Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Benefits

What Is Coconut Oil & What Is It Good For?

You've likely heard about the numerous benefits of coconut oil in recent years, with article after article suggesting its numerous health benefits. While it's normal to be suspicious of any one food with so many diverse health claims, in this case, coconut oil absolutely lives up to the hype!

Coconut oil options abound, making the decision-making process a little confusing for consumers who aren't acquainted with this precious oil. However, it needn't be so complex. Allow me to break down the differences.

Most coconut oil you find on store shelves or online will be labelled either "virgin coconut oil" or simply "coconut oil ." The primary distinction between these two is the processing method used, resulting in either refined or unrefined coconut oil. The processing will also affect some of the physical properties of the oil, like flavour and smoke point. For the sake of brevity, here is a little rundown of the attributes of each:

Unrefined (or virgin) – has been pressed from coconut meat and undergone no further processing. Certain brands will list this type of oil as "cold pressed" to highlight that no heat was used in the extraction. Unrefined coconut oil has an intense coconut flavour and scent, which it can impart to foods it is cooked with. Its smoke point is lower at 350°F (177°C).

Refined – is made with dried coconut meat, also known as “copra ." The dried coconut meat is pressed through a machine to extract the oil, which uses steam or heat to deodorize the product. Additional methods are then used to make the oil better suited for cooking. These can include: bleaching, degumming, deodorizing, and neutralizing. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 400–450°F (204–232°C). Please note, while most coconut oils are safe for consumption, those made for aromatherapy are not and should not be ingested.

Coconut Oil Benefits – Topical Uses

Coconut oil has tremendous benefits in topical use when used alone or in conjunction with essential oils. Some applications include:

• Accelerates Skin Healing
• Anti-Aging – Smoothes Fine Lines & Wrinkles
• First Rate Oil Base For Essential Oils In Aromatherapy
• Helps Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions – Eczema, Dermatitis, Acne, Psoriasis
• Ideal For All Skin Types
• Improves Skin Elasticity & Hydration
• Kills Candida & Treat Yeast Infections
• Prevents & Helps Fade Stretch Marks
• Moisturizes Skin
• Remedies Dandruff And Coarse, Dry Hair
• Relieves Dry, Itchy Skin
• Tames Frizzy Hair

What To Look For In A Product

To get the most benefits out of your coconut oil, select one made entirely from Organic, GMO-free ingredients that have not been exposed to pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, or other chemicals. Another essential thing to ensure is that the product you choose features oil from coconuts that have been grown and harvested ecologically. Not all brands will list whether or not their product is the source of sustainable farming practices, but it's well worth it for your health and the health of our planet to purchase from companies with good farming practices. Lastly, please note that coconut oil that's made for the purpose of aromatherapy should only be used topically and not ingested as it's not a food-grade oil.