Extra Virgin Coconut Oil! Are they good for you?

Humans for centuries have been using coconut as it is believed to have multiple benefits and uses. Coconut is species of the palm tree family. The term "coconut" can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut.The inner flesh of the mature seed forms a regular part of the diets of many people especially in Malaysia. It’s a known fact that we in Malaysia love adding flavours and coconut in the form of santan (coconut milk) is one of the most important ingredients used in some of our special dishes. A mature or ripe coconut can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking or frying in particular as well as in soaps and cosmetics.

Besides that, It can be used in liquid form as would other vegetable oils, or in solid form as would butter or lard. Coconut oil is produced after the dried meat of the sea copra is processed. Coconut oil, apart from being used in cooking as an ingredient and for frying, it’s also used in soaps, cosmetics, hair oil, and massage oil. For your information, coconut oil is also a main ingredient in Ayurvedic oils. Below I will be sharing more information on the coconut oil and why it’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent times and how it can make a great substitute to the regular cooking oil that we have at home. However, everything should be consumed in moderation as one should not go overboard in consuming anything and coconut oil is not an exception to this rule.

What’s Difference Between Refined Coconut Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil & Extra Virgin Coconut Oil?

Difference between coconut oil and virgin coconut oil? Coconut oil being virgin or not is made from the copra (kernel). Refined coconut oil is also referred to as deodorized or bleached, has undergone a process of drying the coconut, which is typically done outside in the sun. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point (400’ F) which makes it more ideal for stir frying, baking and body care where you don’t really need the coconut flavour.

However, refined coconut oil is considered a lesser quality. Virgin coconut oil has a medium spoke point (350’F) and can be used for cooking, baking and body care and has coconut flavour. Coconut oil can be stored in either its liquid or solid form, doesn’t need to be refrigerated however should not be stored in direct sunlight. Interesting fact is, due to its stability, coconut oil has a long shelf life of two or more years (the longest of any oil).

You must have heard of extra virgin coconut oil and if yes, then might have been among the many who’ve trying googling the difference between virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil. Speaking of which, many of us assume that extra virgin coconut oil is any better than virgin coconut oil? The answer is no. They are in fact, the same. Unlike virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil that actually have a difference due to it containing different amounts of free fatty acids, virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil are the same. Meanwhile, we can go on debating whether refined oil or virgin coconut oil is better. We can’t deny that there has been an increase use of extra virgin coconut oil around the world.

What you need to know when buying coconut oil

You must remember when buying quality coconut oil is to make sure it’s certified organic and verified Non-GMO. The next step is to confirm that Virgin Coconut Oil is indeed cold-pressed, made without hexane and never deodorized or bleached. Coconut which has been refined shouldn’t be refined using harsh chemicals. You will need to check if it’s steam-refined. Organic refined coconut oil is yellowish in color. Chemically bleached and refined coconut oil is easily to spot as it is pure white. On the other hand, refined coconut oil goes through an organic steam refining process which why there some of the yellow color that naturally remains in the product as the dried coconut is not treated with sulfites or any other bleaching agents.

Perks of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

Has anti-viral, antifungal and antibacterial properties
The virgin coconut oil contains caprylic acid and lauric acid which are known for their antiviral and antimicrobial effect. Besides that, organic coconut oil is also an excellent cleanser for the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, lauric acid has a very favorable effect on our body.

Can increase metabolic rate
Virgin coconut oil aids in stimulating metabolism and provides an immediate source of energy. When you add coconut oil to your diet, you burn more calories because your metabolism increases and many celebrities that we envy have religiously practiced adding coconut oil to their daily food intakes. Therefore, incorporating coconut oil into your healthy weight loss plan is a great idea that one should consider.

