Are you familiar with the dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” who put Windex on everything? I feel the same with coconut oil.
Have dry skin? Use coconut oil. Have frizzy hair tamer? Use coconut oil. Natural toothpaste? Again coconut oil.
It is primarily a natural, healthy, and highly beneficial solution for many health issues. However, not all sorts of coconut oil are made in the same way. There are two main types of coconut oils: virgin and refined.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of each type.
Virgin Organic Virgin Coconut Oil:
- Coconut flavor and scent
- Heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Made out of fresh coconuts
- Unrefined
- Certified organic and non-GMO
Refined Organic Refined Coconut Oil
- Neutral flavor and scent
- Heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Made out of dried coconuts
- Steam refined, without chemicals
- Certified organic and non-GMO
How It Is Made?
- Virgin Coconut Oil. It is made out of fresh coconut meat which is scooped out of the shell and then is pressed. This meat leaves behind coconut oil. It is completely natural and has a pure flavor.
- Refined Coconut Oil. It is made out of dried coconut meat. The neutral flavor is achieved by steam refining of the oil. Be careful because some producers add some harmful chemicals to produce this type of oil.
The Use of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a wide range of uses from the body and health care to cooking and baking. Both of these types of oil can be used interchangeably, depending on your preference for taste and smell.
In the process of cooking, the refined coconut oil has a higher point of smoke, at 400 degrees making it ideal for baking or frying. In case when the coconut flavor is not wanted, it is better to use refined coconut oil.
Which type of oil is better for you?
Both of them!
They have the same nutritional value and only differ in aroma and taste. Both of them have 63% of medium-chain triglycerides, including 50% of lauric acid.
How to buy the best coconut oil?
Be careful about these key characteristics when buying coconut oil:
- Non-GMO product
- Certified organic product
- Confirm that virgin coconut oil is:
- Cold-pressed
- Made without hexane
- Without deodorants or bleach
- Confirm that the refined coconut oil is:
- Refined without harsh chemicals
- Steam-refined
Via Coconut Mama | Healthline