COCONUT OIL

People have been aware of coconut oil and its wonderful properties for a very long time.

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has a range of possible health and nutrition benefits. There are two types of coconut oil: refined and virgin coconut oil.

What is the difference between virgin and refined coconut oil?

One of the most differences between Virgin and Refined Coconut Oil is the taste and flavour. While Virgin (unrefined) Coconut Oil boasts a delicious, tropical coconut scent and flavor, Refined Coconut Oil has a neutral scent and flavor.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Sometimes called “pure” or “unrefined” coconut oil, virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat. The oil is extracted either by a quick-dry method or through a wet-mill process. Quick drying, like the name suggests, dries the coconut meat very quickly, and then the oil is pressed out mechanically. Wet milling requires that the coconut meat is processed into coconut milk, and then by boiling, straining or fermenting, and using enzymes or a centrifuge, the milk is separated from the oil. Because both processes are quick, the coconut oil does not require additives or bleaching. It also retains more coconut flavor because it is not exposed to high temperatures.

Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil is made exclusively from dried coconut meat, which is known as copra. The meat has been bleached and treated to reduce potential bacteria in the coconut meat. Coconut oil produced from copra needs to be treated because the drying process produces contaminants in the copra. The coconut oil is then treated by a high heat process to extract the flavor and smell of coconut from the oil, and many producers will also use chemicals to extract as much oil as possible from the coconut meat.

How do we use the coconut oil?

Coconut Oil can be used for baking, cooking and body & hair care. Virgin and Refined Coconut Oil can be used interchangeably in recipes so you won’t have a problem switching between the two.

Amazing benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil has several benefits such as skin care, hair care, weight loss,improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases. 

Sources: livestrong article and organicfacts.net