Coconut oil

Virgin Coconut Oil: Commercial coconut oil is made from copra or the dried kernel. The unrefined coconut oil extracted is usually not suitable for direct consumption and has to be purified and refined. This is called RBD oil, i.e. refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil. Sometimes chemical solvents are used to extract higher yields of oil.

Virgin coconut oil uses fresh coconut meat. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining. There are three processes commonly used for manufacturing virgin coconut oil. Fresh coconut meat is quick dried and used to press out the oil. Minimal heat is used in drying, and the oil is pressed out mechanically. Alternatively, the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without the drying process. Coconut milk is extracted by pressing the meat, and the oil is separated from the juice by boiling, refrigeration, adding enzymes or by mechanical centrifuge. An older method is to let the coconut milk stand and ferment in a covered bucket for about 24 hours. The clear oil then separates from the water. It is slightly heated for a short time in order to remove moisture, and then filtered.

Organic Coconut Oil: Research now shows that, although it is a saturated fat, cooking with organic coconut oil generally creates a better HDL/LDL ratio. In addition, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has a 50% - 57% concentration of Lauric acid, the most important essential fatty acid for building and maintaining the immune system.

Not all saturated fats are alike. Coconut oil is unique in its structure. It is the highest source of saturated fatty acids of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fatty acids help in increasing the metabolism and are more easily digested. They are processed quickly and converted into energy. Organic coconut oil also helps regulate differences in hormonal balance, promotes mood stability, and increases stamina and overall energy.

Coconut Oil and Weight Loss: Research shows the direct correlation between coconut oil and weight loss. Virgin coconut oil offers great hope for those suffering from thyroid problems and related weight problems. The MCTs in coconut oil increase metabolism, the basal body temperature, and thus promote weight loss.

Therefore, coconut oil and weight loss are related due to the MCTs in the oil. MCTs burn up quickly in the body, are processed directly in the liver and are immediately converted into energy. They do not usually convert into larger fat molecules. So a diet containing MCTs is better for decreasing stored fat, aiding in the prevention of obesity, and possibly stimulating weight loss. Healthy cooking recipes with the use of coconut oil can be easily found online.

Skin and Hair: Coconut oil is also beneficial when used directly on your skin and hair. It gives temporary relief to skin problems such as rashes, and actually heals skin. It also helps with yeast infections. It prevents infections, moisturizes your skin, softens and tightens it, and prevents wrinkling and age spots. Massaging the hair and scalp with coconut oil provides nutrition and prevents hair loss, increases blood circulation and keeps the roots strong. You can apply it on hair and scalp, wrap the head and leave it overnight, and shampoo in the morning. This conditions hair and gives it gloss.

Coconut oil is the best massage oil for skin and hair, aiding hair growth and preventing dryness of both scalp and skin, and slows skin ageing as well as graying of hair.