage a little. After that, wash off the mask with warm water.
5. Antibacterial face mask. Another recipe for a quick homemade face mask with moisturizing and antibacterial properties is coconut oil and honey. Mix these two ingredients together and apply on clean face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
6. Moisturizing lips. Mixing coconut oil with brown sugar makes a great lip scrub, and just applying coconut oil makes a natural alternative to lip balm.
7. Body care. Mix coconut oil with salt or brown sugar, add a few drops of essential oil, and you have a body scrub. You can also add coconut oil to the water while taking a bath to moisturize the skin.
8. Lip gloss. If you have a favorite lipstick that has already run out, you can take the rest of it out of the applicator, mix it with coconut oil, and you will have a lip gloss.
9. Makeup removal. Coconut oil can be used to remove make-up or make-up by simply applying it to the skin, leaving it for 5 minutes and then wiping with a damp cloth. You can also remove waterproof mascara from your eyelashes.
10. Instead of shaving cream. Coconut oil can also be a great replacement for shaving cream, as it improves razor glide and hydrates the skin. Especially good for people with sensitive skin.
11. Fight acne. To reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin, apply a thin layer of coconut oil after normal cleansing. It has bactericidal properties and will create a protective layer.
12. Prevent wrinkles. Coconut oil will be a good alternative to expensive anti-aging creams and serums, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Just apply a little oil to the skin around the eyes and gently massage.
13. Scalp care. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil will help get rid of dandruff and prevent it from reappearing.
14. Sunburn. If you are sunburned, apply some coconut oil to the reddened areas of the skin, it will reduce irritation, moisturize the skin and minimize exfoliation.
15. Eczema. Since coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, it can help reduce the itching and irritation of eczema-affected skin.
16. Home spa treatments. Mix coconut oil with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and you have a great home spa massage oil.
17. Foot skin care. Coconut oil will soften the skin of your feet like an expensive cream, and also act as a deodorant and antiseptic. For even better foot odor, add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut oil.
18. Eyelash care. With coconut oil, you can strengthen your eyelashes by simply applying a little oil to them before going to bed.
19. Wax removal. If you're using wax for epilation, you'll want to use coconut oil to remove residue from your skin or other surfaces. Apply a little oil to sticky areas and carefully remove the wax residue with a damp washcloth.
House
stockcreations/Shutterstock.com 20. Giving shine to leather products. Just wipe the surface of leather items with coconut oil and you will restore them to their original shine.
21. Removing chewing gum. Coconut oil can help remove chewing gum residue or stains from any surface, including carpets and even hair.
22. Cleaning the bathroom. Instead of harsh chemicals for cleaning the bathroom, you can use regular coconut oil, which will also remove dirt and disinfect the surface.
23. Care of wooden appliances and furniture. Coconut oil will be an excellent care product for all wood products, including kitchen utensils (cutting boards, spoons, spatulas) and furniture. Effective disinfection and protection against drying out.
24. Cleaning of metal objects. Coconut oil will add a shine to tarnished metal objects and will also help remove rust from their surface.
25. Grease for hinges. With coconut oil, you can get rid of squeaky hinges by simply lubricating them.
26. Care of the guitar. Coconut oil can be used to lubricate guitar strings.
27. Opening a stuck zipper. If you can't open your jacket or bag, apply some coconut oil to the zipper and the problem will be solved.
28. Kindling a fire. Instead of chemical kindling, you can use cotton balls soaked in coconut oil.
Pets
29. Prevention of hairballs. To prevent your cat from pulling out hairballs, grease the pads of his paws with coconut oil.
30. Hair care. In addition to taking care of your own hair with coconut oil, you can also do the same for your pets. Your cat or dog's coat will be healthy and shiny.
31. Nutrition. Including coconut oil in your pet's diet will help prevent arthritis, avoid ligament problems, and manage weight. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
32. Relieve itching. If you notice that your dog is constantly scratching in a certain area, apply some coconut oil to it to relieve irritation and itching. Of course, after consulting with a veterinarian.