Healthy for your skin, hair and nails
By applying organic virgin coconut oil to your skin will help moisturize your skin as it will make your skin softer and smoother. In addition to that, coconut oil is also believed to slow the premature aging and wrinkles of your skin. Besides that, coconut oil can effectively help keep hair and nails beautiful, healthy and shiny. It is considered one of the best natural nutrients for your hair as you can see how Indians have such thick and dark hair even at old age and it’s all because they use coconut oil on their hair since a very young age!

Gives you instant energy
It is easy to digest coconut oil and it can help you feel less tired by giving you a lasting energy. According to research, It is said improve athletic performance too and it’s also good post workout as coconut oil consumption can help you better store glycogen (insulin sensitivity) and serve as a source of energy. Athletes use it as a source of fuel pre and post training. A way to use it is to add it to a smoothie (see the recipe), to a coffee or to a gluten-free toast (instead of butter).

Good immune system support
Not many know that virgin coconut oil is rich in lauric acid ( super nutrient for the immune system)

Supports healthy thyroid function
Organic coconut oil can help naturally balance the hormones as it is an excellent source of saturated fat and lauric acid as studies have revealed that the beneficial fats of coconut oil can help to stimulate the activity and proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This important gland provides us with energy. In order to naturally balance the hormones it’s important to cut down on the intake of sugars, cereals and to have proper consumption of good fats (such as coconut, avocado and flaxseed)

Improves digestion
Better digestion means better absorption of minerals, nutrients and vitamins and coconut oil does it all! By helping the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as magnesium and calcium. Coconut oil contributes to an increase in the body’s ability to absorb these valuable nutrients better. Furthermore, taking coconut oil simultaneously with fatty acids (Omega-3) will make them more effective.

It can help burn more fat and facilitates muscle development
Coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it does seem like this can help you lose weight. It seems particularly effective in reducing belly fat, lodging in the abdominal cavity and around the organs and there have been experiments in support of this statement. Coconut oil is not only good for burning fat it helps in the building muscle!

Random Hacks using coconut oil

Cooking at High Heat: Some oils are unsafe to cook with at high temperatures, coconut oil is a great alternative and is way more healthier

On Toast Instead of Butter: Simply use coconut oil instead of butter on your toast as a delicious alternative too!

Smoothies, coffee or tea:You can Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your favorite smoothie, coffee or tea recipe to boost your energy

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips: You will need to preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Next, thinly slice sweet potatoes to about 1/8” thick.Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with coconut oil . Bake for about 15 minutes or till chips are lightly brown. Lastly, add salt to taste and then serve with salsa or dip.

Salad Dressings: coconut oil can be used as a salad dressing. There are recipes online on how to use coconut oil in your salads

Body Scrub: Just combine coconut oil and sugar or you could follow any of coconut body scrub DIY’s online!

Makeup Remover: Coconut oil has been recommended many times by makeup artist for a more natural makeup remover and it’s also less harsh on the skin. Firstly, apply coconut oil to your face with clean hands to remove makeup. Last step is to use a cotton round or clean cloth to remove any excess.

Homemade Lip Balm/ Lip Gloss: You can apply directly to lips or create a flavored version.

Baby Care: Apply regularly to the baby's bottom to improve skin health as most babies have sensitive skin.

After-Sun Care: It’s a great moisturizer to use after you've gotten a bit too much sun or let’s say sunburned!

Dry Feet/Elbow: We all face this problem and it gets pretty uncomfortable at times. This is a quick fix if you have dry feet. First of all,mix coconut oil with salt to form a foot scrub or use coconut oil directly on dry feet to moisturize. You can do the same for you elbows as it helps manage the dry skin on your elbows too!

Leave-In Overnight Conditioner: Are you looking for a deep conditioning hair treatment? First step is to rub a small amount of oil into hair mostly onto the ends. Next step is to comb through and put hair in a loose bun before bed. You can then wash out in the morning.

Aromatherapy: The soothing aroma of coconut oil may help you wind down after a long and stressful day.

Metabolism Booster: 2 tablespoons per day can rev up your metabolism but remember to consume in moderation as overdoing it can have a reverse effect.

Thanks for reading!