How To Tell Which Type Of Coconut Oil Is Good For You
Personally, I believe this is one of the best gift nature has to offer. I had no idea how amazing this tropical fruit was until I started using it in my daily diet, skin and hair care. Thanks to my younger sister who introduced it to me several years ago. Sadly, today she is no longer with us. And one of the things I've learnt during the time she was ill was that we can't take our health for granted, which is why Zawadee was born.
I want everyone to know about the benefits of using coconut oil in their daily diet and skin and hair care regime. As a big fan of this super food I have seen and tried different types of coconut oils throughout my life. But it wasn't until a year ago that I learnt about the the different types of coconut oils out there.
It’s quite easy to get confused because there are so many buzz words describing coconut oil like "unrefined""raw""cold-pressed" and "virgin" to name a few. Like many cooking oils there are different types of coconut oil you can buy.
To understand the difference types of oils we need to take a look at how the oil is extracted. The whole of the coconut is used in many parts of the world, including Mombasa where I come from.
There is the outside layer which is called the exocarp, then the middle section which is called mesocarp and hard wood nut shell which surrounds the seed is called endocarp and finally, the kernel or white flesh (meat) inside the coconut seed. Coconut oil is extracted from the meat found inside the seed.
The quality of the oil depends on which process is used to produce the oil, whether it is refined or unrefined.
Refined coconut oil
The more processed the oil is, the less health benefits it possesses. When the coconut oil is refined the meat (after it has been dried to purify it) it is heated to high temperatures. This means that you lose the natural composition as well as the natural coconut aroma.
To prolong the shelf life it is common to find that manufacturers add chemicals. The problem with refined coconut oil is that process is likely to end up effecting the fat in the oil meaning that you lose the healthy saturated fat to potentially dangerous trans-fat.
Unrefined coconut oil cold pressed by hand
The process used to produce our oil is by carefully removing the white flesh from organic coconuts, which is sun dried preventing any loss of the natural Vitamin E.
The oil is then expelled through hand pressing, retaining the purity and natural goodness. No additives are added and no heat is used giving you 100% natural pure and clearer than water oil with its natural coconut aroma.
The most important thing to remember is organic virgin coconut oil is certainly more beneficial than the ordinary coconut oil. It is higher in vitamin content, anti-oxidants (which is nil or negligible in ordinary coconut oil), minerals, medium chain fatty acids, taste, aroma and even protein.
Also, organic virgin coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E content which is better when using it for your skin and hair care as well giving you better tasting oil for cooking, baking and frying.
Try it today and let us know how you use it in your daily routine.