Food
33. Additive to tea or coffee. Try adding a few drops of coconut oil to your morning drink instead of sugar or honey. Butter is a good sweetener.
34. Homemade nut butter. Place the shelled nuts and coconut oil in a blender and in a few minutes you will have natural nut butter ready.
35. Cooking fried foods. Coconut oil can replace sunflower oil, which we usually use for frying foods. Coconut oil has a high smoke point, so it produces far fewer free radicals during frying.
36. Salad dressings. To diversify your salad menu, try replacing olive oil to coconut.
37. Butter for toast. Another way to spice up your menu the next time you make toast is to simply swap out your regular oil for coconut oil. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top.
38. Smoothie addition. With coconut oil, you can also make yourself an "energy" smoothie by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the dish. You are provided with a boost of energy.
39. Baking. Coconut oil can be used in baked goods, including cakes, cookies, or baked goods that are high in vegetable fats.
40. Making popcorn. Love sweet popcorn? In this case, cook it in coconut oil instead of sunflower.
41. Lubrication of dishes. Use coconut oil to grease your cookware before baking to prevent food from sticking to the walls.
Health
42. Oral hygiene. Coconut oil whitens teeth, improves skin, detoxifies and kills germs, which is why it is used in the practice of Ayurveda, including for oral hygiene. The recipe is simple: every day, keep two tablespoons of oil in your mouth for 10 minutes, like a regular mouthwash.
43. Prevention of irritation. Coconut oil not only helps to avoid irritation and diaper rash, but also relieves already manifested symptoms (redness, itching, etc.). Mix coconut oil with calendula and a soothing cream and apply the mixture on the affected area of the skin. Oil can also be added to baby cream if the baby suffers from diaper rash.
44. Treatment of cough. To get rid of a sore throat and cough, take some pure coconut oil or add it to tea.
45. Relaxation and stress relief. Coconut oil works great as an aromatherapy. You can also take some oil on your fingertips and massage your scalp and temples to relieve stress and relax.
46. Fighting lice. Another possible variant use of coconut oil. The recipe is this: rinse your hair with a solution apple cider vinegar and let them dry. After that, apply coconut oil to your hair, put on a protective cap and leave for 24 hours. After that, comb your hair and wash it.
47. Treatment of herpes. Coconut oil has an antiviral effect, so it will help stop the development of herpes if applied to the skin at the moment when you only feel discomfort, tingling or burning.
48. Care of minor wounds. Coconut oil can also prevent dirt and bacteria from getting into small cuts and scrapes on the body by simply applying a little oil to them. Get a good barrier.
49. Treatment of bites. Coconut oil will reduce itching from mosquito bites.
50. Treatment of yeast infections. Coconut oil is sometimes used as an adjuvant in the treatment of yeast infections, applied topically.
51. Regulation of cholesterol levels. Due to the content of lauric acid, coconut oil is able to increase the level of "good" cholesterol, taking care of our heart and blood vessels.
52. Benefits for the stomach. Regular consumption of coconut oil is good for the stomach and often helps fight serious diseases (ulcers, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome). Of course, before using coconut oil as a medicine, you should consult your doctor.
53. Reducing airway congestion. To ease breathing during a cold, mix coconut oil with tea tree oil and rosemary oil and apply the mixture under your nose and on your chest.
54. Repel insects. Coconut oil not only reduces itching after insect bites, but can also be used as a repellent. To do this, mix coconut oil with essential oil such as mint, rosemary or tea tree.
55. Moisturizing the breast skin of nursing mothers. To prevent dry skin and cracked nipples, lubricate them with coconut oil.
56. Acceleration of metabolism. Coconut oil improves metabolism due to the presence of saturated fats in its composition, which are easily digested and used by the liver for energy, and also stimulate the burning of own fat.
57. Hygiene of the auricles. With the help of coconut oil, you can easily remove wax from the ears by dipping a cotton swab into the oil for a second and gently cleaning the ear canal.
58. Benefits for bones. Coconut oil improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium by the body, which our bones need so much.
Do you use coconut oil in everyday life? Share your observations and recipes in the comments.
