*Coconut oil, also called coconut butter, is edible oil extracted from the coconut meat or copra. It is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines. It was used in the US also before the advent of polyunsaturated vegetable oils.

*It has a fresh and mild coconut aroma.

*Coconut oil has a wide range of uses in cooking, manufacturing soaps, margarine and cosmetics, industrial applications, and as a fuel.

*Coconut oil can be taken both internally and externally.

*Coconut oil has very high amount of saturated fat, nearly 90%, predominantly medium chain fatty acids (MCFA 62%), 6% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

*Coconut oil has exceptionally long shelf life of over 2 years or more and is resistant to rancidity due to the presence of high saturated fat content. It has to be stored away from light in a cool dark place and does not need to be refrigerated.

*Different types of coconut oil available are -

(1) Unrefined coconut oil – it is crude coconut oil and not suitable for consumption.

(2) Refined coconut oil – also called refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) through heat processing to remove the impurities.

(3) Hydrogenated coconut oil- coconut oil is fully or partially hydrogenated, especially in tropical climates, as it has a low melting point of about 76 F.

(4) Fractionated coconut oil – long chain fatty acids are removed from the coconut oil so that only saturated fats remain. This type is more heat stable and has a very long shelf life.

(5) Virgin coconut oil – extracted from the quick dried fresh coconut meat instead of the dried copra and

(6) Extra virgin coconut oil – cold pressed coconut oil extracted from the fresh coconut meat.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, the unrefined or crude oil is raw but is not suitable for human consumption. Virgin and extra virgin coconut oil is also raw as they are cold pressed and not heat processed.
*No, the refined oil and hydrogenated oils are heat processed, filtered, bleached and deodorized. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Most of the benefits of coconut oil are due to the presence of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Unlike long chain fatty acids, which are stored as fat, MCFA are processed directly in the liver to release energy and not stored as adipose tissue in the body.

2. MCFA in coconut oil are ‘burned’ for energy, and so they are often compared to carbohydrates. Since insulin is not involved in the digestion of MCFA, the blood glucose levels do not shoot up like in the digestion of carbohydrates. Thus, coconut oil helps in the regulation of blood glucose.

3. MCFA permeate the cell membranes and do not require lipoproteins or carrier proteins or any special enzymes for its digestion.

4. Lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, transforms to monolaurin, which is responsible for enhancing the immunity. It is the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal monoglyceride that is used to destroy the lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various other bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes, and Helicobacter pylori, protozoans like Giardia lamblia in humans and animals. Some recent research established the ability of lauric acid also to enhance the immunity. The only other natural source that has such a large amount of lauric acid is breast milk.

5. As coconut oil has a high amount of MCFA, it is easily digested and absorbed. So it puts less strain on the liver, pancreas and intestines, especially in those with digestive disorders. So the MCFA in coconut oil is used in baby formulas, to feed critically ill patients, those on tube feedings and with digestive problems in hospitals.

6. Coconut oil increases the metabolic rate, thereby causing the body to burn up more calories and thus promoting weight loss.

7. Improves the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for strong bones. Regular moderate consumption prevents osteoporosis.

8. Relieves symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and rosacea when applied topically.

9. Coconut oil has antioxidant properties. It helps fight free radicals and when applied topically, repairs the damaged skin, removes the wrinkles, promotes healing and results in a more youthful and healthy looking skin. That is why it is used in anti-wrinkle creams.

10. Excellent hair conditioner, softens the hair and conditions the scalp.

11. It is also effective against fungus and on skin conditions like planter's warts and athlete's foot.