This is important to consider when it comes to cooking with coconut oil. "Coconut oil has a lower smoking point than most other cooking oils," according to Emil Merdzhanov, owner of Georgetown Olive Oil Co. in Washington, D.C. If you do plan to cook with it, refined coconut oil has a higher smoking point. For a very simple exfoliating body scrub, combine a tablespoon of coconut oil with a tablespoon of ground coffee. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has determined that increases in HDL caused by diet or drug therapy do not appear to be directly linked to changes in the risk of heart disease ( 40).

The processing that goes into making coconut oil strips out virtually all the nutrition found in the raw fruit. There are trace amounts of iron, zinc, vitamin K, vitamin E and even calcium, but not enough to really make a difference. Varma SR, et al. (2019). In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil. One study tested the effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil on the prevention of hair damage. Coconut oil was the only oil found to reduce protein loss remarkably for both undamaged and damaged hair when used in pre-washing and post-washing treatments. Hydrogenation results in a more solid form of coconut oil and a longer shelf-life, as well as an increase in melting point. 9 Please note: like with every food, especially calorie-dense fats, coconut oil can add some serious calories to your meal. Don’t just slather it onto everything, treat it like you would any other oil e.g. olive oil, especially if you’re trying to be healthy. Coconut oil for keto dietsCoconut oil contains as many calories and total fat as other fat sources, about 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. Coconut oil has a unique flavor and is best used in small amounts as a periodic alternative to other oils in baking and cooking, in context of a healthy eating pattern. Just to add to its skin-loving properties, coconut oil is also great for enriching dry skin with much-needed moisture. This tropical oil helps to moisturise dry skin by keeping it hydrated and helping the skin barrier. While MCTs may increase how many calories you burn, keep in mind that coconut oil is very high in calories and can easily lead to weight gain if you consume it in large amounts. Summary According to Merdzhanov, refined coconut oil has a higher smoking point, shorter shelf life, and less potent smell. Of the two, it may be considered the "less healthy" option. Unrefined coconut oil would be considered "more natural," says Merdzhanov, because it hasn’t undergone the bleaching/deodorizing process. Lin T-K, et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.

Yes, coconut oil is highly nutritious and beneficial for health. It balances the level of cholesterol and keeps your heart healthy. It also aids in weight loss and prevents bacterial and yeast infection in the body. 2. What is the benefit of virgin coconut oil for skin? But don’t be fooled by the name: All the goodness and benefits touted in coconut products don’t just magically transfer over to coconut oil. Scientists are studying medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including those found in coconut oil, for their potential health benefits. Speedy hand and nail scrub. For healthy nails, mix coconut oil and sugar, and massage into your hands and nails. Rinse off with warm water. With unrefined coconut oil, the coconut meat is scooped out from the shell and cold pressed by hand. This leaves just the oil. 2

9. Use for cleaning make-up brushes

To understand the concern, let’s turn to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. Coconut oil and heart health It is thought that coconut oil can help cleanse your mouth so you can use it by swishing it around your mouth, like a mouthwash each day. Since the need for moisturizing varies from person to person, Goldstein says using coconut oil is a unique experience to everyone.

Organic coconut oil is therefore grown and processed without these. It is also not genetically modified. 12 Coconut oil products Cold-pressed—The oil is pressed without use of heat. The temperature remains below 120 degrees F; this is believed to help retain more nutrients.In recent years, the popularity of coconut and particularly coconut oil has soared because of touted health benefits. Fueling the coconut oil trend, celebrity endorsements have claimed the ingredient to help blast away belly fat, curb appetite, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart disease, and stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A survey found that 72% of Americans rated coconut oil as “healthy,” though only 37% of nutrition experts agreed. [1] Coconut oil is popular in several trending diets including ketogenic and Paleo diets. Virgin coconut oil is generally preferred by coconut oil and health enthusiasts over refined coconut oil (which can’t be called virgin coconut oil) because it’s minimally processed and doesn’t undergo processes like the use of chemical solvents, bleaching, or deodorizing. What is extra virgin coconut oil? You can also mix coconut oil with a few drops of your favourite essential oil, for an even more relaxing effect. 20 Summary A literature review on the use of coconut products (oil, milk, flesh, or cream) included 21 observational and clinical studies. [2]

An increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels actually reduces the risk of heart disease, so you might think that the increase in HDL from coconut oil could be beneficial. Hydrating and moisture-repairing products can help. And coconut oil is one of those ingredients that helps your skin retain moisture, says board certified dermatologist Dr. Beth Goldstein. Boosts elasticity and moistureThis is one of the most effective ways of processing as it retains all the nutritional properties which the coconut has. 6 Centrifuge extracted Other methods of extracting coconut oil include fermentation (adding microorganisms like lactobacillus bacteria to coconut milk to separate the oil) and the use of chemical solvents like hexane to boost the oil yield beyond what is produced from pressing. Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage-testing experience. She’s developed over 1,000 original recipes and is constantly on a mission to find the healthiest, best-tasting options and ingredients across all food and drink categories.