The Philippines is the second-largest producer of coconuts in the world. From the juice to the meat, all the way down to the coconut shell - Filipinos surely know that it is a versatile fruit with so many uses and benefits. Coconuts are one of the most important crops of the country. We can eat its fresh meat, drink the juice, and even use the husk for waxing our floors!
Today, we will be focusing on how coconut is used to make coconut oil. We will find out why it's so popular in the health food industry, what the different kinds are, and the many ways we can use it to our benefit. We also asked Samantha Morales, a nutritionist-dietitian, for some of her comments and tips. By the end of this article, you will understand why people go loco for the coco!
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
To know more about her practice, you can like and follow her Instagram and Facebook page.
Coconut oil comes from pressing the kernels, meat, and milk of the coconut palm and fruit. It is widely used in food and beauty products because coconut oil is rich in heart-healthy fatty acids and contains no cholesterol.
The fatty acids found in coconut oil don't only encourage fat burning but also provides energy for both the body and brain! In beauty, coconut oil can even be used as a moisturizer to nourish the skin, hair, and nails. How amazing!
Not all coconut oils are the same. You may encounter different varieties when shopping, and this can be a bit confusing if you're not that familiar with them. Don't worry though! We have the perfect guide to help you choose the best coconut oil.
To make sure that you get the best coconut oil that meets your needs and preferences, lets's decode what the labels mean.
We all know there's a clear distinction between "virgin" olive oil and "extra-virgin" olive oil. But with coconut oil, the labels "pure", "virgin" and "extra-virgin" oils actually mean the same thing. These are considered unrefined coconut oil because it has no added chemicals and flavor.
Virgin coconut oil is basically the essence of the coconut. It is extracted from the first pressing of fresh coconut meat - where it packs all the nutrients of the coconut - and boasts a strong scent and flavor. This type is good for cooking or baking in low temperatures, but it usually costs more than refined coconut oil.
Refined coconut oil is made from copra or dried coconut meat. It is pressed to release the oil, processed with the use of heat or steam, and sometimes added with chemical solvents. The refinement process bleaches the oil, removes impurities, and strips away some of the nutrients and flavor.
Some labels list their bottles as "RBD oil" which stands for “refined, bleached, and deodorized”. Compared to its unrefined counterpart, this type has a higher smoking point which makes it ideal for cooking in high temperatures, such as deep-frying.
Its shelf life is much longer, and it's easily available in the market with prices far cheaper than VCOs. This oil is also odorless and flavorless, so it's the healthier alternative to regular cooking oil.
MCT Oil is a refined version of coconut oil, which only contains MCT. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat that is digested by the body easily. It's used to increase your energy, satiate your sugar cravings, and help with weight loss.
It is a supplement often added to dips, dressings, and drinks such as a healthy smoothie or a cup of coffee. What's the difference between regular coconut oil and MCT oil? Coconut oil contains MCT of about 54%, which is best used for your cooking needs and beauty regimen.
MCT oil, on the other hand, is concentrated with 100% MCT, which is best used for diets and energy production. Add MCT to your bulletproof coffee, and you get a day's worth of energy!
Fractionated coconut oil is basically the non-edible version of MCT oil. Both contain the same medium-chain-triglycerides, although MCT oil is purer and safer to eat. Fractionated coconut oil is flavorless and odorless, but not edible - so its main purpose is to moisturize your skin.
Massage therapists love using this oil because it has a very light nature and it's easily absorbed by the skin. Unlike most MCT oils, it contains lauric acid which is a powerful germ-killer. Fractionated coconut oil can also improve dry skin and even reduce the symptoms of eczema - a wonderful addition to your skincare routine!
There are basically three types of oil extraction methods: cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, and centrifuged. When taking your pick, go for cold-pressed coconut oil. The cold-pressed type uses a temperature-controlled environment during the entire extraction process. This process helps maintain its nutritional value.
Since coconut oil has nutrients with antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties - you would want to get the type that keeps all of them. Cold-pressed coconut oil can be taken as a daily health supplement when added to your drinks or meals, or you can apply it to your skin, hair, and nails for that extra nourishment.
Here are our Top 10 picks for the best coconut oils available online. Now that we have decoded the labels, we believe choosing the best fit won't be a problem. Take a look at our comparison table as well to easily determine the different types and prices.
**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**
From ₱130
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 250 ml |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | FDA approved, Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, 65% MCT |
From ₱195
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 265 ml |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | Organic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan, GMO Free, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Silicone-Free, Scent-Free, Baby Safe |
From ₱180
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 10 oz |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | Organic |
From ₱800
Type | MCT |
---|---|
Amount | 500 ml |
Extraction Process | - |
Features | Organic, Vegan-friendly, Keto-friendly, BPA-free, Sugar-free, Gluten-free, Palm-free, Non-GMO |
From ₱700
Type | MCT |
---|---|
Amount | 250 ml |
Extraction Process | - |
Features | Organic, Unflavored, Odorless |
From ₱169
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 250 ml |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Aperient, Diuretic |
From ₱550
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 1000 ml |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | Organic |
From ₱319.75
Type | Virgin, Unrefined |
---|---|
Amount | 200 ml |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed |
Features | USDA-certified, Organic, Vegan-friendly, Cruelty-free, No harmful chemicals |
From ₱142
Type | Refined |
---|---|
Amount | 1 L |
Extraction Process | - |
Features | All-natural, Neutral flavor and smell, High smoking point, Zero trans-fat, USDA-certified |
From ₱335
Type | Refined |
---|---|
Amount | 2 L |
Extraction Process | Mechanically Pressed |
Features | Organic, Vegan-friendly, Non-GMO, Trans-fat-free, High smoking point |
Image | 1 ![]() Peter Paul | 2 ![]() Nature's Coco | 3 ![]() GreenLife Home of Coconut Products | 4 ![]() Laurin | 5 ![]() Coconut King | 6 Carica | 7 ![]() Quezon's Best | 8 ![]() Human Nature | 9 ![]() Coconut King | 10 ![]() GreenLife of Home Coconut Products |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | 100% Pure Virgin Coconut Oil | Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | 100% Coco MCT Oil | MCT Oil | Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil | Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | Pure Virgin Coconut Oil | Organic Premium Coconut Cooking Oil | Organic Pure Coconut Cooking Oil |
Features | Organic VCO of Superior Quality | 100% Pure and Unadulterated VCO | Coconut Goodness Preserved in a Jar | Miracle in a Bottle | Elixir for the Keto Diet | Food-Grade Virgin Coconut Oil | Thick and Sweet with a Distinct Flavor and Aroma | Revive Damaged Hair and Soothe Dry Skin | Organic Coconut Oil for Deep Frying | Healthy Cooking With Pure Organic Coconut Oil |
Price Starts at | ₱130 | ₱195 | ₱180 | ₱800 | ₱700 | ₱169 | ₱550 | ₱319.75 | ₱142 | ₱335 |
Type | Virgin, Unrefined | Virgin, Unrefined | Virgin, Unrefined | MCT | MCT | Virgin, Unrefined | Virgin, Unrefined | Virgin, Unrefined | Refined | Refined |
Amount | 250 ml | 265 ml | 10 oz | 500 ml | 250 ml | 250 ml | 1000 ml | 200 ml | 1 L | 2 L |
Extraction Process | Cold-Pressed | Cold-Pressed | Cold-Pressed | - | - | Cold-Pressed | Cold-Pressed | Cold-Pressed | - | Mechanically Pressed |
Features | FDA approved, Organic, Vegan-Friendly, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, 65% MCT | Organic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan, GMO Free, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Silicone-Free, Scent-Free, Baby Safe | Organic | Organic, Vegan-friendly, Keto-friendly, BPA-free, Sugar-free, Gluten-free, Palm-free, Non-GMO | Organic, Unflavored, Odorless | Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Aperient, Diuretic | Organic | USDA-certified, Organic, Vegan-friendly, Cruelty-free, No harmful chemicals | All-natural, Neutral flavor and smell, High smoking point, Zero trans-fat, USDA-certified | Organic, Vegan-friendly, Non-GMO, Trans-fat-free, High smoking point |
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Here are some ways you can use your coconut oil to its full potential. Read the first part for storage tips and the second part for more ways you can use coconut oil.
You may ask yourself, "Why are some coconut oils in liquid form, and why do some look like a frozen block?" Depending on the environment and temperature, coconut oil may take a solid or liquid form.
Don't worry if your oil looks different from the pictures; it doesn't mean it's gone bad. However, do keep in mind that constant temperature changes may affect its shelf-life. Coconut oil naturally has a long shelf-life that can go up to 2 years - but there are chances that it can go rancid if not stored properly.
Although it isn't necessary, you may opt to keep your coconut oil in the refrigerator or tightly seal it in a container and have it stored in a cool, dry place. Note that exposure to oxygen can break down the oil and make it spoil faster!
Coconut oil is extremely versatile and is filled with a lot of goodness and benefits. Many manufacturers suggest taking it as a dietary supplement as a health booster or applying it topically to keep yourself moisturized. Yet, the uses of coconut oil do not end there! Here are other ways of using it:
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that claims to improve dental health and hygiene such as teeth whitening and freshening of the breath. It involves using the oil as a mouthwash, swishing it around the mouth. Since coconut oil has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it's a great choice!
What You'll Need:
If you don't want to spend on body scrubs, you can make a DIY version at home. Exfoliating your skin regularly removes dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and combats the aging process. Combine that with the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil, and your skin will thank you! Here is an easy and all-natural 2-ingredient recipe that will leave your skin smooth and moisturized:
What You'll Need:
Procedure:
Coconut oil is a safe, all-natural, and effective insect repellent. Some studies show that it is more effective than DEET, an active ingredient found in commercially available synthetic insect repellents. Not only will you keep the insects away, but you'll get to nourish your skin during the process as coconut oil is nature's moisturizer.
What You'll Need:
Procedure:
Still have some unanswered questions on your mind? Let this article's expert, Samantha Morales, answer them for you!
The answer is about 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. When taking virgin coconut oil, I suggest trying 1 to 2 teaspoons, then gradually increase up to 1 to 2 tablespoons per day over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.
Coconut oil is stable enough to be used for cooking. Aside from being a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that help boost your metabolism, it also contains lauric acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coconut oil can go bad if it gets contaminated due to improper storage. The best way to store it is away from heat (away from the stove) and inside the pantry. It usually lasts for 2 years when kept in an air-tight container.
Here is a nutritionist-dietician-approved coconut oil recommended by Samantha Morales and why she recommends it!
From ₱1,264.59
Need more oils to incorporate in your daily routine? They sure do pack a punch with their uses and benefits. Check out the best oils that go well for cooking, as well as the best oils that nourish the body and hair!
Coconut oil can do wonders for your overall health, wellness, and beauty! The uses for it are endless as it contains numerous benefits. Keep in mind that it is always best to go for cold-pressed VCOs in order to get all the nutrients it has to offer. Proper storage is also important so that your oil won't get rancid and go to waste.
Author: Issa Honda
Reviewed by: Samantha Morales, RND
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